Graphic Packaging to Close its Middletown, Ohio, Coated Recycled Paperboard Mill

April 1, 2025 - Graphic Packaging today announced that it will permanently close its Middletown, Ohio, coated recycled paperboard manufacturing facility on or about June 1, 2025. The closure is part of a previously disclosed plan to consolidate recycled paperboard production into Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the new Waco, Texas, facility, which is expected to begin commercial production later this year.

The Middletown closure will affect approximately 130 employees.

"I want to thank the Middletown team which has played an important role in the growth and success of Graphic Packaging. We are working closely with affected employees to provide employment placement assistance and support," said Graphic Packaging President and CEO Michael Doss.

The closure of Middletown advances Graphic Packaging's strategy to build competitive advantage in paperboard manufacturing while driving environmental improvements including water and energy efficiency.

"Graphic Packaging's investments in innovation and execution capabilities have made us the global leader in sustainable consumer packaging," Doss added. "Our investments in Kalamazoo and Waco are a critical part of the value we deliver to our customers, allowing us to produce the highest quality, most economically advantaged paperboard available in North America. With Waco moving quickly toward completion and transition inventory in place, this is the right time to further simplify our paperboard manufacturing footprint."

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials. Graphic Packaging operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities serving the world's most widely recognized brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products.

SOURCE: Graphic Packaging Holding Company