International Paper Announces $90 Million Reinvestment In Cantonment Mill

October 30, 2014

International Paper has announced plans to reinvest more than $90 million over the next five years in their mill in Cantonment in order to increase energy efficiencies, support and enhance the work environment and strengthen its competitive position.

The Pensacola Containerboard Mill, located in Cantonment, employs more than 400 people. The mill has been a foundation in the Greater Pensacola Region since 1941 and was acquired by IP in 2000. IP’s Pensacola Mill – which is part of the company’s industrial packaging group – produces lightweight containerboard and specialty fluff pulp. From Pensacola, the mill’s containerboard products are sent to container facilities to create corrugated brown boxes. The fluff pulp is distributed to customers for diapers and other hygiene products.

“Northwest Florida’s business-friendly environment and initiatives continue to attract strong, innovative businesses,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz. “Just last year, International Paper’s Pensacola Mill had a local economic impact of nearly $330 million. I am confident this multi-year investment will continue to help our communities thrive and our region’s economy to grow.”

The IP Pensacola Mill is vitally important to the local, regional and statewide economy, with the company’s local annual average wages representing more than 200 percent of the Escambia County average wage of $37,360. According to an analysis by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the manufacturing industry sector directly contributed more than 14,500 jobs in the Northwest Florida region, with an additional gain of more than 9,700 jobs for local businesses.

The company’s commitment to Escambia County will be supported by approximately $5,000,000 in grants and infrastructure improvements.

“The Escambia County Board of Commissioners supports fostering the growth of our existing industry base. The Board’s commitment of tax incentives and investments in county-wide infrastructure, such as the proposed project at Muscogee Road and US-29, not only serves the logistic needs of one of our most established local companies, but it also benefits IP’s more than 400 employees and the citizens of Escambia County,” said Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.

Comments

9 Responses to “International Paper Announces $90 Million Reinvestment In Cantonment Mill”

  1. Jeri Atkin on December 18th, 2016 9:02 am

    I am curious. I am visiting for the 2016 Christmas holidays. Perdido Key specifically. I was reading about the effluent in the wetlands of Perdido Bay. Is there someone who oversees the clean up of the wetlands for the company or is it county/state’s clean up problem? Where can I read about this wetland area and it’s problems? Thank you for your time and attention. Jeri Atkin

  2. G. Locust on November 3rd, 2014 12:48 pm

    I have to agree with Tim. It would be nice if 29 would not become a parking lot during switching. This is not all their fault, but rest solely on government not getting an overpass on 29. The good news is the company is investing in the plant, and it is about time government addresses 29 and the switching of trains on the highway. If the company can invest in our futures, how about using some of the tax money to build an overpass and make them good neighbors.

  3. David Huie Green on November 1st, 2014 9:51 am

    REGARDING:
    “ Yes they might hire a few local helpers but the big dollars leave the area. Don’t look for any big impact in our area!”

    They pay local workers who then pay other locals for goods and services. Those, in turn, pay others for goods and services.
    et cetera, et cetera, et cetera
    Their products are used locally.
    Their stock and associated dividends can be bought and owned locally.

    Anyone complaining about them who was here before 1941 may have grounds to complain, everybody else came after they were already here and chose to be here, stink or no stink.

    David for flawless industries

  4. Tim on October 31st, 2014 10:24 pm

    I hope they put some of that money toward a switch yard so they can quite using HWY 29 as part of thier switch yard.

  5. Michael on October 31st, 2014 4:42 pm

    They need to do something, with all the stank and the ashes that keep ending up on my vehicles, I am about 2 second away from having every government agency I can crawling up every orifice that place has if they do not do something about it. I live in a nice neighborhood about 2 miles from the plant and with a NE wind you would swear I lived right behind it. If I knew about this I def would not have moved there.

  6. Stink Creek on October 30th, 2014 3:17 pm

    $90 Million sounds like a lot…but when divided over 5 years, is only $18M a year. Not a lot in the industrial world.

    Agree with others…any money spent on infrastructure out there is a good thing.

  7. BT on October 30th, 2014 12:53 pm

    @ support…there will be impact when the contractors are in town from lodging and meals and incidental expenses. That’s not the good news.

    The good news is that $90 million is an investment in the long term. IP isn’t going to put that kind of money into a facility it plans to close. That means the $330 million per year economic impact will continue, and is likely to grow.

  8. support on October 30th, 2014 7:27 am

    This all sounds good but what people don’t understand is that these big companies IP Mill, monsanto ( ascend Group), Gulf Power in our area have out of town buying contracts and out of town contractors. Yes they might hire a few local helpers but the big dollars leave the area. Don’t look for any big impact in our area!

  9. Jane on October 30th, 2014 4:05 am

    In an area with few good jobs this is an important company supporting the local economy. I know a lot of people complain about the smell, but it is the smell of money here in northwest Escambia County. I am glad to hear this! I hope some of the money being invested will be to upgrade the disposal of chemicals used here in a way that is not harmful to the environment.