Pratt Industries has officially opened its new $44 million corrugated box factory in Ohio. The 350,000 sq. ft. facility is built adjacent to the company’s existing box plant in Lewisburg, and is an environmental showpiece for the industry, said company chairman Anthony Pratt. The facility uses the latest in water reclamation technology, and will eventually reduce discharge into the local sewer system to zero, Pratt noted.

 

"Further, all of our fork lifts and grab trucks will operate on compressed natural gas instead of propane, further reducing harmful carbon emissions," Pratt added.

 

The plant is anchored by a 110-in. BHS corrugator and several finishing machines. It also boasts the latest in conveyor systems technology.

 

The new plant is Pratt Industries’ fourth facility in Ohio, representing a total investment of more than $100 million. Pratt already employs more than 400 people in Ohio, and that total will climb to almost 550 when the new plant reaches capacity.

 

Meanwhile work continues on the company’s new $260 million recycled paper mill in neighboring Indiana. It is being built on a 50-acre site about 50 miles south of Chicago, next to the company’s huge box making plant in Valparaiso. It is due for startup in 12 months.