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SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS (WWLP) Belgian based Socaplast has decided that Springfield, Massachusetts will be its U.S. headquarters. The announcement was made in Mayor Domenic Sarno's office on Wednesday morning. The business will bring 15 news jobs and a $3.4 million dollar investment to Springfield. Socaplast will set up their new US headquarters in Solutia Park where they can work closely with the Solutia business. Socaplast recycles polyvinylbutyral, a type of plastic that is used in laminate glass to increase strength and safety in everyday items you rely on, like the windshield of your car. Since Solutia produces this special laminate glass (called Saflex), now the recycler will be housed in the same facility. This is great news for increasing recycling efficiency, cutting back on costs, and eliminating fuel consumption due to transportation. Socaplast anticipates the new facility running by this May. Written by 22News Green Team Reporter
Shiri Spear

SPRINGFIELD - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and economic development officials yesterday praised plans by a Belgian company to open a recycling facility in Indian Orchard, investing $3.4 million and creating about 15 full-time jobs. Socaplast USA, expects to begin operations in May, in a warehouse at the Solutia Inc. business park at 730 Worcester St., set to become its United States headquarters. Raf van der Perre, chief executive officer of Socaplast Belgium, was among officials participating in yesterday's announcement at City Hall. Socaplast will provide recycling services for Solutia relating to laminated glass foil and trimmings, and has also started to make arrangements with other local businesses including Adams & Ruxton Construction, T.J. Conway & Co. and Industrial Transfer & Storage, Inc., officials said. Sarno said the company's choice of Springfield contributes to the rebirth of the city's economic base while also fitting in with the city's focus on environmentally sensitive business ventures. "This newly acquired green credential will go a great distance as Springfield works toward an identification that is eco-friendly and nationally recognized," Sarno said in a prepared statement. "And with its creation of 15 jobs, it is going to have an immediate and tangible impact on this city's economy and the well-being of its citizens." Representatives of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts and city officials worked with Socaplast to encourage its decision to locate here, including connecting the company's staff with state agencies, officials said. Allan W. Blair, president of the Economic Development Council, said the location is mutually beneficial to Solutia and Socaplast "while benefiting the region through new investment and job creation." The Economic Development Council has been working on an international business development initiative for approximately eight months, said Michael J. Graney, the council's senior vice-president of business development. Socaplast is the first company to make a commitment to come to the region under the initiative, Graney said. "They could have picked Mexico but they chose Springfield," Graney said. Socaplast has focused its operations on polyvinylbutyral (PVB), a special plastic used to make laminated glass. It has developed a technique to recycle PVB foil and trimmings, which are cut off during the lamination process, officials said. The process fits with Solutia, which makes the a material used in automobile glass at its Indian Orchard plant, officials said.
By PETER GOONAN