Pratt says it will invest in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and Gov. Josh Shapiro say Pratt Industries Executive Global Chairman Anthony Pratt has made a commitment for the firm to invest $500 million and create hundreds of jobs in Pennsylvania over the next 10 years.

A news release from the governor’s office says the announcement by the corrugated packaging company executive was made today as Shapiro and DCED Secretary Rick Siger toured a Pratt box-making plant in Carlisle in mid-September.

Where the promised investments will be made, and whether it will involve new recycled-content containerboard capacity, has not been made clear. “As part of its new $500 million commitment, the company will invest in recycling, remanufacturing and clean energy infrastructure,” according to the news release.

The governor’s office indicates Pratt already has invested about $500 million in Pennsylvania.

“Having Pratt Industries invest a total of $1 billion in Pennsylvania and create hundreds of new jobs is a clear sign that the commonwealth is a place where global businesses can grow and succeed,” Shapiro says.

Pratt Industries currently operates downstream box- and display-making facilities in Carlisle, East Greenville, Emmaus, Macungie and Reading, Pennsylvania.

Pratt Industries is the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S. and the world’s largest, privately held producer of 100 percent recycled containerboard. The company is affiliated with Australia-based Visy.

“Pratt Industries is proud to employ more than 800 Pennsylvanians across the state in high-paying, green collar, advanced manufacturing jobs, and our total culminative investment in Pennsylvania now exceeds $500 million,” Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt says.

“As part of that commitment, and as a result of Gov. Shapiro’s leadership, I’m honored today to pledge a further investment of $500 million in recycling, remanufacturing and clean energy infrastructure over the next ten years, to create hundreds of new jobs in the great state of Pennsylvania. Our investments will allow the company to grow for years to come, supporting our customers, employees and the community.”