Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCHN) and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) today announce that Schnitzer has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Advanced Aluminum Separation System in Macon. Schnitzer is one of the largest manufacturers of recycled metal products in North America, with facilities in Georgia located in Albany, Atlanta, Cartersville, Columbus, Gainesville, and Macon.
With a total investment of $11 million, the new 32,000 sq. ft. facility features a processing and storage building, as well as extensive paving renovations, a new stormwater retention pond, and the extension of two new rail spurs within the facility. Schnitzer is currently hiring for numerous new positions at the facility.
The new technology will be the first of its kind in the State of Georgia and allow Schnitzer and the region to benefit from the increased production of recycled nonferrous metals, particularly aluminum, which will serve the growing demand for locally sourced aluminum products, including from the automotive industry. This new facility is expected to process and produce millions of pounds of material per month, making Macon a hub for Schnitzer’s aluminum recycling program. By recycling scrap metal, the Company is diverting and reusing millions of tons of material each year that might otherwise be destined for landfills.
“After a thorough review, Schnitzer decided that Macon is the ideal location for this operation,” said Pedro Orbezo, Schnitzer’s Vice President of Metals Technology. “Schnitzer has been a contributing member of the Macon community for over 100 years, and we chose this location for this major technology investment because of the region’s strong transportation infrastructure, the central location to service domestic aluminum consumers, such as the automotive industry, and the facility’s close proximity to Georgia ports with access to export markets, as well as strong community leadership and a growing labor force.”
To provide better access into the Schnitzer site, MBCIA, Georgia Central Railroad, Macon Water Authority and Macon-Bibb County collaborated to identify a funding source and complete road and rail infrastructure improvements. These efforts bolstered Schnitzer’s decision to expand in Macon-Bibb County.
“In our Blueprint for a Renewed Macon-Bibb County, we found the community believed that support for economic development that brings new jobs and opportunities should be a priority for local government,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester M. Miller. “I’m proud to stand with Schnitzer Steel as they expand their operations, provide new jobs for our community, and continue to make us a leader in the industry for the state.”
About Schnitzer Steel Industries
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled metal products in North America with operating facilities located in 23 states, Puerto Rico and Western Canada. Schnitzer has seven deep water export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts and in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The Company’s integrated operating platform also includes 50 stores which sell serviceable used auto parts from salvaged vehicles and receive approximately 5 million annual retail visits. The Company’s steel manufacturing operations produce finished steel products, including rebar, wire rod, and other specialty products. The Company began operations in 1906 in Portland, Oregon.
Editors Note: This post was originally published in 2021, and we would like to inform our readers that Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., featured in the content, has undergone a name change. They are now operating under the name Radius Recycling.