Charleston Polymers Group Inc. is looking to meet the growing need for recycled polypropylene and low density polyethylene in both the automotive and fiber industries. David G. Boutwell, a veteran of the former Exxon recycling facility in nearby Summerville, S.C., is president of Charleston, S.C.-based CPG, and estimates he will be making 60 million pounds per year by the end of 1995.
He said the 100,000-square-foot plant will have two Merritt extruders to start, and will add two more in August.
``We will start with two cleaning, grinding and extrusion lines in April,'' he said. ``That would give us about 30 million pounds per year of capacity initially, and we plan to add two more lines, and 30 million pounds per year more, in August.''
CPG will focus on recycling post-industrial PP and PE from the region's textile operations and other sources for pellets for injection molded auto parts.
``We anticipate about half of our production will be for autos, and the other half will be for fibers,'' Boutwell said. ``We have customers all ready to go, and we have taken this large a building so that we can expand without heavy financial investment.''
He said the company hopes to be processing 100 million pounds per year by 1997.
Boutwell said he has seen a great increase in interest in recycled materials, especially among auto-related companies.
CPG hopes to move into the compounding business, and to build up a network of injection molding customers in the region.
The company initially will employ 26, and will add another two dozen by 1997.
Boutwell said the company is investing $4.5 million at its plant for equipment and infrastructure and did receive help, including tax breaks and grants, from state and local governments. One $30,000 grant allowed for installation of a railroad siding at the property.
``If the auto industry in the Southeast becomes more interested in recycled products, which may happen, that would really boost the industry to another level,'' he said. ``We are happy with the supply right now, but when we get to the 100 million-pound level, we will have to be out there securing every piece of plastic we can find.''