International Paper restructures Rio Grande Valley operations to strengthen customer service

USA – International Paper, a global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has announced a strategic restructuring of its operations in the Rio Grande Valley, aimed at enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.

As part of the plan, the company will convert its existing sheet plant in Edinburg, Texas, into a dedicated storage facility.

Concurrently, it will expand its McAllen, Texas, plant to bolster production capabilities and better serve regional customers.

In addition, International Paper is shifting operations from its Reynosa, Mexico, facility to a new site currently under construction within the same area.

The move is part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and position the company for long-term growth.

As a result of this restructuring, International Paper will permanently close both its box and sheet plants in Edinburg.

The company is working to minimize the impact on affected employees through a combination of natural attrition, retirements, and redeployment to roles at nearby locations, including McAllen.

“We’re committed to supporting our employees and customers throughout this transition,” said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of International Paper’s North America Packaging Solutions.

“The decision to cease operations at our two Edinburg facilities while investing in McAllen and Reynosa enables us to focus our efforts, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and maintain a competitive cost structure—ultimately positioning us for profitable growth.”

Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, International Paper employs over 65,000 people globally. The company’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations are managed from its regional headquarters in London, UK.

In a separate development, the company recently broke ground on a new state-of-the-art packaging facility in Waterloo, Iowa.

Strategically located in the U.S. Midwest, the plant will serve the growing protein industry with customized, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Designed with advanced machinery and the latest technology, the Waterloo facility will also meet modern safety and sustainability standards.

Scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, the plant is expected to create approximately 65 new jobs and expand the site’s workforce to 190 employees.

“We are thrilled to break ground in Waterloo and invest in both our company’s future and the local community,” said John Berry, Vice President at International Paper Group.

“This facility reflects our commitment to innovation, growth in key markets, and delivering high-quality, reliable packaging solutions.”

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