Tire International, a tire recycler and manufacturer of rubber products, has announced plans to open a recycling and manufacturing facility in Berkeley County, S.C. Construction of the new facility is expected to cost around $25 million and generate 150 new jobs.

According to a release by the state of South Carolina, Tire International is in the process of upgrading its Moncks Corner facility to prepare for full operation. The company, headquartered in Levittown, N.Y. previously conducted its operations in China.

In the announcement, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said, "Tire International's $25 million job-creating investment in the Low Country -- that is expected to generate as many as 1,000 jobs -- is something we're going to celebrate. Our administration works day in and day out to make South Carolina the most attractive state in the country for business development, and bring jobs to every part of our state, and we're excited to see that work pay off for Berkeley County."

"South Carolina continues to have a strong reputation in the materials recycling sector. Tire International's decision to locate in Berkeley County will further bolster that reputation. The company's decision to locate its operations in South Carolina is another indication that our state's business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and exceptional market access are working to attract new investment and international companies," said Bobby Hitt, South Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce.

Marty Sergi, Tire International’s CFO and director, added, "We are delighted to start up operations in the business-friendly environment of South Carolina and Berkeley County. This was the key in our decision to not only expand our operations, but also to move our production operations from China to South Carolina. In addition, the existing infrastructure of the facility has enabled us to commence operations quicker than we could have done in any other location. The ability to have our raw material delivered by rail along with the proximity of the Charleston port will be critical to the success of our business."

Andy Acho, former worldwide director of environmental outreach and strategy for Ford Motor Co., and a director of Tire International, said, "It is no longer sufficient for a good company to meet consumer demands by just providing innovative products with excellent durability, quality and reliability. A company's products must also be environmentally responsible. By incorporating recycled materials into their offerings, they not only meet consumer demand but also society's goals. That's what our company is all about."

Tire International is expected to start up operations during the summer and fall of 2011 and have the plant fully operational by the end of 2011.

Sonoco UK Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., has completed the acquisition of the assets of Robinson Paperboard Packaging Ltd., a division of Robinson PLC, based in Chesterfield, U.K.

According to Sonoco, the acquisition will add about $10 million in annual sales for the company. As part of the transaction Sonoco will assume the operation of Robinson’s Chesterfield paperboard plant.

“The purchase of Robinson Paperboard Packaging is a good strategic fit with Sonoco’s growing global rigid paper container operations,” says Sean Cairns, general manager of Sonoco Rigid Paper and Closures, Europe. “We believe Robinson’s proven expertise in innovative paper bottom technology and unique, patented processes provide a strong platform for our continued development and growth in the United Kingdom and Europe.”

“This agreement is a win for Robinson, Sonoco and our packaging customers, who are increasingly recognizing the proven advantages that rigid paper containers bring in terms of reducing costs and minimizing the impact on the environment – without compromising quality. Packaging made from rigid paper reduces package weight, makes more efficient use of raw materials and conserves energy,” Cairns adds.

 

The mill services company Tube City IMS, a subsidiary of TMS International Corp., Pittsburgh, has secured two new contracts totaling more than $84 million in revenue over the life of the contracts at expected production levels.

The contracts are for outsourced services at steel mills in Dunkerque, France and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Services under the seven-year oxycutting contract in Dunkerque, which began July 1, 2011, include handling, preparation and sizing of revert scrap, using Tube City IMS’ New Cut process, where scrap is processed to charging size in an enclosed environment to capture emissions from the cutting operation. The contract is the second mill services contract TMS has implemented at the mill site this year.

In Abu Dhabi, TMS has contracted to begin a seven-year material handling and waste management agreement through its joint venture entity Tube City IMS Middle East Holding. The contract marks the company’s first mill services operation in the Middle East/North African region. Services under the contract are scheduled to begin September 1, 2011, and will include material handling, hot pit furnace slag excavation, metal reclamation, scrap management, DRI handling, billet transportation and logistics and a number of other auxiliary services.

“We believe the steel industry in the Middle East/North African region will continue to grow at strong rates over the coming years. These new contract wins demonstrate the company’s global breadth and depth and illustrate the continuing confidence our customers place in us and our outstanding service. We are excited to be able to serve both of these important customers in these regions,” says Raymond Kalouche, COO and president of TMS’s Mill Services Group.

Kalouche adds, “This is an exciting time for the company. Including these contracts, we have won a total of six new contracts to date in 2011, representing more than $147 million of cumulative revenue. As the outsourced steel services market continues to expand globally, TMS is well positioned to service these new markets with a diverse team that has significant international experience and delivers the outstanding performance that our customers and shareholders expect.”

 

Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman, Owego, N.Y., has named Joel Root vice president. Root formerly was commercial manager for Sims Metal Management.

In a release, Adam Weitsman, president of Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman, says, “We’re excited to have Joel join our company. With his strong background in the scrap industry and his expertise in growing scrap networks, he will be a strong addition to our team.”

In his new position, Root will make decisions involving the company’s 11 corporate facilities, including two mega-shredders. He replaces Steve Green, who has been promoted to president.

Root has been in the scrap metal business since 1987, starting as a buyer for Wooster Iron & Metal, Wooster, Ohio. From there, he became a buyer in Jersey City, N.J., for Prolerized Schiabo Neu, rising to the position of commercial manager for Sims Metal Management.

During his stay with Sims, Root was charged with opening and developing feeder yards to support networks of shredders and export docks and implemented a purchasing program with multiple auto auctions.