Owego, New York-based scrap metal processor Upstate Shredding announced Tuesday that the new Ben Weitsman facility in Jamestown, New York will receive $4 million in environmentally-friendly upgrades as it becomes fully integrated into the operations of the Upstate Shredding-Ben Weitsman company.
Planned improvements include complete environmental remediation of the facility, paving the entire scrap yard, and the installation of storm water treatment systems to protect the surrounding environment. Environmental safeguards will be implemented, and a new fence will be erected to enclose and secure the property. Existing buildings will be demolished, and new, energy-efficient buildings will be constructed in their place. Additionally, Upstate is bringing in new equipment, new scales, and a capital infusion that will allow retail and industrial customers to be paid in cash the same day, the company said.
Upstate Shredding has set a goal of reaching $1 billion in annual debt-free sales. The company is the east coast's largest privately held scrap metal processor and recycling center, and one of the largest operations of its type in the eastern US. Upstate processes more than 700,000 tons of iron and approximately 100 million pounds of non-ferrous scrap a year. Upstate's metal shredding and separation operation handles all types of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals.
Upstate Shredding purchased the Jamestown business in July 2010 in an all-cash transaction that closed May 2.