Pratt Industries to Invest $120 Million in New Georgia Box Factory
In a significant development, Pratt Industries, a privately-owned company led by Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art box factory in Warner Robins, Georgia. This substantial investment, valued at $120 million, is expected to usher in a wave of employment opportunities, with over 125 workers to be hired.
Expansion Plans in Motion
Pratt Industries, already a major player in Georgia, boasts a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees spread across 12 locations within the state. Their operations are anchored by a paper mill in Conyers and their headquarters in Brookhaven, a suburb of Atlanta. This latest venture will propel Pratt’s total investment in Georgia to an impressive $800 million. The company has revealed that the primary source of cardboard for the Warner Robins factory will be the Conyers facility.
An Impressive Project
The upcoming factory is set to span an impressive 500,000 square feet, making it a significant addition to Warner Robins. Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick expressed her excitement, hailing this investment as the most substantial private endeavor in the city’s history.
Sustainable Practices
Pratt Industries is renowned for its environmentally conscious practices. They utilize recycled paper and boxes as raw materials, transforming them into new cardboard through a process involving grinding and dissolution into watery pulp. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the global push for eco-friendly solutions.
A Remarkable Growth Story
Anthony Pratt, the visionary behind Pratt Industries, embarked on his American journey in 1991 by managing a struggling paper mill in Macon. Today, the company has expanded its footprint to 71 sites across 25 states. Remarkably, Pratt Industries now stands as the fifth-largest corrugated packaging manufacturer in the United States.
Investing in America
Highlighting its role as the largest Australian-owned employer of Americans, Pratt Industries has committed to investing a staggering $5 billion in U.S. facilities over the next decade. Their latest addition, a $400 million paper mill in Henderson, Kentucky, marks their continued dedication to growth and innovation.
Custom Solutions and Incentives
Pratt Industries focuses on producing boxes with reduced material usage, catering to specific customer needs, and crafting custom-printed boxes in small batches. As a part of their expansion plans, the company stands to qualify for $2.5 million in state income tax credits, equating to $4,000 per job over a five-year period, provided workers earn at least $31,300 annually. Additional incentives, such as property tax breaks from Warner Robins and Peach County, could further support their mission to bolster the local economy.
In a bold move that underscores their commitment to growth and sustainability, Pratt Industries is set to leave an indelible mark on the heart of Georgia. This endeavor not only promises economic prosperity but also champions eco-friendly practices, aligning with the evolving needs of the modern world.