Georgia-based Pratt Industries, a recycled paper and packaging company, is building a new, $120-million production facility in Warner Robins, about 160 kilometres southeast of Atlanta in the middle of the state, that officials say demonstrates the importance of having serviced industrial land.
Construction of the plant is underway.
The structure is expected to be completed by the end of the year with operations to follow. It will be the largest single private investment in the history of the city.
The plant will span 496,000 square feet and create more than 125 jobs. It will be Pratt’s 13th site in Georgia and brings the company’s total investment in factories across the state to more than $800 million.
Pratt, the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S., is the largest privately owned producer of 100 per cent recycled containerboard in the world.
The plant will produce corrugated boxes using recycled containerboard that will be largely sourced from the company’s mill in Conyers, Ga.
The company’s product range includes custom shipping boxes, subscription-style mailer boxes, pizza boxes, bubble mailers and custom kraft paper bags.
The new facility will be located at Robins Industrial Park within Peach County. It will be one of the most modern of the company’s 72 factories spread across 25 states.
The industrial park is a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD)-certified site spanning more than 600 acres. It is east of Interstate 75 and 90 minutes from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The GRAD program offers 60 industrial certified sites that are available for fast-track construction projects.
The goal of the program is to establish a portfolio of prequalified industrial sites for which the due diligence has been completed prior to a prospect visit.
Georgia was chosen to develop the facility due to its position as a regional centre, its support for businesses and suitable manufacturing requirements.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) global commerce team headed by senior project manager John Soper worked with the Development Authority of Peach County and Georgia Power on the project.
Anthony Pratt, global executive chairman for Pratt Industries, said in a statement the company is honoured to be locating in Warner Robins and is committed to the state of Georgia – where the company began.
“This will bring Pratt’s total workforce in Georgia to over 2,100 employees and 11,700 nationwide. We are excited to expand our operations in the region, allowing us to continue to strategically service our customers and grow the business.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he is proud of great Georgia-based companies like Pratt Industries and grateful for their continued growth in the state.
“Expansions like this account for more than 70 per cent of last year’s economic development projects and are a testament to our business-friendly and partnership approach as we bring more opportunity for hardworking Georgians.”
Across the company, Pratt employs more than 10,000 workers worldwide. The company was founded 30 years ago.
Martin Moseley, chairman of the Peach County board of commissioners, said he is grateful for the decision by Pratt Industries to locate and invest in the region.
“Thanks to our highly skilled workforce and reliable infrastructure, we’re ripe for development…I believe having Pratt here in middle Georgia will be an asset to other industries in the area who rely on their products.”
GDEcD commissioner Pat Wilson said the state is able to attract manufacturers and industry thanks to the foresight of having set up the GRAD-certified site.
“By investing in site preparation and obtaining GRAD certification, communities are better positioned to attract investments that create jobs aligned with their strategic goals.
“For decades, Pratt Industries has been an amazing partner for the state. Many thanks to the company for their continued growth and investment in Georgia, and to our local partners in Warner Robins and Peach County for their dedication to growing their existing industry base.”
Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the city is excited to welcome Pratt Industries to the area.
“Their investment will be the largest single private investment in the history of our city and will provide over 100 new careers for our growing population.”
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