TRG reaches agreement to relocate yard

The scrap metal company TRG Jonesboro and the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, have reached an agreement whereby TRG will relocate its scrap metal facility from its downtown location to an industrial location in the city. The move will occur over several years.

TRG, which was acquired by St. Louis-based Alter Trading Corp. in August 2018, has operated in Jonesboro for more than 100 years.

In a statement announcing the agreement, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin recognizes the importance of the company to the city, adding that its location in the city’s downtown has inhibited the area's redevelopment.

“I am grateful to [Jack Grundfest, Alter Trading’s chief administrative officer] that he is understanding of our needs to grow quality of life downtown and that Alter Trading Corp. has agreed to purchase property in a more suitable location.”

The two sides have been in negotiations throughout 2019. Grundfest says the agreement is “a product of his cordial and cooperative relationship with Mayor Perrin, our objective to support the communities where we operate and to do what is best for all concerned.”

Along with signing the relocation agreement, Perrin adds that he will submit an ordinance to the Jonesboro City Council to prohibit new scrap yards from opening in the city.