Pratt Industries recently celebrated the grand opening of its $160m
recycled paper mill and material recovery facility (MRF) in Shreveport, La, with Governor Bobby Jindal hailing it as sign of better economic times for a state still struggling in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The governor, flanked by company chairman and owner Anthony Pratt and his mother Jeanne, told 250 guests at the facility:
"We're working to attract companies like Pratt that will help our state compete in new industry sectors, which is critical for our future growth," he said.
"Known
for being a green company,
Pratt Industries will use
advanced technology to
manufacture environmentally
friendly products for the
packaging industry."
The mill, our third in the U.S., produces lightweight container board which we believe will help the drive to less packaging and less waste in America.
"This is the most advanced recycled paper mill in the world and it's a dream come true for me and my family," said Anthony, who thanked his mother Jeanne for making the trip from Australia to attend.
She was
presented with an official
declaration from city leaders which
names the road on which the mill is
sited, Richard Pratt Drive. Anthony
also invoked the memory of his late
father, telling guests: "This day is
a tribute to my father and his
vision."
"Our company has more
than 50 plants across the United
States providing 3500 green-collar
jobs and this site is a crowning
achievement," said Pratt. He told
the audience the mill and adjacent
Material Recovery Center where
recyclables collected from the city
are processed let residents play
their part in the battle against
climate change.
Gov Jindal joins owner
Anthony Pratt and his mother
Jeanne as they unveil the
Richard Pratt Drive
proclamation presented by
city officials.
"Recycling is something we can all do
- fighting global warming is as simple as putting your
recyclables on the curb," he said. "It's a great gateway issue. It's not esoteric. It's practical. And now Shreveporters can play their part for generations to come.
"
Since recycling came to the city 12 months ago, residents have prevented more than 9000 tons of carbon emissions, saved 110,000 trees and kept 8000 tons of waste out of the city landfill.
The company is now rolling out a commercial
recycling program in the region as well.
The Shreveport mill is part of Pratt's commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative in 2007 to invest $1 billion over the ensuing decade on
recycling and clean energy technology.
As part of that pledge the company is about to bring on line a $50 million dollar clean energy plant at its headquarters in Conyers, Ga., to power the paper mill there.
