Schnitzer makes investment towards recycling upgrades

Schnitzer makes investment towards recycling upgrades

Portland, Oregon steelmaker Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. has announced it has purchased a new state-of-the art Metso Texas Shredder 122x108 for its Portland metals recycling operation. The shredder, with its 7'000 horsepower motor, is expected to double the operation's shredding capacity from the current 250'000 annual tons to almost 480'000 annual tons. At the same time it will only increase the facilities energy consumption by 10 percent. In order to complete the upgrade, Schnitzer will also install a new electric substation and 115-kilovolt transmission line as well as a ferrous metals recovery system designed to handle 40'000 tons per month. Jim Goodrich, general manager for the Portland operation said, “These investments will significantly increase the production capacity and cost efficiency of our operations, allowing us to recycle considerably more metal at a lower cost per ton. We look forward to the direct benefits these investments will provide for our customers and suppliers, our community, and our 122 talented and valued employees." The company has reportedly earmarked $14 million for the upgrades.