Galesburg.com
Aluminum Castings Corp.ready to relocate if expansion denied
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
Aluminum Castings Corp. President Bret Markum said his company will be ready to answer to the city’s concerns over the proposed expansion of its manufacturing facilities. And if the city doesn’t decide to allow a conditional use of the light industry zoning clause to allow Aluminum Castings to increase production in its existing warehouse, Markum said the company could relocate.
The first reading of a City Council resolution that would allow Aluminum Castings to produce heavy industrial work in its building zoned for light industrial was met with opposition by an alderman and citizens, although it was recommended for approval by City Manager Todd Thompson.
Alderman Peter Schwartzman, Ward 5, said increased production could equate to increased emissions that would be harmful to children in close proximity to the plant and also to the downtown district. A local businessman said the city should help Aluminum Castings relocate away from downtown.
Markum said he would not entertain the idea to relocate in Galesburg. He said the company has invested a lot of money in its current site, including a $1 million piece of equipment to modernize the facility. Aluminum Castings’ parent company, Alcast Co., is in Peoria. Markum said from a financial standpoint it would make sense to relocate there if they cannot expand the operation at 340 S. Kellogg St.
Markum said concerns over emissions and pollution are overblown and that his company employs an environmental consulting firm that ensures the facility is up to date on Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards. He said the primary materials used in the main molding process are sand, clay and water.
“It’s alarming that the alderman would insinuate that we’re putting something in the air that would be harmful to children or anyone else. Being good neighbors is good for business,” Markum said. “I’m confident we’ll answer all the council’s questions and we look forward to employing more people in Galesburg.”
Aluminum Castings has planed a $2 million expansion of their facility that Markum said would possibly increase their workforce closer to 50 employees. Markum said the plant currently employs 30, up from 26 employees in February.
The council will continue to hear comments and debate the issue at its June 18 meeting.
The first reading of a City Council resolution that would allow Aluminum Castings to produce heavy industrial work in its building zoned for light industrial was met with opposition by an alderman and citizens, although it was recommended for approval by City Manager Todd Thompson.
Alderman Peter Schwartzman, Ward 5, said increased production could equate to increased emissions that would be harmful to children in close proximity to the plant and also to the downtown district. A local businessman said the city should help Aluminum Castings relocate away from downtown.
Markum said he would not entertain the idea to relocate in Galesburg. He said the company has invested a lot of money in its current site, including a $1 million piece of equipment to modernize the facility. Aluminum Castings’ parent company, Alcast Co., is in Peoria. Markum said from a financial standpoint it would make sense to relocate there if they cannot expand the operation at 340 S. Kellogg St.
Markum said concerns over emissions and pollution are overblown and that his company employs an environmental consulting firm that ensures the facility is up to date on Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards. He said the primary materials used in the main molding process are sand, clay and water.
“It’s alarming that the alderman would insinuate that we’re putting something in the air that would be harmful to children or anyone else. Being good neighbors is good for business,” Markum said. “I’m confident we’ll answer all the council’s questions and we look forward to employing more people in Galesburg.”
Aluminum Castings has planed a $2 million expansion of their facility that Markum said would possibly increase their workforce closer to 50 employees. Markum said the plant currently employs 30, up from 26 employees in February.
The council will continue to hear comments and debate the issue at its June 18 meeting.
Tagged with:Aluminium casting
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