Strategic Materials Inc. announced the expansion of its North American manufacturing footprint by opening a new, state-of-the-art glass processing plant in Delavan, Wisc. 

The company says it build the new facility in response to the state’s need to increase glass recycling. The 125,000-sq.-ft. facility sits on 15 acres and is expected to begin production this month. 

The Delavan location will replace the company’s East Troy, Wisc., facility and will retain nearly all of its existing employees.

The city of Delevan was chosen by the company in partnership with state recycling organizations including AROW (Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin), SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America Badger Chapter) and WCSWARA (Wisconsin Counties Solid Waste Manager Association), as a centralized location to help defray material recovery facility (MRF) logistic costs in transporting glass from the state’s most densely populated cities. 

The state of Wisconsin estimates at least 121,000 tons of available glass in the recycling stream annually.

“We are delighted to provide a solution to the state of Wisconsin for glass recycling,” Strategic Materials President and CEO Denis Suggs said in a statement. “Our new facility was built to better serve not only our customers, but also our suppliers; We’ve nearly doubled our capacity, and are able meet end-market demand - with a higher quality product. We applaud the state of Wisconsin for their progressive stance on glass recycling, and willingness to collaborate with us to benefit the state, the environment, and the local economy.  We hope other states will follow their lead.”