International Paper has broken ground on a new corrugated packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy across the Mid-South region.
The $225 million greenfield project will include the construction of a 468,000-square-foot packaging plant on an 80-acre site in the East Metro Center near Brandon. Located less than 10 miles from the company’s existing Richland box plant, the facility is designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve product quality and strengthen service reliability across the region.
Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with operations expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees from the current Richland facility are expected to transition to the new site once it becomes operational.
The 468,000-square-foot greenfield facility will be built in Rankin County, Mississippi.
International Paper said the investment supports its long-term growth strategy while reinforcing operational performance and manufacturing efficiency. The new plant is expected to incorporate advanced technologies focused on safety, automation and productivity.
Keith Townsend, Group Vice President and General Manager of IP North America Packaging Solutions East, said the facility will strengthen the company’s manufacturing network and support future growth across key packaging markets.
State and local officials said the project is expected to create approximately 150 manufacturing jobs while further positioning Rankin County as a growing industrial hub in the southeastern United States.
The facility will also benefit from direct access to the CPKC rail network, supporting transportation efficiency and supply chain connectivity across North America.
International Paper is one of the world’s largest producers of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company operates manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and international markets.
