Graphic Packaging to close its Middletown, Ohio paperboard manufacturing facility

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.
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.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging,  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 the Company'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," Mr. 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."