“We haven’t been given a lot of details at this point, but we do know the President is coming,” Wapakoneta Mayor Tom Stinebaugh said.
FIRST REPORT: President Trump coming to Wapakoneta on Sept. 22
Pratt Industries is owned by Anthony Pratt, the richest man in Australia and a Trump supporter.
“The president will be joined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia for a tour of a new, Australian-owned manufacturing facility,” White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. The details of the trip have not been released and the White House said no further details would come at this time.
MORE: Celina seeing progress as recovery continues after Memorial Day tornado
“This visit will demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship between the United States and Australia,” Grisham said.
Earlier in the day, President Trump will be in Houston for an event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
The Dayton Daily News reported Pratt started construction on a new mill in March 2018 in Wapakoneta, which has a population of around 9,800. The company is expected to add 300 new jobs when the mill and a corrugation plant are operational. Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.263 percent, eight-year “job creation” tax credit for the project.
The new mill is expected to be operational in October and the corrugation plant will come online in January, Stinebaugh said.
Pratt also has sites in Springfield, Mason, and Lewisburg.
About the Author