Michigan company to expand plastics reprocessing operations

Greenville, Michigan-based plastic scrap consumer and reprocessor West Michigan Compounding LLC (WMC) says it will expand its manufacturing operations via a $6 million project undertaken in cooperation with several economic development agencies .

The expansion announcement was made by WMC along with The Right Place Inc., the Montcalm (Michigan) Economic Alliance (MEA), the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) and the City of Greenville. Those agencies say WMC expects to create at least 33 full-time jobs

WMC uses a reclamation process and extrusion equipment to compound and recycle more than 50,000 tons of plastic per year. The company was founded in 2005 and primarily serves the automotive industry. On its website, WMC indicates it has sorting and separation, washing, size reduction, extruding, pelletizing and compounding capabilities that allow it to reclaim plastic scrap and “transform it into a viable product.”

As part of the expansion, WMC will be adding more than 41,000 square feet to its production floor, along with 3,600 square feet to its office space. The expansion will allow for additional capacity to meet what WMC says is increased demand it has experienced recently.

“Our company continues to see impressive growth, and we are excited for what this expansion will mean for WMC’s future,” says Ashley Everin, WMC’s vice president. “Throughout this process, the Montcalm Economic Alliance and MEDC have been valuable partners as we move into this new phase of growth.”

The MEDC has approved a $150,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place and the Montcalm Economic Alliance worked in collaboration with the MEDC to help ensure WMC could grow in Michigan rather than out of state, say the agencies.

“WMC has found its niche in the city of Greenville,” says Kathy Jo VanderLaan, Montcalm County’s business development coordinator, The Right Place Inc. “In 2015, they extended their recycling efforts by purchasing the 400,000 square foot former Electrolux warehouse, and turning it into a growing plastic reclamation operation. We were delighted to partner with the MEDC to retain this innovative company as they continue to grow in Montcalm County.”

Greenville’s government is considering a tax abatement measure in support of the expansion.