According to a report this week by The Northwest Indiana Times, Pratt Paper is looking to hire 40 more workers for its new $260 million recycled paper mill scheduled to start up in September at Valpariso, Ind., USA. The growing Australia-based company, the largest privately held, 100% recycled paper and packaging manufacturer in the world, has already hired an initial 50 workers to staff the new mill. Pratt has been building a state-of-the-art 250,000-sq. ft.-foot plant by its existing paperboard box factory in Valparaiso.

"When I returned from the war I had nothing," said recent hire Scott Herma, a Kouts resident and Marine Corps veteran who was wounded while serving in Afghanistan. "Now I have a very bright career as a Pratt production engineer."

Pratt has started phase two of the hiring. The company needs 20 material handlers, 10 mechanical technicians, and 10 electrical and instrumentation technicians. Base salaries for the positions range from $33,500 to $54,000 a year, not including overtime and incentives.

"We're seeking a diverse and cross functional workforce," Pratt Paper HR Manager Kevin Vickers said. "Our goal is to have a workforce comprised of veterans, engineers with degrees or associate degrees, and 'wild' cards. The wild cards will be individuals who have had life experiences that are transferable to our operations."

Pratt has been hiring through Indiana Career Connect, and will only accept applications through the website.