News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren County is exploring the option to allow its recycling center to be converted into a factory.
Mayor Greg Wilson said a manufacturing company will is searching for space across the state. The company wished to remain anonymous during the initial phase of its search. Wilson said the company is looking for a 10-year lease and would bring 30 jobs to Van Buren County.
Wilson said the decision makes sense because recycling is not a moneymaker for the community.
“Recycling virtually brings in nothing,” Wilson said. “I mean, it’s pennies on the dollar to what it used to be. They’re looking trough just about the entire state. We just happen to be the only one in the Upper Cumberland they’re looking at.”
Wilson said the company is tentatively scheduled to come look at the facility July 9.
“It’s no guarantee they’re coming,” Wilson said. “We’re just going to show them what we have. We went through Economic Community Development and MTIDA and worked up a presentation for them. They sent it to them and that’s as far as I’ve gotten with it. It’s in their hands as far as that goes.”
Wilson said he believes the recycling building can be better utilized as a factory that creates new jobs for the community.
The Van Buren County Commission voted unanimously to give Wilson authority to pursue the deal last week.
