Retirees return to the fold to fill Georgia-Pacific’s labor gaps

Since December 2024, Stephen DeClercq has been going to work at Georgia-Pacific’s corrugated plant in Milan, Michigan. That might seem unusual considering the plant closed in 2024, and DeClercq retired in December following 41 years with G-P.

But the company tapped him to be part of its new initiative to fill labor gaps by bringing retirees back into the workforce. For the last nine months, DeClercq has been part of the program and serves as the caretaker at the shuttered Milan plant until it sells. G-P contacted him due to his command of his previous role as the plant’s superintendent.

“When they first asked me about it, I told them I didn’t think so. They asked me again and I decided to go ahead and give it a shot,” DeClercq said. “It’s a good opportunity.”

Program organizers place retirees into positions at G-P — including business units besides packaging, such as lumber and tissue — and other companies owned by parent Koch. They’re encouraged by the early results from the Retiree Talent Network, which launched in November 2024. The initiative is one way manufacturers increasingly are thinking outside the box to attract and keep talent as ongoing manufacturing labor shortages show no signs of easing.

Retirees return to the fold to fill Georgia-Pacific’s labor gaps | Packaging Dive