Pratt opens $253M box factory in Cedar Hill, Texas

Conyers, Georgia-based recycled paper and packaging producer Pratt Industries officially opened its new $253 million advanced manufacturing box factory in Cedar Hill, Texas, June 27.

The 1.1 million-square-foot site will produce specialty products, corrugated boxes and in-store displays using 100 percent-recycled containerboard. It is one of the largest and most modern of the company’s 71 factories, Pratt says, and is its fifth box plant in Texas.

“Recycling is an important weapon against climate change because as things decay in landfill, they emit methane which is 84 times more potent as greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide,” says Anthony Pratt, executive chairman of Pratt Industries. “So, recycling is an important weapon against climate change.

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“This factory will allow the company to grow for years to come, supporting our customers, employees and the community.”

The Cedar Hill Corrugating and Innovation Center will provide 375 full-time manufacturing jobs, bringing the company’s statewide workforce to more than 1,000 and its total workforce to more than 11,500. It has invested $550 million in operations in Texas and $10.25 billion in total U.S. investments and, in addition to bringing new jobs to the area, will sponsor a training and development program in collaboration with the city and school district.

“We are excited to partner with the city of Cedar Hill and its officials to open this state-of-the-art facility and bring new, green-collar jobs to the area,” Mike Tansey, president of Pratt’s Southwest Converting Division, said last year when the company announced the project.

“We have a strong history of providing continuous education, apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities for our employees. This joint collaboration with Cedar Hill and the school district is a great opportunity for us to encourage and invest in the community’s young talent and to help them find meaningful employment and long-term financial stability.”