Buckeye Corrugated Launches 100,000-Square-Foot Facility in Reno

Buckeye Corrugated Inc., a nearly 70-year-old Ohio-headquartered company, has opened its first facility west of the Rocky Mountains at Airway Commerce Center in Reno. The 100,000-square-foot site marks the firm's inaugural all-new build, shifting from its traditional growth via acquisitions, and expands its reach to 12 divisions serving Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and now Western markets.

Area Vice President Adam Williams noted the company's expertise in tailoring operations to local markets, with equipment orders underway and lead times of six to 12 months. The Reno site will initially function as a distribution center, hiring five warehouse staff, before transitioning to corrugated manufacturing requiring 20-25 production workers in three-person crews. Full production is targeted before Q3 2026.

Williams highlighted Buckeye's success in optimizing acquired plants in Houston, Wooster (Ohio), Greenville (S.C.), Lancaster (Penn.), Knoxville (Tenn.), and Cedar Falls (Iowa) for efficiency and safety. The primary challenge in Reno involves building sales from scratch, addressed by hiring local account executives familiar with the market.

Vice President of Enterprise Sales Scott Fuselier explained the Reno selection after evaluating Salt Lake City, Boise, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. Regulatory advantages, proximity to Reno's workforce, and unmet local demand for corrugated packaging—identified via EDAWN connections—drove the decision. Buckeye had served a few Northern Nevada and California customers previously, spotting growth in the area's manufacturing boom. Industry veteran Anne Carbajal serves as Reno general manager.

Buckeye produces custom corrugated packaging, displays, brown boxes, high-end graphics, assembly, and fulfillment services. As an employee-owned firm, it offers stock ownership and plant profitability bonuses to foster alignment and motivation. Williams emphasized hiring reliable, hardworking talent who enjoy the work.