Pratt Industries secures corrugated supply for the new 40 million dollar Thomas Foods plant in Florida

Pratt Industries steps into Jacksonville meat processing expansion

The operational launch of Thomas Foods International’s new processing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, brings a significant supply chain development for the corrugated sector. Pratt Industries has publicly confirmed its role as the packaging partner for the site, securing a high-volume contract that underscores the packaging giant's grip on the North American protein market.

The Jacksonville plant represents a $40 million investment by Thomas Foods International USA to completely renovate a 50,000-square-foot former Tyson Foods facility. Scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, the site will serve as the Australian meat processor's second major United States hub, complementing its existing operations in New Jersey.

Performance demands in protein packaging

Securing the packaging supply for a high-capacity meat processing plant requires more than standard box manufacturing. The protein sector demands corrugated solutions capable of withstanding extreme cold-chain environments, high moisture levels, and rigorous transit conditions without compromising structural integrity. Pratt Industries will leverage its 100% recycled paper network to meet these technical specifications while aligning with the broader industry push toward sustainable supply chains.

For Pratt, this partnership in Florida highlights a strategic alignment with expanding food processors. Thomas Foods processes and distributes over 100 million pounds of meat products annually in the US, including beef, lamb, and goat. As the Jacksonville facility ramps up production to handle imported beef and retail-ready products, the daily consumption of corrugated board will scale proportionally, requiring a highly synchronized delivery model from Pratt's regional converting network.

This agreement not only solidifies Pratt Industries' footprint in the Southeast but also demonstrates how integrated packaging providers are embedding themselves into the ground-floor planning of major industrial retrofits. As Thomas Foods finalizes the installation of its processing equipment this quarter, the established corrugated supply line ensures that the final step of the production line is fully secured.