Franklin County issued the following press release:
Central Ohio can soon build green with local products. SWACO and RASTRA have broken ground on an $8.3-million facility at 2500 Jackson Pike which will produce RASTRA products. RASTRA is an insulated foam construction system that provides a permanent framework for a reinforced concrete grid which forms load-bearing walls and other components of a building. It is manufactured by grinding polystyrene (Styrofoam) and mixing it with cement.
SWACO Interim Executive Director Ron Mills hails the product as one with multiple advantages to Greater Columbus. "Central Ohio builders will soon have a local green alternative to traditional building methods, one that provides stability, strength, and energy savings. This is a prime example of how SWACO acts as a catalyst in Central Ohio to spur public/private projects of reduce, reuse and recycle. It is also brings benefits to taxpayers as Rastra"s use of polystyrene will save space at SWACO"s Franklin County landfill." Currently, polystyrene makes up about six per cent (6%) of what is sent to the landfill (annually 87,000 cubic yards by volume). Mills adds, "We can find new uses for what was once considered waste, and at the same time help build for the future."
This $8.3-million project is expected to bring create 47 jobs within 3 to 4 years. The project is funded in part by a $2-million loan from the Ohio Department of Development. "Demand for green energy alternatives is growing fast and Ohio is perfectly positioned to supply the ideas, the equipment, the processes the world needs-if we invest in our advanced energy future," says Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. SWACO and Rastra are taking the lead in green manufacturing and helping to advance the State by decreasing the reliance on our landfills while creating an environmentally friendly construction material that reduces energy costs.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is pleased to welcome the future jobs at Rastra to the City. "Recycling Styrofoam is a great way to save landfill space and to conserve raw materials. We look forward to working with SWACO and Rastra to make this a successful venture."
Rastra will be supported by a City of columbus jobs Creation Tax Credit of 65% for a period of 8 years in consideration of the company"s investment of $3.9 million in new personal property and the creation of new jobs "This is more than bringing good jobs to Columbus," says Charleta B. Tavares, Chair of the City Council Workforce Development Committee. "What we are celebrating today is that we can recruit a new business, improve our environment, recycle and extend the life of our landfill which will make a positive impact on Columbus for decades to come."
Rastra President Karl Holik is excited about the expansion of his Scottsdale, Arizona based company. "Rastra is well established in the western part United States. Our Columbus facility will be an important step to bring the benefits of the Rastra system to the rest of our country. This new location will enable Rastra to reach a high percentage of the U.S. population with lower transportation costs." We believe once builders become aware of the energy saving benefits and ease of construction of the Rastra system, our Columbus location will become a magnet for green builders."
Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown adds, "The expansion of Rastra in Franklin County will serve as a springboard for future environmentally friendly investments. The company"s efforts to recycle Styrofoam from our county"s landfill will protect our environment while creating innovative products and new jobs, which will spur economic growth."
"This is not about the color green; it"s about a new way of living," says Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks "I was very pleased to serve on the SWACO board last year when the state announced their support for this "green" business." It"s not just about keeping waste out of the landfill, but recycling otherwise wasted Styrofoam into a useful product of which Franklin County will be proud, while providing good "green collar" jobs for our future."
Rastra"s Columbus facility will produce about 3,500 square feet of wall per shift, which is enough material to construct a mid size house. After a short start up period there will be two shifts. The production will use in excess of one-million cubic feet of post consumer and post industrial polystyrene waste.
SWACO and Rastra have a long working relationship that started with the construction of "My House" at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In 2000, students from 63 schools across Franklin County collected their polystyrene lunch trays for recycling to help make the Rasta building panels for "My House."
SWACO is the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. We believe today"s throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow. In doing so, we act as a catalyst to bring "Smart Solutions for reducing waste to Central Ohio. SWACO also provides consumers recycling opportunities around Franklin County (Ohio) through 190 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, in Columbus City Schools, and other locations. We also operate the Franklin County Landfill, three transfer stations, and other programs. More on SWACO at www.swaco.org.
Rastra Corporation is a building products company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its mission is to provide products for the construction of sustainable and energy efficient buildings. The company"s insulated foam construction system is lightweight in composition and has a recycled content of 80%. Find Rastra on the worldwide web at www.rastra.com.
Quick Facts
Cost of the project is $8.3-million. $2-million of it is a loan from the state of Ohio. $4-million is in private financing, $2.3-million will come from Rastra.
Rastra will receive a City of Columbus Jobs Creation Tax Credit of 65% for a period of 8 years in consideration of the company"s investment of $3.9 million in new personal property and the creation of 47 new jobs.
RASTRA is an insulated foam construction system that provides a permanent framework for a reinforced concrete grid which forms load-bearing walls and other components of a building. It is manufactured by grinding polystyrene (Styrofoam) and mixing it with cement.
SWACO"s Franklin County Landfill currently receives 87,000 cubic yards of polystyrene annually. That is 6% of the landfill"s volume per year.
Rastra"s Columbus facility will produce about 3500 square feet of wall per shift, which is enough material to construct a mid size house. After a short start up period there will be two shifts at the facility.Contact: John Remy, 614/801-6410, 614/203 5966.
John Remy, 614/801-6410, 614/203 5966.
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