Australian corrugated packaging firm Pratt Industries has started construction work on a new $260m recycled paper mill in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The company plans to construct the 250,000ft² mill adjacent to its existing cardboard box plant. The company says that the mill will be eco-friendly and produce papers for sustainable lightweight packaging.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Pratt currently employs 280 workers at the cardboard box plant. The new plant will add another 137 jobs by 2018. The company will start hiring paper machine operators, equipment operators, electrical and instrumentation technicians, shipping representatives, shift supervisors, maintenance associates and waste yard personnel later this year.

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority will grant approximately $2.8m in incentives to Pratt, and up to $15m will be secured in energy and infrastructure incentives from NIPSCO.

In order to finance the construction of the 100% recycled paper mill, the company will also secure approximately $200m in tax-free industrial revenue bonds from the city.

Pratt Industries owner and chairman Anthony Pratt said that over 1,450 direct, indirect and induced jobs will be created during the mill construction. The plant is expected to open in July 2015.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
From rising paper prices to plastic reduction targets, Morris Packaging is tackling today’s toughest packaging challenges – and has won three 2025 Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards for it. Learn how Revopack and EcoPour deliver recycle-ready, high-impact packaging that boosts efficiency from filling line to retail shelf.

Discover the Impact