US-based Green Bay Packaging is set to invest $500m to build new recycled paper mill and expand its shipping container division in Wisconsin, US.
Image: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Photo: courtesy of Gage Skidmore.
The company will use up to $475m to construct an advanced paper mill in Brown County, which will replace an existing recycled paper machine that was built in 1947.
With a $257m economic impact on the region, the new mill is expected to directly and indirectly support over 3,000 jobs in the Green Bay region.
In addition, the construction phase is expected to generate around $10m of additional tax revenue for the state.
The company has announced an investment of $25m for the expansion of its shipping container division.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said: “Green Bay Packaging has been an integral part of Wisconsin’s manufacturing legacy for generations, and we are excited to see their ongoing commitment to Wisconsin through this major expansion.”
In May, Green Bay Packaging acquired Fort Atkinson-based corrugated packaging and displays manufacturer, Wisconsin Packaging.
The company intends to continue to operate and further develop the Fort Atkinson facility.
To support the expansion, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is working with Green Bay Packaging to offer around $60m in state income tax credits for the project.
The expansion project is expected to create around 200 direct jobs, in addition to up to 135 indirect jobs in the region.
Green Bay Packaging president and CEO Will Kress said: “Like our Green Bay Mill, they grow old, become inefficient, and too expensive to reinvest, but we decided to move forward with building a new paper mill right here in Green Bay because we are committed to our hardworking employees, our loyal customers, and this community.”
Established in 1933, Green Bay Packaging is a family-owned and vertically integrated firm, which operates corrugated container plants, folding cartons, recycled and virgin linerboard mills.
The company also operates sawmill facility, as well as manages pressure-sensitive label rollstock and specialty converting operations.
With around 3,600 employees, the company operates facilities in 14 states, including 12 facilities in Wisconsin.