WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (From news reports) - Pratt Industries celebrated the grand opening of its new fruit and vegetable box facility with a plaque unveiling and guests including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

The plant is 496,000 square feet, uses recycled materials 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 economy 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%. Labor under the other admin, coming down now but went up 47%. Fuel went up 36%, and fertilizer went up 28%."

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 rural America," he said. "How are you feeling, how are your farmers and ranchers feeling. They are responding higher than ever before, saying that they are excited and optimistic about the future."

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says using state products to advance Georgia farming is a strong opportunity.

"That is investment in American jobs, that is investment in American jobs in American farm families and the farm economy," Harper said. "And it showcases how agriculture is connected across all economies. It truly is the backbone of who we are as a nation and a state."

Rollins says they will continue to measure 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 America," Rollins said. "These are boxes for fruits and veggies, so it is an ecosystem that builds upon itself."