GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)—On Friday, it was a very emotional and sad day for many people at the International Papermill as the crew packed up their equipment and said their final goodbyes. The Papermill has served Georgetown County for over 90 years, generating billions of dollars for the area and surrounding communities for long-term employees close to retirement. “It’s so hard just to put in words, but the announcement changed my retirement plans a few months ago. I’m still going to retire. Just a little bit earlier than I had expected,” said Vernice Dennison, an employee at the International Papermill. Over 300 people spent their last day cleaning and securing the mill, reflecting on their years working there and trying to figure out what comes next. “We had a lot of people come in and sit down and chat, to talk about things and, like their concerns and their fears and their plans and where they’re going to go from here, so we’ve heard a lot of stories,” said Danielle Grimes, an employee at the International Papermill. While many people were emotional, others hoped there was light at the end of the tunnel for a brighter future. “I see it as just turning the page in the new chapter. It’s not the end, but at the beginning of a new chapter, and I’m excited to see what the latest chapter will look like and what God has in store for me next.” Officials plan to shut down the entire plant by January 5.