International Paper commits USD 225M to new sustainable packaging hub in Mississippi Greenfield facility
The groundbreaking ceremony took place last week in Brandon, Mississippi, marking the start of this major greenfield project.
USA – International Paper has officially broken ground on a new USD 225 million sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s strategic growth and long-term investment in the Mid-South region.
The facility will occupy an 80-acre site less than 10 miles from the company’s existing Richland (Jackson) box plant.
The 468,000-square-foot facility represents a significant capital investment that follows a comprehensive review of International Paper’s manufacturing footprint, after which the company’s Board of Directors approved both the exploration and advancement of this project in central Mississippi, underscoring the company’s commitment to strategic growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2027, and the facility will support approximately 150 manufacturing jobs.
The new plant is designed to strengthen International Paper’s manufacturing and service capabilities across the Mid-South region by replacing older infrastructure with a modern, highly efficient facility.
Keith Townsend, group vice president and general manager, IP North America Packaging Solutions East, stated, “This groundbreaking represents an important step forward for International Paper, our customers, and the communities we serve across the Mid-South.”
“The Brandon facility will strengthen our manufacturing network with modern capabilities designed to improve safety, reliability, and operational performance, while positioning us to support long-term growth and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
The facility reinforces International Paper’s dedication to sustainability and customer-focused innovation while supporting growth in key market segments.
As a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, the company is investing in modern infrastructure that aligns with its operational excellence and environmental priorities.
According to the company, employees currently working at the existing Richland facility will transition to the new plant upon its completion, ensuring job continuity for the local workforce and demonstrating the company’s commitment to its employees while modernizing its North American operations.
The new corrugated packaging plant will serve customers throughout the Mid-South region, supporting essential market segments while strengthening International Paper’s manufacturing footprint in central Mississippi.
Meanwhile, early this year, International Paper (IP) announced plans to separate its non-North American operations, creating two independent, publicly traded companies as it sharpens its regional focus and accelerates value creation.
Under the proposed structure, International Paper will retain its North American business, while its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Packaging operations will be spun off into a standalone company.
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