Does Georgia-Pacific Hire Felons?

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Georgia-Pacific and Koch Industries' Second-Chance Philosophy

Georgia-Pacific is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. Koch Industries, under the leadership of Charles Koch, has been one of the most prominent corporate advocates for criminal justice reform and second-chance hiring in America. Koch has partnered with organizations like the National HIRE Network, signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, and publicly advocated for reducing barriers to employment for people with criminal records. This philosophical commitment to second chances extends to Georgia-Pacific's hiring practices at the plant level. While every hiring decision is still made individually based on the specific circumstances, the corporate culture at Georgia-Pacific is more receptive to hiring people with records than many comparable manufacturers. Georgia-Pacific operates paper mills, tissue converting plants, plywood and lumber mills, gypsum plants, and packaging facilities across the country, many in rural communities where the company is a major employer.

Background Check Process

Georgia-Pacific conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The process begins after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The standard check includes a criminal history search (typically 7 years, varying by state), a Social Security number trace, and identity verification. For driving positions, a motor vehicle records check is included. Georgia-Pacific uses an individualized assessment process that considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the amount of time that has passed since the conviction, and the relevance of the offense to the job duties. Consistent with Koch Industries' stated commitment to second-chance hiring, the assessment process is designed to give applicants a fair evaluation rather than applying blanket exclusions. If Georgia-Pacific considers rescinding an offer, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice under the FCRA with a copy of the background report and time to respond.

Types of Manufacturing Positions

Georgia-Pacific's manufacturing operations are diverse, spanning multiple industries. Paper mills produce tissue, towel, and napkin products (the company makes Brawny paper towels, Angel Soft and Quilted Northern toilet paper, and Dixie cups and plates). These plants run continuous operations with three shifts, requiring large workforces of machine operators, maintenance technicians, warehouse workers, and quality control staff. Lumber and plywood mills produce building materials from timber, involving sawing, drying, pressing, and grading operations. Gypsum plants produce drywall and gypsum board for construction. Containerboard and packaging plants produce corrugated boxes and packaging materials. Each type of facility offers different roles, but the common thread is that these are manufacturing jobs requiring physical stamina, reliability, and willingness to work shifts. Skills can be learned on the job, and many positions offer training for new workers.

Pay and Benefits

Georgia-Pacific offers competitive manufacturing wages. Production operators typically start at $18-$26 per hour depending on the facility type, location, and shift. Maintenance technicians earn $25-$40 per hour, making them among the highest-paid hourly workers at Georgia-Pacific plants. Warehouse and shipping workers earn $17-$23 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$75,000 per year. Overtime is available at most facilities, especially during peak production periods. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with generous company match, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage. Georgia-Pacific, through Koch Industries, also offers tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. Paper mill operators in particular can earn very competitive wages as they gain experience and advance through the progression — experienced operators at some facilities earn $30+ per hour.

How to Apply

Georgia-Pacific posts all positions on the Koch Industries careers website at jobs.kochcareers.com or at gp.com/careers. You can filter by Georgia-Pacific as the business unit and search by location and job type. The application is completed online. Georgia-Pacific plants are located across the United States, with significant concentrations in the Southeast (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana), the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington), and the upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota). Many plants are in rural communities where they are major employers. Local workforce development agencies, American Job Centers, and vocational training programs in these areas often have relationships with Georgia-Pacific plant HR departments. If you have manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial experience, emphasize it. If you are entering the workforce for the first time or after a long gap, focus on your reliability, physical fitness, and willingness to work any shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia-Pacific hire felons?

Georgia-Pacific does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As a Koch Industries subsidiary, the company benefits from Koch's publicly stated commitment to second-chance hiring and criminal justice reform. Manufacturing positions at Georgia-Pacific plants are the most accessible for people with records.

Does Georgia-Pacific do background checks?

Yes, Georgia-Pacific conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. The company uses individualized assessment per EEOC guidelines. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you.

What is Koch Industries' stance on hiring people with records?

Koch Industries, Georgia-Pacific's parent company, has been one of the most prominent corporate supporters of criminal justice reform and second-chance hiring. Koch has signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, partnered with reentry organizations, and publicly advocated for reducing employment barriers for people with criminal records. This corporate philosophy influences hiring practices at Georgia-Pacific.

How much does Georgia-Pacific pay?

Production operators start at $18-$26 per hour depending on facility and location. Maintenance technicians earn $25-$40 per hour. Warehouse workers earn $17-$23 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$75,000 per year. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Does Georgia-Pacific drug test?

Yes, Georgia-Pacific requires pre-employment drug testing for manufacturing positions. Random and post-accident testing may also occur. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing. Policies comply with applicable state and federal laws.

Where are Georgia-Pacific plants located?

Georgia-Pacific operates manufacturing facilities across the United States. Major concentrations are in the Southeast (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana), Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington), and upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota). Many plants are in rural and small-town communities. Check gp.com/careers for specific locations.

How far back does Georgia-Pacific's background check go?

The standard background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. State laws limiting lookback periods are respected. The individualized assessment considers time elapsed as a significant factor, so older convictions carry less weight.

What types of products does Georgia-Pacific make?

Georgia-Pacific manufactures tissue products (Angel Soft, Quilted Northern), paper towels (Brawny), cups and plates (Dixie), lumber and plywood, gypsum drywall, corrugated packaging, and other building and consumer products. Different facilities make different products, and each offers various manufacturing positions.