Jul 20, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Anthony Pratt, Chairman and CEO of Pratt Industries, has announced that a new recycling mill will be built in Shreveport Louisiana to recycle paper and cardboard that would otherwise go to landfill. Pratt Industries, in the USA, announced it would build a third recycling mill in Shreveport, Louisiana, to supply its growing internal demand for more containerboard. In making the announcement, Chairman and CEO Anthony Pratt said the company expected the mill - which represents a US$150 million investment - to be fully operational in 2009. Pratt said the new facility would produce 360,000 tons a year of recycled containerboard for the company's expanding sheet plant and corrugated divisions throughout the U.S. "This mill symbolizes Pratt's continued commitment to growth for our company, for our customers and the paper/packaging industry," he said. "While others are shutting down plants, we're opening them - and that means quality manufacturing jobs for Americans. "We're the largest Australian employer in America with 3300 employees and we're growing." Pratt's third mill in the U.S., which was designed by the Italian group Overmechanica, would be committed to using 100 percent post consumer fibers like its sister mills in New York City and Conyers, Ga. "This is paper and corrugated that would otherwise have gone to landfill," said Pratt, adding that landfills now contribute almost 3 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions released each year. "Every ton of paper we recycle prevents a ton of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere which means that recycling is an important weapon against climate change." Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco said she was particularly excited about the Pratt investment in her state as it would have a positive impact on the local environment. "Pratt's strong stance on environmental protection makes them a great fit with Louisiana," she said. "This ‘green' investment will significantly enhance the conservation of our natural resources." The new facility will make lightweight liner and medium on a 220-inch trim, fourdrinier paper machine. Shreveport mayor Cedric Glover said the economic benefits of the Pratt mill would have a major impact on the community. "This partnership brings jobs, a six-million dollar payroll and gives the Port of Shreveport-Bossier a vote of confidence that will certainly help them continue their progress in the coming years," he said. It will eventually employ more than 115 full-time workers and will stimulate an estimated US$133 million in economic output once completed. During the construction phase, which is scheduled to begin next month, officials estimate that almost 1700 new jobs, direct and indirect, will be created. Once start-up begins, it's estimated more than 590 direct and indirect jobs will be created by the economic activity of the mill. 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. And Pratt also plans to work with the city on a recycling program and then eventually work with surrounding cities and parishes throughout Northwest Louisiana. These two initiatives would add a further 35 full-time jobs. Aside from the paper mills, Pratt Industries has operations in more than 20 states throughout America.