Pratt to open new plant in Virginia

The office of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that Pratt Industries Inc. has agreed to invest more than $20 million to establish a new paper packaging and shipping materials converting and box-making operation in an empty industrial facility built on spec by regional economic development agencies.

The Botetourt County Shell Building was built in 2016 and 2017 and funded by the Greater Roanoke Valley Development Foundation, the Roanoke Valley Development Corp. and Botetourt County to provide available industrial building inventory to attract jobs to the county.

“We are proud to partner with an innovative, global manufacturer like Pratt Industries that shares Virginia’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” states Northam. “This major investment will have [a] strong positive impact on the regional economy and help advance Virginia’s thriving manufacturing industry.”

Conyers, Georgia-based Pratt Industries Inc. (a sister company of Visy Industries, with both chaired by Australian Anthony Pratt) bills itself as the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the United States with a presence in nearly 30 states. The company’s products are primarily made from postconsumer recycled materials.

“We are thrilled that Pratt Industries will establish its second Virginia manufacturing operation in Botetourt County, expanding its footprint in the commonwealth and creating 50 new jobs,” says Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Pratt Industries is at the forefront of sustainable and recyclable packaging, and has led the way in the creation of green-collar jobs with over 8,000 employees worldwide.”

“Pratt Industries is excited to expand in Virginia,” says David Dennis, the firm’s chief operating officer. “We are grateful to the Roanoke Regional Partnership, Botetourt County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their efforts to bring Pratt to Botetourt County.”