International Paper breaks ground on new packaging plant in Mississippi
International Paper has officially started construction on a new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a major investment aimed at strengthening the company’s corrugated packaging operations in the Mid-South region of the United States.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Brandon, Mississippi, bringing together company executives, local and state officials, customers and project partners to celebrate the launch of the project.
The new greenfield facility will involve the construction of a 468,000-square-foot corrugated packaging plant on an 80-acre site located within the East Metro Center industrial area. The total investment is valued at approximately USD 225 million.
Located less than 10 miles from International Paper’s existing Richland box plant, the new site is expected to enhance the company’s manufacturing efficiency, product quality and service capabilities throughout the region.
The facility has been designed to support long-term growth in key packaging market segments while improving operational reliability and reinforcing sustainability and customer-focused innovation initiatives. Construction activities are scheduled to begin in June 2026, with production expected to start during the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees currently working at the Richland facility are expected to transition to the new plant once operations begin.
“This groundbreaking represents an important step forward for International Paper, our customers, and the communities we serve across the Mid-South,” said Keith Townsend, Group Vice President and General Manager, IP North America Packaging Solutions East. “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.”
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also welcomed the investment, highlighting the importance of the project for the state’s industrial development and manufacturing sector.
Local economic development representatives underlined the strategic role of the East Metro Center industrial park in attracting large industrial investments and supporting regional employment growth. The project is expected to create approximately 150 manufacturing jobs.
The company also confirmed that the new plant will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies focused on automation, operational efficiency and workplace safety. In addition, transportation and logistics infrastructure will play an important role in the facility’s operations. CPKC Railway stated that the new plant’s location on its rail network will support efficient supply chain connectivity across North America.
International Paper said the investment forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen its packaging network while continuing to support customers, employees and local communities through long-term industrial development.
