Pratt Industries has
broken ground on construction of its third, 100% recycled
containerboard mill. The facility, located in Shreveport,
La., will open in late 2008, and will eventually produce
more than 360,000 tons of recycled paper a year to supply
the company's growing internal demand for more paper.
It
will also create more than 115 full-time jobs on site, while
state officials estimate almost 1700 new jobs, direct and
indirect, will be created during the construction phase.
"This mill
symbolizes
our continued commitment to growth for our company, for our
customers and for the paper/packaging industry," said
Chairman and CEO Anthony Pratt. "This means quality
manufacturing jobs for Americans."
The
Shreveport machine, which will be arrive in June, is being
designed by the Italian group, Overmechanica. It will be
committed to using 100% post-consumer fibers as do Pratt's
other two mills in Conyers, Ga., and New York City.
And Louisiana
officials are thrilled the company is coming to the state.
Outgoing governor Kathleen Blanco said: "Pratt's strong
stance on environmental protection makes them a great
fit with Louisiana. This 'green' investment will
significantly enhance the conservation of our natural
resources."
The new mill will make
lightweight and medium line on a 220-inch trim, fourdrinier paper
machine.
Pratt also plans to
roll out a recycling program throughout the region to help
supply the mill's fiber needs.
