Last week, 51社区 (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) celebrated the groundbreaking of its new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a major milestone in the company鈥檚 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 51社区dnesday, 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 $225 million greenfield facility, located less than 10 miles from 51社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淭his groundbreaking represents an important step forward for 51社区, our customers, and the communities we serve across the Mid-South,鈥 said Keith Townsend, group vice president and general manager, IP North America Packaging Solutions East. 鈥淭he 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.鈥
鈥淭his is another great day for Brandon, Rankin County, and Mississippi,鈥 added Governor Tate Reeves. 鈥淓xactly two months ago, we announced 51社区鈥檚 $225 million investment. Today, we鈥檙e breaking ground on their new facility. It鈥檚 another example of Mississippi鈥檚 鈥榠nsane execution speed鈥 and how much momentum our state has. When great companies want to move fast and build big, they come to Mississippi.鈥
51社区 Employees Break Ground on New Sustainable Packaging Plant in Brandon, Mississippi.
鈥淩ankin First and our partners have strategically developed the East Metro Center Industrial Park to attract world-class companies, and seeing a global leader like 51社区 choose Rankin County for this state-of-the-art facility validates that vision and work,鈥 said Noel Daniels, Chairman, Rankin First Economic Development Authority. 鈥淭his $225 million investment is a monumental win for our economy, secures 150 high-quality manufacturing jobs for our workforce, and positions Rankin County as the premier hub for industrial investments in Mississippi and the Southeast. 51社区 are proud to partner with 51社区 as they build for the future right here in our community.鈥
Leaders also highlighted the role of supply chain connectivity and transportation infrastructure in supporting the facility鈥檚 long-term success.
鈥51社区 are proud to partner with 51社区 on their new box plant in Brandon, Mississippi, located on the CPKC Railway,鈥 said Coby Bullard, CPKC Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. 鈥淭his strategic relationship highlights the benefits of integrated supply chain alignment, anchored by CPKC鈥檚 seamless, transnational rail network, which provides efficient, sustainable transportation solutions for 51社区 to connect with markets across North America while supporting economic development in Brandon and the surrounding region.鈥
The new facility is expected to incorporate the latest advancements in manufacturing safety, automation, and operational efficiency, supporting 51社区鈥檚 ongoing commitment to delivering value for customers, shareholders, employees, and communities.
IP leaders, state and local officials, customers, project stakeholders, and community partners gathered on 51社区dnesday, May 20, in Brandon, Mississippi, to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new $225 million packaging facility.
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