International Paper Breaks Ground on New Packaging Facility in Mississippi
Last week, International Paper celebrated the groundbreaking of its new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a major milestone in the company's strategic growth and long-term investment in the Mid-South region. Company leaders, state and local officials, customers, project stakeholders, and community partners gathered on Wednesday, May 20, in Brandon, Mississippi, to commemorate the start of the project, which will include construction of a new 468,000-square-foot corrugated packaging plant on an 80-acre site in the East Metro Center. The $225M greenfield facility, located less than 10 miles from International Paper's existing Richland box plant, will strengthen manufacturing and service capabilities across the Mid-South region. Designed to improve reliability, product quality, and cost position, the new facility supports growth in key market segments while reinforcing the company's commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and customer-focused innovation. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees at the existing Richland facility are expected to transition to the new plant upon completion.
