PRI Enterprises – Picnic Tables

What if a simple picnic table could help transform lives and make Florida communities safer?

At PRI Enterprises (Formerly PRIDE - Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises) every product tells a story of redemption, skill, and second chances. This not-for-profit, self-funded corporation operates inside 18 state prison facilities across Florida, turning incarceration into an opportunity for growth and change.

Since its founding in 1981, PRI Enterprises has worked tirelessly to reduce recidivism - the tendency of released inmates to reoffend - by equipping incarcerated individuals with real-world job skills. Through 36 vocational training programs and thousands of certifications, PRI Enterprises prepares inmates for successful re-entry into society. The results speak volumes: participants in PRI Enterprises programs are three times less likely to commit a new offense compared to those who do not receive training. This approach not only strengthens communities but also saves taxpayers money by lowering criminal justice costs.

PRI Enterprises’ mission is funded entirely through the sale of products and services created by inmates in these programs. Every purchase is more than a transaction - it’s an investment in Florida’s future. And does it work? Absolutely. Approximately 89% of PRI Enterprises trained inmates remain crime-free for at least two years after release, and 92% secured full-time employment upon re-entry in 2024.

One shining example of this mission in action is the PRI Enterprises Metal Products Division at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. Here, inmates master metalworking skills - cutting, punching, fabricating, and assembling products such as picnic tables, park benches, bike racks, animal-resistant trash receptacles, outdoor grills, and fire rings.

The frames and legs of PRI Enterprises’ picnic tables are fabricated from hollow structural steel tubing and then hot-dip galvanized before assembly. This process is critical for durability, especially in Florida’s harsh climate of heat, humidity, and salt spray. Hot-dip galvanizing ensures decades of maintenance-free use, offering superior corrosion protection compared to paint or other coatings - at a fraction of the cost.

Meeting ASTM A123 specifications requires strict adherence to ASTM A385 during fabrication. Success depends on superior customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless communication between PRI Enterprises and its galvanizing partners. These standards guarantee that every product exceeds expectations and is delivered on time, every time.