Metal Recycler Announces Sale of North Chicago Scrap Yard Facility

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Chicago-based metals recycling company General Iron Industries Inc. has announced strategic partnership with Cleveland-based Reserve Management Group (RMG). The alliance has decided to sell General Iron’s controversial 21.5 acre scrap yard located along Clybourn Avenue and move out to a new RMG site in City’s Southeast Side. Residents have been demanding relocation of the yard, citing alleged release of contaminants including Lead and Freon.

The news release issued by the alliance states that they have started discussions with Chicago authorities to begin the transition process. General Iron has already hired brokerage Jones Lang LaSalle to seek buyer for the scrap yard. It plans to vacate the site in 2020 and move to an enclosed metal shredder facility to be built at RMG’s Calumet region location. The new operation will offer better job and business opportunities in the Calumet region, while promoting environmental health and safety.

According to news release, the operations and management offices at General Iron’s current location will continue to operate during the transition period.

Marilyn Labkon, president of General Iron hoped that the company will be able to continue offering critical recycling services upon full transition of its business to the new state-of-the-art facility. Meantime, Steve Joseph, CEO of RMG stated that the company is excited to join forces with General Iron to expand its value and expertise to the benefit of surrounding communities. The strategic partnership between the two companies will create unique capabilities, Labkon added.

Neighbors at the existing 1909 N. Clifton Ave. site along the eastern edge of Chicago River have long been demanding relocation of the plant to alternate location alleging toxic particulate emission, significant noise levels and regular explosions at the facility.