ORANGE, Texas (From news reports) -- Up to 150 new jobs could be coming to Orange with a $715 million investment into the former International Paper facility.
USG Paper, LLC plans to invest $715 million to expand its paper manufacturing operations to Orange creating from 120 to 150 new jobs at the former International Paper facility, according to a Facebook post from the City of Orange.
Nearly 500 employees lost their jobs when the International Paper facility shut down without warning last fall. Since the shut down city and county leaders have been working to encourage other companies to move into the site.
"They've got that big old plant they are building out there... So that'll be another 100 jobs," said Dwayne Dumesnil, an Orange resident.
On November 19, 2024, the Orange City Council approved the old International Paper facility to be designated a reinvestment zone. This will allow for tax break incentives from the city to attract possible buyers.
The wallboard and gypsum products manufacturer received approval for economic development incentives from both the City of Orange Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and the Orange City Council, according to the post.
"We will be providing them with a $200,000 economic incentive for two years. It helps them with their infrastructure costs," said Orange Mayor Larry Spears.
This expansion by USG Paper, a market leader in wallboard and gypsum products, represents a significant economic development initiative for the region.
"They are across the United States. They've been in business I believe since 1902. We were very excited about that it's been a ling time coming and definitely was an answered prayer," Spears said.
The transformation of the former International Paper location into USG Paper's expanded manufacturing operations marks a new chapter for the industrial site while maintaining its paper-industry heritage.
The facility won't be straying too far away from it's former purpose. Spears says that investors plan to produce paper that is used in sheetrock.
"The site that is already there it's a very large area. So right now they are just going to come in and see what needs to be adjusted and changed and then work from there to see how they can make improvements," said Spears.
Getting the facility back up and running is a huge win for the community after International Paper shut it's doors over a year ago, according to Spears.
"To see the devastation that happened when they closed the doors to the other company, people lost their jobs it was at the holiday season," he said.
Residents like Darren Thomas has friends that worked at International Paper.
"When they closed it was a big hit to the community," Thomas said.
Now he's glad to see new life take it's place.
"Our leadership has done a bang up job. Really proud of what our leaders have done," said Thomas.
