Pratt Industries Inc. has opened a $44 million recycled corrugated box factory in Lewisburg, Ohio.
The Conyers, Ga.-based Pratt built the 350,000 sq.-ft. facility next to its existing box plant, according to a news release. Pratt says its paper and packaging products are 100-percent recycled.
"Not only will the recycled paper used here save as many as 10,000 trees per day, but the facility also uses the latest in water reclamation technology, and will eventually reduce discharge into the local sewer system to zero," said company owner Anthony Pratt. All the fork lifts and grab trucks at the facility will operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of propane.
The plant features a 110” BHS corrugator and several finishing machines. It is Pratt’s fourth facility in Ohio, representing a total investment of more than $100 million.
When the Lewisburg plant reaches capacity Pratt will employ nearly 550 in the state. It employs more than 400 now.
Also, Pratt is in the process of building a $260 million recycled paper mill on a 50-acre site in Valparaiso, Ind., 50 miles south of Chicago. The company expects that facility to start up in 12 months.
The plant's opening was attended by Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.
Pratt is the fifth largest box producer in the United States.