IP to Expand Ohio Plant

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International Paper Co., Memphis, Tenn., USA, will invest $60 million to $70 million to double the size of its Kenton, Ohio plant. According to IP, the project will help meet rising demand for paper products from the food industry. The expansion adds 250,000 sq. ft. and some 125 jobs to the plant, and is expected to get underway by mid-2015.

The Ohio plant makes food buckets and containers, cups, plates, and lids. The project is in response mainly to growth in the fast-food industry, as well as customer preference for renewable products and packaging.

IP said that it decided to expand in Ohio because of easy access to transportation and nearby markets, as well as the availability of skilled workers. In addition, the company will receive more than $3 million in economic-development incentives from the state of Ohio, Hardin County, and the city of Kenton for creating jobs and expanding.

IP has two other U.S. paper food-services manufacturing plants, one in Illinois and one in California.

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