“The Midwest has long been a strong area for Pratt’s converting operations,” said Myles Cohen, President of Pratt Recycling. ”Now, with the upcoming addition of our 4th, 100% recycled paper mill, adding recycling assets and infrastructure is the next logical expansion strategy for us. “As an integrated paper and packaging company, the addition of recycling plants allows us to fully close the loop for our customers. Not only do we manufacture the paper required to make their packaging and then convert it into boxes and point of purchase displays, but now we can become their recycling provider as well.”
Myles said the company hoped to further expand the workforce at both centers within the next 12 months as volume increases. Currently there are 30 people employed at the two sites.
The Gary facility, which will process more than 70,000 tons of recyclables annually, is the company’s first in Indiana. Myles said Pratt chose the city because of its close proximity to both the mill and the greater Chicago area paper stream as well as its excellent access to transportation. Among other equipment, Pratt has installed dual shredders at the plant to shred and recycle approximately 2000 tons a month of used books. The Wichita plant replaces an older facility which the company simply outgrew.
Both facilities will service the recycling needs of businesses located within a 100-mile radius of each plant, while bringing both economic and environmental benefits to the area.
