Pratt Paper cuts the ribbon at new facility in Henderson

HENDERSON, Ky. (WFIE) - Pratt Industries, Incorporated has officially opened its $500 million paper plant in Henderson.

The project was announced in 2021, and it’s bring 321 new jobs to the Henderson area.

It marks Pratt’s second investment in the Commonwealth after a Hebron plant that employs over 200 people.

At the opening event, Governor Andy Beshear applauded local officials for making it happen and Pratt officials themselves for investing in the state.

“We are sitting in what I believe is the cleanest, greenest recycled paper mill on planet Earth,” he said. “That is right here in Henderson, Kentucky.”

The event was also attended by Pratt Industries, Inc. Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt.

Pratt explained that he was friends with Muhammad Ali who gave him a fondness for Kentucky. Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali attended the opening to celebrate that friendship that led to such an enormous investment in Henderson.

The plant’s opening was also attended by Caroline Kennedy, the United States’ Ambassador to Australia. She spoke highly of the plant’s status as a producer of 100% recycled paper products.

“We have a chance to be the generation that looks back in 60 years and says, ‘We saved the life of this planet,’” she said.

Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, who also happens to be the former Prime Minister, also attended. He said the plant was a testament to an international partnership between each country.

The plant is expected to recycle at least 60,000 tons of trash each month.

Copyright 2023 WFIE. All rights reserved.