Pennsylvania-based Ecore International has announced plans for a $25 million plant in Ozark. The firm specializes in making high-performance flooring and surface products from reclaimed materials.
“Ecore International is a great addition for Alabama’s business community, and its decision to locate an advanced manufacturing and recycling facility in Dale County will have a major economic impact on the rural area,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
Announcing the project, Ivey’s office noted that, “The privately held company is the largest converter of reclaimed rubber in North America, and its largest raw material is scrap truck tires.”
Ecore is transforming an existing building in Ozark into a plant to reclaim rubber from used truck tires, then use the rubber to make flooring and similar product.
The firm plans to hire 84 works with an average annual salary of almost $42,500.
“Since its inception, Ecore has transformed over 2 billion pounds of rubber waste into surfaces that make people’s lives better. All Ecore manufacturing facilities are certified ‘Zero Waste,’ amplifying the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Ecore CEO Art Dodge.
The company calculates that it recycled more than 100 million pounds of truck tires in 2021 — about a million tires’ worth — keeping it from landfills and illegal dumps.
“Ecore is a champion of sustainability, with a primary goal of creating products that improve lives and the environment,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.
Ozark and Dale County officials welcomed the news, saying the firm will attract workers to the area.
