Tuesday evening at the Orange City Council meeting, council approved the Orange Economic Developments recommendation of giving up to $400,000 for improvements to the new USG Paper Plant off N. Hwy. 87. The amount is not to exceed $200,000 per year over a two-year period.
It was the first time council publicly talked about USG coming to town after the worldwide company bought the former International Paper plant at 1750 IP Way.
Sean Rooney, who was representing the company at the meeting, said the site is referred to as Project Blue Oleander. He estimates their investment over a 10 year period will be $715 million in new equipment, land, infrastructure and facilities. They expect to hire between 120-150 people with an average wage of $81K.
Mayor Larry Spears was excited, telling the audience, “I think that a $400,000 expenditure from the EDC is definitely worth a return of over $715 million.”
The opening of the new plant is not expected until 2028. Construction is expected to start at the end of 2025 which Rooney said includes a new paper machine. He said IP had a one-ply machine and USG will use a three-ply machine. USG Paper, LLC is a market leader in wallboard and gypsum products.
IP closed in December 2023 where some 500 people were employed.
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