BUSINESS/ORGANIZATIONAL BRIEFS

Casella Waste Takes Next Step in Old Town Landfill Transaction

Rutland, VT— Casella Waste Systems, Inc. along with the State of Maine and Georgia-Pacific, has closed on transactions pursuant to which the State takes ownership of Georgia-Pacific’s Old Town landfill and Casella Waste Systems becomes the facility’s operator.

The transactions are the next steps in a course of action established by the Maine state legislature when it authorized the state last spring to purchase the Old Town landfill and select an operator to run the facility, company officials said.

Under the terms of the transactions, Casella Waste Systems will pay the state, and the state will in turn pay Georgia-Pacific, $12.5 million in cash and $13.5 million in letters of credit, which become payable upon the issuance of an expansion permit for an additional 7 million cubic yards of commercial capacity. The state will own the site and Casella Waste Systems will have a 30-year operating agreement.

Bush Supports Great Lakes Cleanup

Detroit, MI— President Bush’s 2005 budget proposal will include an unprecedented $45 million for the cleanup of contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes system. The increase in Great Lakes Legacy Act funding was announced by EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt while visiting Belle Isle, an island park in the Detroit River, which is one of 31 heavily polluted “Areas of Concern.”

The $45 million will be used to start or further the cleanup of 4 to 6 of the “Areas of Concern,” sediment that is heavily contaminated with PCBs, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The request is a $35 million increase over 2004 Legacy Act funding.

“This major increase in funding demonstrates the President’s commitment to preserving and protecting these Great Lakes,” Administrator Leavitt said.

“Accelerating the cleanup of these contaminated areas will help keep the pollution from moving out into the lakes where cleanup becomes dramatically more difficult.”

EPA will work with states, tribes and other stakeholders to identify sites that will receive money for cleanup.

Maine Joins South Carolina in Environmental Software Program

Augusta, ME— Maine and South Carolina have signed a five-year agreement to share an environmental information system with an expected development cost savings between $100,000 and $300,000 per year, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) reported. “This joint venture will allow the states of Maine and South Carolina to establish new and innovative information management capabilities and at the same time save monies for taxpayers of both states by cooperatively sharing work-product and software”, said David P. Littell Maine DEP’s Deputy Commissioner. “The pact between the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control will benefit both states by serving as the framework for future additions and updates to the existing information system,” according to Robert W. King, DHEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Quality Control.

June Conference Focuses on Scrap Tire Reuse Options

Washington, DC— The tire industry and state environmental officials want to improve ways of putting old tires to new uses.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will jointly host the 2nd Heartlands Regional Tire Management Conference, June 2-4, 2004, at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. 

The conference will focus on scrap tire issues in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Arkansas and Minnesota. 

The conference will feature presentations on participating states’ regulatory and legislative programs, as well as the major markets for scrap tires: rubber modified asphalt, civil engineering, coarse rubber and tire-derived fuel.  Other expected topics include tire baling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation Challenge and best practices on stockpile abatement.

RecycleNet Realizes a 43% Web Traffic Increase

Salt Lake City, UT— RecycleNet Corporation announced a substantial increase in online network traffic during 2003.

Recycle Net (www.recycle.net) operates a web-based trading platform for recyclable industrial materials such as glass, metal, rubber, paper, wood and plastic, along with used vehicles and equipment. Generators, brokers, dealers, processors and consumers use Recycle-Net’s trading websites to buy, sell and trade recyclable materials and used items.

The company reported 66.5 million page views over the course of 2003, a 43% increase over the number of page views in 2002, and 1.8 million website visitors per month from over 150 countries worldwide. RecycleNet also reported a total of 188 million page views since the launch of the network in 1995.

"RecycleNet's unique role is to provide global, online access to the growing market of recyclable materials," said Paul Roszel, Chairman and CEO of RecycleNet Corporation. "Our record network traffic is an indication of the incredible success we have achieved in this enterprise.

Sonoco Raises Paperboard Prices

Hartsville, SC— Sonoco will raise prices on uncoated recycled paperboard by $50 per ton effective March 1, 2004.

Mr. Jim Bowen, senior vice president, Global Paper Operations, indicated “Market conditions over the past few years have not allowed us to recover mounting energy, insurance, healthcare and pension costs, all of which remain high. In addition, we are now seeing increasing recovered paper costs, characterized by escalating spot price increases in all regions well in excess of published prices. While our productivity and cost-cutting initiatives have helped us maintain prices, we cannot continue to absorb this combination of cost pressures.”

Presentation Submissions Welcome

Arlington, VA— The Polyurethane’s Recycle and Recovery Council (PURRC) is making a call for papers for its annual conference, scheduled for October 18-20 in Las Vegas.

