Lefort Trax 1375 model on the job in Indiana

Sunrise, Florida-based Lefort America says metals recycling firm OmniSource LLC is using a Trax 1375 model mobile shear/balers at its flagship headquarters yard in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Lefort America, a business unit of Belgium-based Lefort, says the model on the job in Indiana is equipped with a loading table and is the first new Lefort machine placed into an OmniSource facility.

The European equipment manufacturer says its Trax model offers enhanced operational efficiency and increased processing capabilities.

Lefort describes Omni as having been founded in 1943 in Fort Wayne, having “grown to become one of North America’s largest processors, distributors and managers of scrap and secondary metals,” shipping more than 5 million tons of recycled steel and 500,000 tons of nonferrous and stainless steel scrap annually.

OmniSource was acquired in 2007 by steelmaker Steel Dynamics Inc. and subsequently has operated independently as a wholly owned subsidiary, says Lefort.

“Beyond the numbers, OmniSource sees itself as much more than a recycler,” states Lefort, saying the company’s facilities “serve the circular economy.”

Lefort says its Trax 1375 will help OmniSource reduce its environmental, health and safety risks and prevent product loss by using the shear to process a significant portion of what previously would have been processed by torch cutting.

While torch cutting will likely always have a place in the industry, utilizing a shear wherever possible keeps people out of harm’s way while also increasing processing efficiency, Lefort says.

Calling the Trax 1375 an “internationally patented, track-mounted mobile shear/baler,” Lefort features that set it apart include the built-in loading table, designed to enable continuous material feed and deliver time savings during operation.

“We chose this model for its infrastructure cost savings (no foundation required), mobility in the yard, and the loading table for increased productivity,” says Alex Richmond, OmniSource plant manager in Fort Wayne.

Lefort refers to Richmond as a third-generation scrap recycling professional who also likes the new machine’s safety package, with safety cited as a core focus of OmniSource.

The Trax 1375 is capable of processing a wide range of materials, says Lefort, including plate and structural (P&S) steel scrap, railcars and mandrel balls.

Lefort says the commissioning of the Trax model was completed early this summer. OmniSource’s Richmond is complimentary of the installation team.

“The delivery and commissioning process went smoothly, with a knowledgeable, professional and committed team,” he says. “We are looking forward to learning all of the machine’s capabilities in the coming weeks.”