Pratt Industries Hosts Grand Opening Of Warner Robins Box Factory Conyers, Georgia based Pratt Industries announced the grand opening of its new fruit and vegetable box factory with a plaque unveiling and guests including U.S. Secre- tary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and former U.S. Secre- tary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. The plant is 496,000 square feet, uses recycled materi- als and creates more than 100 local jobs. Secretary Rollins says the factory supports farmers in many areas, such as providing customized, sustainable packaging that protects produce during stacking, transport and storage. “They are challenging the most challenging farm econ- omy many have experienced in their lifetime,” Rollins said. “And there are a lot of reasons for that: the cost of their
inputs, interest rates went up 73 percent. Labor under the other admin, coming down now but went up 47 percent. Fuel went up 36 percent, and fertilizer 28 percent.” Rollins says Georgia is in the worst farm economy we’ve seen in a long time.
“All of the polls we’ve seen, that is in ru- ral America,” he said. “How are you feeling, how are your farmers and ranchers feeling. They are responding higher than ever be- fore, saying that they are excited and opti- mistic about the future.” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Ty- ler Harper says using state products to advance Georgia farming is a strong op- portunity. “That is investment in American jobs, that is investment in American jobs in American farm families and the farm econ- omy,” Harper said. “And it showcases how agriculture is connected across all econo- mies. It truly is the backbone of who we are as a nation and a state.” Rollins says they will continue to mea- sure their success year after year. “And just this facility and what Anthony has done and built out this manufacturing plant, providing more jobs here in Ameri- ca,” Rollins said. “These are boxes for fruits and veggies, so it is an ecosystem that builds upon itself.” Smurfit Westrock Breaks Ground In Sonora, Mexico Dublin, Ireland based Smurfit Westrock, a producer of sustainable paper and pack- aging, has begun construction of its new production plant in Cajeme, Sonora, in which it will invest $65 million. At an event attended by state and mu- nicipal authorities, Smurfit Westrock ex- ecutives explained that the plant aims to CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
10 January 5, 2026
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