International Paper begins construction of new sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi

International Paper held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, as part of a US$225 million investment aimed at strengthening its operations across the U.S. Mid-South region.

The project includes the construction of a 468,000-square-foot corrugated packaging facility on an 80-acre site in Brandon, Mississippi. The new plant will be located less than 10 miles from the company’s existing box plant in Richland.

According to the company, the facility will expand manufacturing and service capabilities across the region while improving operational reliability, product quality and cost efficiency. The site will also incorporate advanced automation, manufacturing safety and operational efficiency technologies.

International Paper stated that the plant will produce sustainable corrugated packaging solutions designed to support multiple industries, strengthen supply chains and advance sustainability goals.

 

Company executives, state and local officials, customers and community partners attended the groundbreaking event. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves highlighted the project’s economic impact and said the investment would help position Rankin County as a strategic hub for industrial development in the southeastern United States.

Meanwhile, Keith Townsend, group vice president and general manager of IP North America Packaging Solutions East, said the new facility will strengthen the company’s manufacturing network and support long-term growth in key market segments.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2027. The company also noted that employees from the current Richland facility are expected to transition to the new plant once construction is completed.