International Paper announced Friday it will build a $225 million sustainable packaging plant in Brandon, Mississippi, the company said.
The 468,000-square-foot facility will sit on an 80-acre site less than 10 miles from the company’s existing plant in Richland, International Paper said. Gov. Tate Reeves, who has said he has secured more economic development than any other Mississippi governor, joined the announcement and called the news a “great way to end the week.”
Company officials said the plant is intended to strengthen International Paper’s cost position, improve reliability and product quality, and enhance service capabilities across the Mid-South region. They said the investment will replace older infrastructure with a modern, more efficient facility aimed at reducing long-term costs and supporting growth in key markets.
International Paper said construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and operations are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees at the existing Richland facility will transition to the new plant once it is complete, the company said.
Keith Townsend, group vice president and general manager for International Paper’s North America Packaging Solutions East division, said the project aligns with efforts to modernize operations. “This investment supports our strategy to optimize our box plant system and focus capital where it drives the greatest return,” Townsend said.
Reeves called the investment “another big win for Mississippi” and said it demonstrated the state’s momentum in attracting capital, according to his remarks. Local economic development leaders also welcomed the announcement, saying the project reinforces Rankin County’s position as a growing industrial hub.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
