Pratt Industries broke ground this week on its new $52 million corrugated box factory in Beloit, Wisconsin. The 350,000 sq. ft. facility, due for start-up in early 2016, will sit on a 56-acre site and produce 600 tons of recycled boxes a day at capacity. It will also eventually provide 140 full-time jobs - as well as approximately 200 during construction.

Pratt said the facility will not only boast the most advanced technologies in the packaging industry, but it will also be a showcase for environmental responsibility.

Aside from using 100% recycled paper in its box-making process, the plant will also use the latest in water reclamation technology, and will eventually reduce discharge into the local sewer system to zero. All fork lifts and grab trucks will operate on compressed natural gas instead of propane, further reducing harmful carbon emissions.