Tuesday, September 15, 2015 12:30 pm

KENTON, Ohio (From the Lima News) - International Paper in Kenton is opening a $70 million expansion of its existing facility.

The plant makes disposable items such as coffee cups for McDonald's and chili bowls for Wendy's. The expansion was needed because of American's increased dependence on quick service and fast food restaurants.

The facility doubled its size with a 250,000 square foot expansion. The Kenton site now employs nearly 700 people. International Paper facilities can be found in 24 countries around the world. The Kenton plant was chosen for expansion because of its proximity to major interstates as well as its established workforce.

The expansion will allow the facility to produce more than six billion cups, lids, and cartons each year.