Tire Recycling Firm Announces Plan to Build Operation in Florida

RMD Americas LLC, a recycling company announced it is setting up a manufacturing operation in Cocoa, Fla., with plans to hire up to 70 people over the next two years.

RMD Americas takes old tires it collects from sites throughout Florida and processes them through various shredding machines, separating rubber from the copper and aluminum wires inside them.

RMD Americas is shipping in equipment from Spain to its location at Cidco Industrial Park in Cocoa.

So far the company has 23 employees and it quickly plans to ramp up to 70 workers within two years. As the business grows, the company also has plans to expand into Rockledge, Fla.

RMD Americas has its roots in Spain through its association with the Leon, Spain-based-RMD SA, a recycling company and manufacturer of the machines that shreds the tires, and separates the metals.

From state and local sources, RMD Americas is getting nearly $378,000 in tax breaks to set up its operation here. Also, the City of Rockledge received a $350,000 state transportation grant to build a city road for RMD Americas' expansion.

With its plans for two 50,000-square-foot buildings at its facility, and its purchase of machinery, RMD Americas is making a $5.5 million investment in Brevard. It's also spending $500,000 to renovate its site at Cidco Industrial Park.

"I am pleased we were able to work closely with the company and local Space Coast economic development leaders to ensure this project's success," Gov. Jeb Bush said in statement about RMD Americas Brevard operation. "The high-value headquarters and manufacturing jobs created by this project will have a positive impact on the entire region." Florida Today