Sims Hugo Neu Drops Bid for NC Facility

After facing significant opposition and several legislative bills that opposed its plan, Sims Hugo Neu has decided to withdraw its bid to build a facility in Navassa, N.C.

In a statement released on April 5, Robert Kelman, president of Sims Hugo Neu, Kelman said the following: "After close consultation with Navassa Mayor Eulis Willis, Sims Hugo Neu has decided to leave Navassa to pursue other opportunities for the development of our state-of-the-art material recycling facility.

"This was truly a tough decision, both personally and for our company. As we've said all along, we were committed to the people of Navassa, but we also left our options open to pursue other opportunities to make this recycling project a success. We continue to believe in this project and we are certain it would have been good for Navassa and all of southeastern North Carolina. It would have brought quality, sustainable jobs, services, and economic development to a community in need, in an industry that fundamentally supports environmental stewardship.

"We are also disappointed by the pending legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly that would strip an elected mayor of his authority to determine his town's destiny. In our view, this legislation would create a dangerous precedent for communities seeking to responsibly plan for their future and for business, fostering an uncertain environment where the rules can be changed even as projects and investments are already underway.

"Over the years we have developed a deep respect for Mayor Willis and his vision for Navassa. We wish Mayor Willis and all Navassa residents the very best, and are grateful for their support. We look forward to returning to North Carolina in the future to help carry forward the kind of thriving recycling industry that will benefit both local communities and the state as a whole. We are proud of our donations towards the water and sewer infrastructure for Navassa and hope that this will help spur economic development where it is truly needed.

"It always has been our intention in seeking this project to bring the most advanced technology to bear for the betterment of recycling and to act in the most environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Our company is at the forefront of new advances in recycling technology and in promoting best practices in the management of our operations. We have the resources and the will to do so. In addition to being the largest metal recycler, we recently became the largest electronics recycler. We believe our record speaks for itself. We look forward to new opportunities to put our environmental ideals into action.