PURRC’s annual conference attracts more than 1,000 attendees and exhibitors. At last year’s conference, two papers on polyurethane foam recycling technology won best paper awards.

Persons interested in presenting at the show are asked to submit a 100-500 word abstract describing the presentation. The abstracts are due March 15.

Previous recycling topics have included automotive shredder residue, energy recovery, recycling education, mattress recycling, markets for recycled goods, and new equipment for recycling processes.

Appliance Recycling Centers of America Enters Contract with Electric Company

Minneapolis, MN— Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. announced it has signed a contract with Southern California Edison Company (Edison) to handle appliance recycling operations in Edison’s service territory under California’s Statewide Residential Appliance Recycling Program for the years 2004 and 2005.

ARCA said it expects to recycle approximately 70,000 old but working refrigerators and freezers during each year of the two-year contract. The new contract is effective January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005.

AK Steel Sets World Casting Record

Middleton, OH— AK Steel said employees at its Middletown, Ohio steel plant have set a world record for consecutive heats of carbon steel cast on a two strand continuous caster. In a sequence that began on December 28, 2003, crews at Middletown Works cast 1,354 consecutive heats of steel. The sequence was ended on February 5, 2004 for a planned maintenance outage.

“Achieving a world casting record is an extraordinary performance by AK Steel employees,” said James L. Wainscott, president and chief executive officer of AK Steel. “My congratulations go to each Middletown Works employee who contributed to this record-setting effort.”

Caster employees worked accident-free during the record-breaking run. During the sequence, the shop produced 300,588 tons of carbon steel slabs. Employees in the maintenance, transportation and blast furnace departments also contributed to the record performance.

Metals USA Reports Profitable Fourth Quarter

Houston, TX— Metals USA, Inc. announced results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2003.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2003 was $2.6 million, or $0.13 per share. For the full 2003 year, net income was $7.5 million, or $0.37 per share. Net income and earnings per share comparisons for the same periods last year have not been presented due to the significance of that year's adjustments, primarily fresh-start accounting, reorganization expenses and the reorganization gain aggregating $52.6 million (pre-tax), which were recognized upon the successor entity's emergence from Chapter 11.

Sales for the fourth quarter of 2003 were $249.5 million, compared to a combined amount for the successor and predecessor company of $229.2 million for 2002. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2003 was $4.0 million, compared to a combined operating loss for the successor and predecessor company of ($11.5) million for 2002.

Galbreath Offers Free Waste Stream Analysis

Winimac, IN— Galbreath, Inc. now offers customers a free waste stream analysis when purchasing Galbreath waste handling, recycling, and environmental equipment.

The waste stream analysis includes an on-site visit and consultation by a Galbreath waste professional that will make equipment recommendations based on a customer’s specific needs and applications. The on-site consultation is followed up by a written proposal with estimated costs and savings. In addition to equipment purchases, the company offers lease and rental programs. The waste stream analysis is offered free of charge. More information on the new program is available by calling 800-285-0666.

Scozzafava Joins Keep America Beautiful's Board

Stamford, CT— Ralph Scozzafava, vice president & managing director of the North American and Pacific businesses for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of confectionery products, has been named to the national board of directors of Keep America Beautiful®, Inc. it was announced last week at the Keep America Beautiful board of directors’ meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mr. Scozzafava will assume the board seat of former Wrigley senior vice president, Americas Gary McCullough, who recently joined the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories as its senior vice president.

Peterson Pacific Produces 1,000th Machine

Eugene, OR— Peterson celebrated the production of the company’s 1,000th machine - a model 4700 horizontal recycler, sold to Pioneer Machinery of Columbia, South Carolina. Pioneer has been a successful, long-time Peterson distributor in the U.S. Southeast states.

The 4700, Peterson’s newest horizontal recycler, is designed for high volume contractors looking for a mid-sized machine. Like the other machines in Peterson’s line of recyclers, the 4700 utilizes a patented upswing three-stage grinding process. The quick change multiple grate system and the Peterson Smart Control system further enhance the flexibility and performance of this new recycler. For more information, visit www.petersoncorp.com.

American Iron and Steel Institute Elects Chairman

The Board of Directors of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has elected David Sutherland, president and chief executive officer, IPSCO Inc., to a one-year term as chairman.

Sutherland succeeds Daniel R. DiMicco, vice chairman, president and CEO, Nucor Corporation, who served as chairman of AISI throughout 2003 and will serve this year as a vice chairman of the Institute. The Board has also elected to one-year terms as vice chairmen of the Institute the following: Guillermo F. Vogel, H., vice chairman of the Board, Tubos de Acero de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; and Thomas J. Usher, chairman and CEO, United States Steel Corporation.

