Rockwall EDC welcomes Pratt Industries to Technology Park

(ROCKWALL, TX — September 27, 2017) Pratt Industries, the 5th largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S. and the largest privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company in the world, opened its newest plant in the Rockwall Technology Park in June 2017. The company, which supplies boxes and packaging material for heavy hitters like Amazon and The Home Depot, is proud to be in the Rockwall area.

Sheri Franza, who has served as President and CEO of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) for 11 years, is dedicated to reducing the tax burden for Rockwall residents by attracting new corporate relocations and retaining and expanding Rockwall’s existing industries. Franza first connected with Pratt Industries in 2016, and while competing with other cities in Texas and outside the state, she remained committed to winning the project for the City of Rockwall. Pratt Industries broke ground on its 388,000 square-foot facility on a 30.035-acre parcel in the Rockwall Technology Park in October 2016 and completed construction of its newest corrugated packaging plant in June 2017. The project consisted of an initial $50 million in capital investment of the facility dedicated to re-purposing recycled materials into packaging material. “My focus has been to attract and relocate valuable and sustainable corporations which have a global reach and a world-wide impact in their market sector,” said Franza.

The REDC exemplified its commitment to this project from day one. It specifically sought an innovative, sustainable, eco-friendly company, which produced a product in high demand. Also, in partnership with the Rockwall campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce, Pratt Industries was able to take advantage of office space for six months while the company interviewed, hired and trained new employees. Franza said, “Pratt Industries embodies everything I take into consideration when recruiting a business to our city—commitment to a quality investment in Rockwall, dedication to preserving our environment, solid reputation and success in their respective industry, and integrity and strength of the corporate leadership.”

The REDC recently completed a large infrastructure improvement project in order to offer Pratt a shovel-ready site location for their new facility. “A strong partnership between the REDC and the City of Rockwall’s Planning, Engineering, Fire and Inspections Departments and a well-executed development strategy enabled fast-track permitting and a smooth and seamless development process for Pratt Industries,” Franza said. Pratt was able to build its facility in less than 10 months from the time they broke ground to the time they received their Certificate of Occupancy.

John Batts, general manager of Pratt Industries, had good things to say about building their newest manufacturing facility in the Rockwall Technology Park. “Pratt Industries is excited to be a part of the growing, thriving Rockwall community. We’re grateful to the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation and the City of Rockwall for their efforts to welcome us to the area, learn about the great things we do, and streamline the process of getting the newest manufacturing plant up and running. Both entities worked quickly and efficiently throughout the process of bringing Pratt to Rockwall.”

He went on to comment about their plans for the future. “We look forward to being an integral part of this community. Pratt Industries is starting out with a significant work force, which will grow even larger in the coming year. We see our partnerships with the REDC and the city as critical to our success.”

Successful partnerships seem to be a theme with Pratt Industries. On May 4, 2017, at an exclusive dinner commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Anthony Pratt, Global Chairman of Pratt/Visy Industries, made a big announcement. Pratt’s words, spoken on board the USS Intrepid in New York City, resulted in a standing ovation from President Donald J. Trump. What warranted such a response from our Commander in Chief? Pratt pledged to invest $2 billion in the U.S. by providing 5,000 manufacturing jobs at various plants in the Midwest. Pratt’s initial investment in Rockwall is $50 million and 250 jobs. Considering that Pratt Industries already employs more than 7,000 people in 68 factories around the country, you can take Anthony Pratt’s words to the bank—literally and figuratively.

A full page in The Wall Street Journal published on July 19, 2017 and July 20, 2017, captures the dramatic scene as it unfolded. The headline reads: Standing Up for American Jobs. Pratt Industries’ CEO, Anthony Pratt, has a record of providing and will continue to provide high-paying manufacturing jobs across the U.S. Congratulations to Pratt Industries, the REDC and the City of Rockwall, for truly receiving Presidential Recognition. Though Rockwall is the smallest county in Texas, its reputation of being a power center for corporate business has received worldwide attention. REDC’s success in attracting strong corporate industry continues to diversify the Rockwall tax base and have significant impact on Rockwall’s economic vitality for years to come.

Submitted press release.

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