Pratt Industries, a recycling containerboard mill in Conyers, GA, recently received the prestigious Governor’s International Award in the Investment Winner category.

pratt industries awardAs stated in the commendation, the award was presented for Pratt’s efforts in making or facilitating international investments that benefit the state of Georgia, utilizing creativity to facilitate investment in the state and creating jobs and driving economic growth in Georgia.

Nominated by DeKalb Technical College (DTC) because of their long partnership in developing Pratt employees by offering educational leadership programs and a technical certificate of credit, DTC President Dr. Robin Hoffman lauds the company’s efforts, “Pratt Industries continues to grow and prosper because they understand that a structured training program is necessary to maintain a quality product.”

Aside from Pratt’s investment in their human potential, they are committed to recycling and to the environment by “Harvesting the Urban Forest.” The company has been recognized around the world for its environmental standards and efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. In the United States, they recycle over 700,000 tons of waste paper and corrugated boxes every year, saving over 25,000 trees a day.

Conyers, in Rockdale County, is home to the U.S. corporate office of Pratt Industries and the mill site of the world’s first milligator which was dedicated by President Georgia Bush and Muhammad Ali on March 27, 1999. Since that time, Pratt Industries and DeKalb Technical College have partnered to train executives, managers, and mill technicians with customized programs planned to grow the employees for maximum potentials. A specialized certificate of credit, Pulp and Paper Operations Management, is offered as an online program so that employees can complete the coursework within the confines of their personal schedules.

Under the leadership of Pratt Industries, Visy Paper and Jett Corr, Inc. are other divisions located in Conyers and Georgia. Pratt is committed to the four principles of service to customers, the environment, jobs for Americans, and philanthropy. Pratt is the world’s largest privately-owned paper and packaging company and employs over 1,000 people in the Atlanta area. Aside from a tuition reimbursement program for their employees, Pratt Industries gives back to the community by donating time, money, and resources for charities and relief funds.