David Sutherland joined IPSCO in 1977, and has worked in all operating areas of the company – steel, coil processing, and tubulars, in both manufacturing and sales.  In April 2000, Sutherland moved to the operational headquarters of IPSCO in Lisle, Illinois, and was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer in April 2001.

Sutherland holds directorships with the Canadian Steel Producers Association, and the International Iron and Steel Institute and is also a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

Link-Belt Adds Distributor

Lexington, KY— LBX Company, makers of Link-Belt Earthmoving, Forestry and Material Handling Equipment, has announced the appointment of Hoss Equipment Company in Irving, Texas as a new authorized distributor of Link-Belt excavators, articulated trucks, wheel loaders and material handlers for the northern counties of Texas.

Hoss Equipment is a leading heavy construction and mining equipment distributor globally. The company offers sales, rentals, parts, and service to the heavy highway construction, mass excavation, landfill, aggregate, quarry, coal mining, and precious metals mining segments.

Dabasinkas Joins Autocar

In an effort to enhance Autocar’s ability to serve its growing customer base, the company has appointed J. R. “Dabo” Dabasinkas to the position of director of product distribution.

Mr. Dabasinkas joins Autocar from Trucks & Parts of Tampa, Florida and Paris, Ohio. He has extensive experience in running heavy truck and automotive businesses and has over 20 years of experience with Caterpillar.

Maine Plastics Opens New Michigan Facility

Schoolcraft, MI— Maine Plastics, Inc. has opened a 51,000 sq.ft. processing plant and warehouse in Schoolcraft, Michigan. The plant will serve automotive suppliers and other plastic manufacturing companies in the area and in surrounding states.

The plant employs 15 people and features three granulators, a baler, and sortation systems.

“We need to be located near our sources of supply”, stated Robert Render, president. “We want suppliers and customers to know that we will go where they are to provide the services and support they require.”

Maine Plastics, Inc. operates a 200,000 sq.ft. processing plant and warehouse in North Chicago, Illinois with 80 employees.

Waste Industries Makes Two Acquisitions

Raleigh, NC— Waste Industries USA, Inc. announced the acquisition of L & M Sanitation. Founded in 1988, L & M Sanitation provides private residential subscription services to eastern North Carolina.

Waste Industries also announced the acquisition of All American Waste Management, Inc., a residential and recycling services provider in the northern metro Atlanta market.

Castille Named Secretary for Department of Environmental Protection

Tallahassee— Governor Jeb Bush named Colleen Castille as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Castille currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). She began her new duties as DEP secretary on February 27.

Under her leadership DCA continues to offer technical assistance to local governments and residents while supervising community growth, environmental assessment, disaster planning, community revitalization as well as comprehensive planning and affordable housing. Secretary Castille has worked to bring local government support for improved wastewater management, land conservation acquisition, and the protection of natural habitat in the Florida Keys. She was also appointed by Governor Bush to the Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee, where she served as vice chair.

Before being appointed to DCA, Castille served as chief cabinet aide to Governor Bush and specialized in environmental matters. She researched and helped develop Cabinet policy regarding Local Government Comprehensive Plans, Areas of Critical State Concern, Developments of Regional Impact, water-use Disputes, and Community Development Districts.

In 1988 Castille joined newly elected Insurance Commissioner Tom Gallagher’s office and was eventually promoted to senior cabinet aide. In 1995, she joined Education Commissioner Frank Brogan’s office as chief cabinet aide. In 1999, Governor Bush recruited Castille to join his leadership team as chief cabinet aide.

Wastequip May Fab Offers Repair and Refurbishing

Brookhaven, MS— Wastequip May Fab now offers repair and refurbishing services at its Houston service center. The new May Fab refurbishment facility specializes in repairing front, rear, and side load containers, compactors, and hoists.

In addition to repair services, the center also stocks new equipment including front and rear load containers, roll-off containers, compactor receiver containers, stationary and self-contained compactors, hoists, and aftermarket parts.

The May Fab Houston facility is located at 4000 Oates Road in Houston, Texas and can be contacted by calling 866-264-0997.

IMCO Recycling Announces Exchange Offer for Senior Secured Notes

Irving, TX— IMCO Recycling Inc. has commenced an offer to exchange up to $210 million principal amount of its 10 3/8% Senior Secured Notes, Series B, due 2010, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, for a like amount of its existing 10 3/8% Senior Secured Notes, Series A, due 2010, which had been issued on October 6, 2003 in a transaction exempt from registration. The exchange offer is being made under the terms and conditions contained in the company’s prospectus dated February 6, 2004. The exchange notes will be identical in all substantial respects to the original notes being exchanged, except that the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes generally do not apply to the exchange notes.

The exchange offer and associated withdrawal rights expires at 5:00 p.m. (EST) on March 8, 2004, unless extended.