Recycler Expanding in Blackford County
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMichigan-based Petoskey Plastics Inc. is moving forward with plans to add more than two dozen jobs at a Hartford City operation. The recycling company received a 10-year, $6.2 million tax abatement from the Common Council. April 9, 2014
News Release
HARTFORD CITY, Ind. – Pioneering recycling, plastic film, bag and resin manufacturer Petoskey Plastics continues to expand its Hartford City operations in response to growth in its recycling services and product lines. The Hartford City Council paved the way for the company's added capital improvement by this week approving a 10-year, $6.2 million tax abatement. The investment is expected to eventually create up to 26 new jobs at the Hartford City facility.
Petoskey's investment will be used to upgrade and enhance recycling operations and provide capacity to increase manufacturing of products with recycled plastic content. Additionally, Petoskey will refurbish the rail spur that services the facility, allowing for more efficient and sustainable transport of raw materials to the plant.
The announcement comes on the heels of a $9.7 million expansion completed in 2013 that added 80 new jobs at the Hartford City plant and solidifies Petoskey's commitment to Hartford City, said President and CEO Paul Keiswetter. “As consumers and businesses focus more on recycling and green products, we are gearing up to meet the growing demand,” added Keiswetter. “We have a great team here, and we're pleased to expand our partnership with the City of Hartford City in helping to boost the local economy.”
Petoskey purchased the once-shuttered 300,000 square foot Hartford City facility in 2007 and began recycling operations there in 2008. In 2013, the company recycled over 26 million pounds of postconsumer plastic, converting the material into GreenPE resin and using the resin in the production of plastic film and bag products, some of which contain up to 70 percent recycled plastic. Many of Petoskey's customers participate in the company's recycling program and then in turn purchase products made from their own recycled plastic. This “closed-loop” approach has established Petoskey Plastics as an innovative leader in environmentally responsible manufacturing, packaging and recycling of plastic bags and films.
“It's been very exciting and satisfying to witness the growth at Petoskey Plastics,” said Hartford City Mayor Ben Hodgin. “While most businesses and the general economy are growing at a modest pace, Petoskey's Hartford City plant has exploded over the last two years. This is great for Petoskey Plastics and it is great for Hartford City and Blackford County.”
About Petoskey Plastics
Petoskey Plastics is an environmentally focused recycler and plastic film, bag and resin manufacturer providing superior products and solutions. Headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, the company provides products and engineered solutions for a variety of industries including automotive, industrial, institutional, retail, construction and home improvement. Petoskey Plastics has facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee. Learn more at PetoskeyPlastics.com.
About Blackford County
In 2013, Blackford County Schools received an “A,” Indiana's highest rating based on student performance. Blackford County is the home of NASA Astronaut Colonel Kevin Ford who recently returned from space where he served as Commander of Expedition 34. Blackford County's Jim Kline was recognized in 2011 as North America's Top Producer by Top Producer Magazine. Many great recycling manufacturers call Blackford County home, including: Hartford City Paper, Reflective Industries, and Naturally Recycled Proteins. For more information, visit
www.BlackfordCountySites.com or contact Jacob Everett at jeverett@blackfordcoedc.org.
Source: Petoskey Plastics Inc.