Sirmax invests in Indiana recycling facility

Italy-based Sirmax and its subsidiary SER North America LLC have announced plans to invest $17.7 million in the development of a new state-of-the-art plastics recycling facility in Anderson, Indiana. The facility will recycle plastics for use in consumer products.

Sirmax is an international supplier of plastic compounds and resins, producing a range of compounds based on polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS) and others. 

According to a news release from the city of Anderson, the new plant will be a 130,000-square-foot production facility. The company will purchase 35 acres of land south of the current Sirmax facility. Sirmax says it also anticipates creating at least 38 new jobs at the new facility.

The new facility will produce a high-quality plastic product following a recycling and extrusion process that is similar to what is currently produced by the Sirmax facility, the city of Anderson reports in the news release announcing the investment. Sirmax currently produces thermoplastic compounds that are used in all sectors, including appliance, automotive, power tools and consumer products worldwide. 

The city of Anderson reports that Sirmax’s investment is the result of several months of negotiation between the city and its economic development department, led by Economic Development Director Greg Winkler, Anderson Mayor Tom Broderick, Sirmax CEO Massimo Pavin and Country Manager of Sirmax Group Lorenzo Ferro. 

As an incentive to the company, the city is proposing a $1.5 million tax increment financing (TIF) bond. The city reports it also has committed to invest $650,000 in infrastructure, including a rail spur. 

According to the news release from the city of Anderson, this investment will put the city “at the forefront of the global plastics business, which is requiring a greater amount of repurposed plastic content in plastic goods each year.” 

“We are very happy to be able to expand in Anderson,” Ferro says. “We have always had a great relationship with the community. We are pleased to be able to expand our business presence here and foster the growth in the Anderson community, which is becoming the headquarters of our North America operations. We are excited to be leading in today’s needs to reduce plastic waste in the environment and provide second life to plastics cooperating with our global customers in the development of environmentally friendly materials and applications.”

Broderick adds, “We are excited to continue working with Sirmax and their newest venture that will continue to bring diversity and opportunity into our community. Anderson has a long tradition in providing innovation that has made a difference not only in our community but across our country and beyond.”