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people were provided workforce development and support services in 2023
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May 19, 2022
HydroBlox Technologies and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan announce plastic recycling partnership
PRESS RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, Pa. and MUSKEGON, Mich. — HydroBlox Technologies and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) announce a new joint venture in plastics recycling. Site selection and equipment provisioning for a new Muskegon-area manufacturing facility are currently underway.
“In keeping with Goodwill’s focus on sustainability and the triple-bottom line, we are excited to launch a new business line that diverts landfill-bound plastic, while also providing good-paying jobs,” GIWM President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer said.
Based in Pittsburgh, HydroBlox Technologies manufactures products that aid in stormwater drainage infrastructure and are made from 100% recycled plastic. Manufactured “planks” or “noodles” consist of high-strength, exceptionally porous plastic that can filter and direct the flow of water. They are used in road and trail projects, retaining walls, hydroponic farms, solar fields, green roofs, and other applications.
“We are thrilled to begin what I understand is a first-of-a-kind joint venture for Goodwill that will not only divert plastic from landfills, but bring new jobs and training opportunities,” said HydroBlox Technologies CEO Ed Grieser.
“HydroBlox checks all the boxes for us in terms of evaluating a new startup,” GIWM Business Development Director Nick Carlson said. “Recycling unwanted plastic into useful, environmentally friendly stormwater products will reduce Goodwill landfill fees, provide good jobs, while generating revenue to support Goodwill employment and training programs.”
HydroBlox Technologies uses low-grade, commingled, and mixed color plastic that typically gets landfilled. The manufacturing process uses no glue, binders, or any hazardous materials in the process. Additionally, the process does not exhaust fumes or wastewater. The core product is a plank, that when buried in the ground, transports water without the typical problems of becoming impacted with silt, sand, or soil. Planks are used for drainage, road bases, retaining walls, hydroponics, solar fields, and many other applications. Additionally, HydroBlox’s green roof product allows for plant growth without soil.
“What separates HydroBlox from virtually every other ‘green’ product or recycling facility is that we have properly commercialized the output from our conversion technology,” Grieser said. “In other words, the output of our planks and noodles out-perform the existing products we are replacing at a lower cost. Customers may buy HydroBlox products because they believe in recycling, but they return as repeat customers because of our product performance.”
For more information on HydroBlox Technologies, visit www.hydroblox.com
Employee Spotlight: Manika Banks
As receptionist, Manika is the first person people see when they walk in the door. Her caring demeanor helps clients and participants feel at ease.
Manika expresses, “I love the people I meet every day working at Goodwill. I enjoy having the opportunity to directly impact lives and change the outcome of someone’s day for the better.”
Achievers of the Year
At the Achievers Awards we celebrate community members who overcame adversity through the power of work, and the employers who supported them.
Success Story: Billy
Billy walked through the doors seeking work specifically in the janitorial field. Billy’s biggest obstacle to employment was lack of work experience but he was determined and eager to begin receiving a regular paycheck.
“He steps up to help teammates when they are struggling and is always seeking ways to improve efficiency,” says Goodwill Janitorial Manager Amy Cumings.
Hoyer receives international sustainability award
Goodwill President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer receives the prestigious Goodwill Industries International Sustainability Champion Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to advancing sustainable practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.
Goodwill awarded Barrier Removal and Employment Success grant
Goodwill was recently awarded a $568,595 Barrier Removal and Employment Success (BRES) grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to provide vocational certificate training in HVAC, forklift, and customer service.
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Make a difference! Help working people claim and keep all the refunds they are entitled to.
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Call 231-722-7871, ext. 8482 for more information.
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