MEMPHIS, TN (News release) -- International Paper has announced formal plans to invest approximately $103 million to build and operate two natural gas power boilers to generate steam for its Containerboard Mill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of this year and be fully operational by the end of 2025.

The project will result in the addition of seven new positions, bringing the mill's total employment to 247. Additionally, roughly 100 construction jobs will be created to support the build during the estimated project timeline.

"Congratulations to the Cedar River Mill team members. This investment is a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication to our customers and reflects the Company's commitment to the community and our Industrial Packaging business," said Jay Royalty, Senior Vice President, Containerboard, International Paper. "Thank you also to the City of Cedar Rapids and the State of Iowa for their support and collaboration during the planning phases of this project."

IP is committed to our Vision 2030 target of reducing our enterprise greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by year 2030. This target is verified by the Science Based Target Initiative. The company's Cedar River Containerboard Mill's emissions would be directly reduced by approximately 25% as a result of the replacement of coal-based steam generators in the project.