Dive Brief:
- Metals recycler MAIREC, based in Alzenau, Germany, is investing $4.6 million to establish its first U.S. recycling operation in Spartanburg, SC, where it's leasing a 50,800-square-foot facility.
- MAIREC specializes in the recovery of high-valued rare metals from recycled goods. It has customers in the automotive, chemical, electronics, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, solar, surface technology, and telecommunications industries.
- The company expects to create 35 jobs over the next five years.
Dive Insight:
The operation will allow MAIREC to meet a growing demand in both the North American and global markets. "Being present in North America and servicing this market is a major milestone for our company, and we are glad to be able to bring our technology and know-how and combine it with the business-friendly and open environment of South Carolina," MAIREC President Mikhail Khaimov told Waste 360.
Precious metals recycling has spurred an increase of acquisitions in the market. Metallix Refining Inc. acquired a precious metals recycling facility in Maxton, NC, in June from Umicore Precious Metals Recycling. And in 2013, Highlight Networks Inc., which focuses on precious metals refining from electronic waste, bought Acme Electronic Recycling LLC.