Pawtucket, RI Rand-Whitney Container at 455 Narragansett Park cut the ribbon on its newly expanded facility. Company officials were joined by governor Gina Raimondo, state and local representatives and business partners. Rand-Whitney owner, Robert Kraft and Jonathan Kraft of The Kraft Group also attended the event.
PROCON CEO and chairman Mark Stebbins, whose Manchester, N.H. based company designed and built the 65,000 s/f expansion, also attended the event. The new addition provides much needed space to store surplus packaging materials as the company continues to grow. Rand-Whitney CEO and president Nick Smith kicked off the morning’s speeches, and shared some backstory about Rand-Whitney Pawtucket. “We have operated in Rhode Island since the early ’80s and this will be our 3rd major expansion at this facility. This will provide us with the necessary space to continue to add equipment and capabilities to this operation. We have had a great relationship with the city of Pawtucket and our workforce is truly one of our competitive advantages and our greatest asset. We are excited about what the future holds for us in Rhode Island!”
Governor Raimondo who said, “I want to thank you for not only staying here, but expanding here. This is just one more sign - just the latest example of the economic momentum we have in Rhode Island. There have been approximately 15,000 jobs created since I became the Governor, and it’s not me, it’s this, investing in Rhode Island and trying to create the conditions for growth.”
Robert Kraft said, “I have a wonderful feeling about the state of Rhode Island and you are all doing a tremendous job. What we love about Pawtucket is the great workforce. You have a great state and I thank you for making us feel welcome to grow and prosper here.”
Before expansion, the company rented offsite space from another business to store their products. The new space eliminates the need for offsite storage. The expansion also includes a new conference room, driver’s office and employee cafeteria.
PROCON senior vice president of operations Daniel Messier had executive oversight of the massive expansion. He said, “We are thankful for the Kraft’s continued trust in our services. It is always a pleasure to work with such a great group of professionals like Rand-Whitney and The Kraft Group.”