Mississippi Business Journal

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This project reflects International Paper’s ongoing commitment to delivering value for customers, shareholders and communities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational performance.

International Paper Plans to Build New Sustainable Packaging Facility in Rankin County, Mississippi International Paper today announced plans to construct a new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees at the existing Richland facility will transition to the new plant upon completion.

By replacing older infrastructure with a modern, highly efficient facility, the investment should reduce structural costs & support growth in key market segments. The modern design and updated equipment should provide the latest innovations in safety & efficiency for employees.

The new plant is designed to strengthen International Paper’s cost position, improve reliability and product quality, and enhance service capabilities across the Mid-South region.

The facility is planned to be built on an 80-acre site in Brandon, less than 10 miles from the company’s existing Richland box plant.

Following a comprehensive review of its manufacturing footprint, International Paper’s Board of Directors approved both the exploration and advancement of this $225 million greenfield project in central Mississippi.

The investment reinforces the company’s commitment to strategic growth, operational and customer excellence and long-term value creation.

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A private burial will be held immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to charities such as Tubb Spay & Neuter Clinic, Palmer Home for Children, Boy Scouts of America, or Panola County Community Chest.

Robert H. Dunlap, Tire Industry Leader and Humanitarian, dies at 96 Longtime businessman and one of Mississippi’s most noted entrepreneurs has passed, Robert H. “Bob” Dunlap.

His sons and grandchildren carry on his legacy through their work in the family business. A visitation held this Saturday at the Gateway Tire Indoor Practice Facility at South Panola High School, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service at 1:00 p.m.

Dunlap is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cyd Dunlap; sister, Sarah Dell Gray, five children Michael (Beth Ann), Joe, Angela Waldrup, Amy Totaro, and Richard (Alicia); 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 9 loving rescue dogs, 3 cats, 2 squirrels, a cow and swayback horse.

Whether helping a church build a new sanctuary, supporting local athletics, or underwriting community development projects, his quiet generosity shaped Batesville and beyond.

His work ensured that future generations would inherit both a healthier environment and thriving wildlife habitats. Over the last 30 years, Dunlap supported the Palmer Home for Children, as well as countless civic and religious organizations.

He dedicated decades to reforesting land across Mississippi, planting millions of trees—many on Caulk Island, his 12,000-acre property along the Mississippi River, protected with a conservation easement which prevents the trees from ever being cut.