International Paper, a US-based pulp and paper company, is constructing a new corrugated box factory in Waterloo, Iowa, US.
The new facility will replace the company’s current Waterloo site and will become the company’s largest greenfield box factory in the US.
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The project represents a $260m capital investment and is expected to employ up to 200 team members, including approximately 65 new local hires.
In May 2025, International Paper held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new manufacturing facility.
Operations at the facility are targeted to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.
International Paper’s corrugated box plant details
International Paper’s new corrugated box plant is being developed on Leversee Road, in Waterloo, west of the Waterloo Regional Airport in Iowa.
The Waterloo City Council approved a development agreement with International Paper in January 2025 for the new facility.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded the company tax incentives for 15 years at 50% through the High-Quality Jobs programme.
The new box plant will span an area of more than 900,000ft² and feature a sustainable design and advanced equipment and technology, along with current best practices in safety.
It will serve the protein sector, providing sustainable packaging solutions that incorporate advanced technology and strong safety standards.
International Paper’s product portfolio details
International Paper offers corrugated packaging, solid fibre solutions, corrugated sheets, retail and display units, and bulk packaging solutions, apart from providing packaging services such as design, printing and testing.
The company’s corrugated packaging solutions are provided to the e-commerce, food and beverage, manufacturing and grocery and retail markets. Some of the solutions include flat sheets, slotted boxes, and folders.
The company also supplies bulk packaging items, including laminated bulk bins, bulk food packaging and liquid bulk containers.
The solid fibre products offered by the company are intended to be durable and more resistant to moisture than corrugated options and are presented as an economical substitute for materials such as wood, rubber, plastic or polystyrene. Tier sheets, slip sheets, pallet caps and custom containers are part of the solid fibre products portfolio.
International Paper’s retail and display solutions include merchandising displays, quick set-up displays, and permanent display solutions. The company offers design solutions for the displays as per the requirements of the customers.
Additionally, the company provides services for closed-loop material use and commercial recycling, and supplies containerboard for rollstock applications.
The containerboard packaging solutions are available in a range of liner, medium and white-top grades are available, together with a catalogue of basis weights and grades approved by edge crush testing.
International Paper also produces renewable raw materials such as pulp for nappies, tissue and other personal care items.
Contractors involved
The company has contracted Miller Vallentine Construction, a construction company, to construct the facility.
It is expected to engage local contractors to carry out site utilities, earthworks, rammed aggregate piers, fire suppression, mechanical/plumbing and electrical work.
Marketing commentary on International Paper
International Paper provides sustainable packaging solutions. Its corporate headquarters is in Memphis, Tennessee, US, with EMEA headquarters in London, UK.
The company employs more than 65,000 team members and serves customers worldwide, operating in over 30 countries. It had net sales of $18.6bn in 2024.
As of April 2025, International Paper operates four sites in Iowa, employing 560 people. These locations generated $72m in payroll, taxes and benefits. It also operates a corrugated packaging facility in Pennsylvania, US.