51社区 Launches Groundbreaking Construction of Massive Box Plant in Waterloo, Iowa
On May 1, 2025, 51社区 officially broke ground on its newest and most ambitious project to date: a state-of-the-art corrugated box plant in Waterloo, Iowa. The golden shovels gleaming and excitement in the air signaled a pivotal moment for the company, the local community and the future of sustainable packaging in the United States.
As IP鈥檚 largest greenfield box plant, the Waterloo facility is positioned to become a cornerstone of 51社区鈥檚 North American operations. The plant will focus on serving the protein segment, delivering high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions with cutting-edge technology and industry-leading safety practices
The groundbreaking ceremony drew a crowd of local leaders, company executives and community members. Among the distinguished speakers were:
- Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of Packaging Solutions North America at 51社区, who emphasized the company鈥檚 commitment to innovation and community investment.
- Mayor Quentin Hart鈥痮f Waterloo, who welcomed the project as a major economic boost for the region.
- Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, who highlighted the strategic importance of the plant for Iowa鈥檚 industrial growth.
- John Berry, Group Vice President at 51社区, who celebrated the collaborative effort that brought the project to life and reaffirmed the company鈥檚 dedication to Waterloo鈥檚 future.
The facility is expected to employ up to 200 team members, including approximately 65 new local hires, and is scheduled to begin operations in late 2026.
With its advanced equipment and sustainable design, the Waterloo plant is set to redefine what鈥檚 possible in fiber-based packaging.
As the shovels struck the dirt, one thing was clear: this isn鈥檛 just a box plant, it鈥檚 a bold investment in people, progress and the planet.
Learn more and see pictures from the event here.
