Last week the Orange City Council held a public hearing and first reading to consider an ordinance supporting the establishment of a Reinvestment Zone for property located at 1750 IP Way Road. That is the property formerly occupied by International Paper.
International Paper closed its operation at the end of 2023, eliminating approximately 500 jobs. Orange wasn’t the only area that was affected by IP. Last month they announced additional cuts in five other states with four plants and 1,700 employees eliminated by the end of this year.
Establishing a reinvestment zone allows the new company to seek state level incentives. A representative of the new company attended the meeting but the name of the company wasn’t announced. Reliable sources tell KOGT that USG (United States Gypsum) is the company that has purchased the plant.
USG, headquartered in Chicago, describes itself as a drywall, ceiling and flooring manufacturer. “USG is the leader in manufacturing high-quality building materials designed to drive efficiency and innovation across the construction industry worldwide. We exist to help our global customers more easily, safely, and affordably create sustainable and accessible spaces for all. Our wall, ceiling, joint treatment, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products are used to build many of the world’s most iconic structures as well as airports, hospitals, schools, offices, and the places people call home.”
USG has manufacturing locations all over the world including three in Texas. They recently celebrated 100 years in Sweetwater where they employ 250. They’re also in Galena Park, and Dallas.
Mayor Larry Spears said, “I’m excited and thankful, this is an answered prayer. We were devastated when IP announced they were closing. But remaining faithful and letting God handle it, here we are working on a new project and doing everything we can do to make it successful for the new company.”
No timetable was given on when the company will begin operating. Mayor Spears said they could employ 150 or more.
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