Graphic Packaging moved up closure of Middletown, Ohio, paperboard mill to June based on 'confidence in Waco, Texas, startup schedule,' sufficient inventory, production to serve customers; prior discussions put timing of Ohio closure after opening of Waco

April 1, 2025 (Packaging Dive) –

Graphic Packaging International will permanently close its coated recycled paperboard manufacturing facility in Middletown, Ohio , the company announced Tuesday.

Approximately 130 employees will be affected by the closure, which is slated for June 1 or thereabouts. GPI plans to provide support and re-employment assistance to these employees, a spokesperson said via email Tuesday.

"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," CEO Michael Doss said in a statement.

GPI previously had disclosed plans to close Middletown as a move to consolidate recycled paperboard production into newer, more high-tech mills in Kalamazoo, Michigan , and Waco, Texas . Paperboard operations at the Kalamazoo facility, known as K2, began in 2022, and Waco is expected to begin commercial production in the fourth quarter.

Also as part of the production consolidation, in October 2023 GPI permanently decommissioned its K3 coated recycled paperboard machine in Kalamazoo ; it was one of three machines at that facility. The company shut down K3 years ahead of schedule: It previously had indicated it would close K3 after Waco opened in late 2025 or early 2026.

“We will continue to ensure uninterrupted, quality service to our customers with existing inventory and with production from our other North American recycled paperboard manufacturing facilities,” the spokesperson said.

While the company had discussed for some time that it would close Middletown as part of the production shift, discussions typically had put the timing of the closure after Waco opens. Doss reiterated the anticipated Ohio closure and timing on the company’s Feb. 4 earnings call. The company spokesperson mentioned in the Tuesday email a rationale for moving up the closure date.

“The timing of the closure is based on our confidence in the Waco, Texas , startup schedule and the fact that we have sufficient inventory and production capability in other facilities to service our customers as we transition to a system of two best-in class recycled paperboard manufacturing facilities,” the spokesperson said.

GPI also had previously flagged that it intends to close a recycled paperboard plant in East Angus, Quebec , as part of the consolidation effort.