Pratt Plans on Building Recycled Board Mill in Louisiana

Pratt Industries announced that it will build a 100 percent recycled paperboard mill in Shreveport, La.

Anthony Pratt, chairman and CEO of Pratt Industries, said the company expected the mill - which represents a $150 million investment - to be fully operational in 2009.

Pratt said the new facility would produce 360,000 tons a year of 100 percent recycled containerboard for the company's sheet plant and corrugated divisions throughout the United States.

When complete it will be Pratt’s third U.S. mill; the other mills are located in New York and Georgia. The mill was designed by the Italian group Overmechanica.

The new facility will make lightweight liner and medium on a 220-inch trim, fourdrinier paper machine.

Construction on the project is expected to begin next month.

A material recovery facility will also be built on the 35-acre Shreveport site to help facilitate supply of the mill's OCC and mixed paper requirements.

Pratt also plans to work with the city on a recycling program and then eventually work with surrounding cities and parishes throughout Northwest Louisiana.