Argyle, N.Y.-based Adirondack Plastics & Recycling Inc. is extending its reach to the Southwest, opening a new facility under the banner of Valley Plastics & Paper Recycling Inc. in McAllen, Texas.
``Right now we've hired seven people — all but one in production, and we pretty much do the same as we do New York. We hope to participate in the post-industrial plastics recycling and paper market,'' said John Aspland, founder and president of Adirondack, in a telephone interview.
``Little by little we hope to convince the local manufacturers that the services are needed and we service both sides of the border,'' he added.
Adirondack operates plastics and paper recycling operations in Argyle and Fort Edwards, N.Y.
Aspland said the Texas site was chosen after comparing its advantages with those in South Carolina. He was impressed by the number of manufacturing and distribution sites in Texas and Mexico. He credited officials in McAllen with helping the firm find the right location.
The new company, Valley Plastics & Paper Recycling, got its start early in 2008 and currently is located in 20,000 square feet of space in an area designated as a foreign trade zone. Aspland plans to double the space in the coming months by taking over another 20,000 square foot in the same building.
The firm has grinding capabilities, with a metal detector and elutriation system. A second grind line will be placed in the new space. Aspland said the equipment can handle bulky plastic parts.
Adirondack was cited in May by the Syracuse chapter of the Small Business Administration as Small Business Exporter of the Year.