News Summary
Jena Metals in Louisiana has upgraded its recycling operations by investing in ZB Group’s advanced THOR-1616-K hammermill. This nearly $1 million investment increases productivity and improves the quality of processed scrap materials, helping the company meet market standards. With the new hammermill, Jena Metals can process 20 tonnes per hour, enhancing operational efficiency and attracting mills looking for higher-quality inputs.
Jena, Louisiana Streamlines Recycling with New Hammermill Technology
Jena Metals, a family-owned recycling business in Louisiana, has significantly enhanced its operations by investing in ZB Group’s THOR-1616-K hammermill, a move that is poised to bolster efficiency in processing scrap materials. The transition to this advanced equipment allowed the company to improve the cleanliness and density standards of materials coming out of the recycling process.
Led by owner Chad Smith, Jena Metals processes approximately 1,000 tonnes of various types of scrap material each month. During his 13 years at the helm of the business, Smith has encountered challenges in ensuring that the output from his facility met market premium standards. Initially, the company employed a twin-shaft shredder for its operations. However, Smith discovered that this equipment was inadequate in producing sufficiently clean and dense scrap, leading to complaints from mills regarding the quality of the output. After three years of grappling with these issues, he recognized the necessity of upgrading the equipment to meet market demands.
In pursuit of a suitable alternative, Smith researched potential solutions and came across ZB Group, a reputable company specializing in shredding and crushing equipment. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, ZB Group first introduced mobile hammermill shredders to the North American market in 2013, making them a well-regarded choice for scrapyards. Smith reached out to the company after viewing product videos online, where he appreciated their commitment to effective service and product integrity.
Game-Changing Investment
The transition to the THOR-1616-K hammermill represented a crucial investment for Jena Metals, costing just over US$ 1 million. This new equipment has proven to be a game-changer for Smith’s operations, resulting in a substantial increase in productivity. Jena Metals is now able to process 20 tonnes per hour with densities approaching 340 kg/m², which significantly enhances the value of the shredded output.
One of the key advantages of the hammermill is its ability to produce high-quality shred materials instead of merely HMS heavy melting steel. Smith can now charge a premium price for his processed materials, drawing attention from mills that demand higher-quality inputs. Furthermore, the hammermill enables Smith’s operation to recover precious non-ferrous metals effectively, aligning with his goal of improving shredding processes.
Operational Efficiency and Service Support
The switch to the hammermill also allowed for reduced wear on the existing twin-shaft shredder, thereby prolonging its lifespan and functionality. In addition to its enhanced performance, Jena Metals benefits from ZB Group’s spare parts and service facility located in Atlanta, Georgia. This geographic proximity alleviates concerns over after-sales support and maintenance, a common issue for many recycling facilities. The positive feedback from other customers regarding the support teams in both Spain and Atlanta further assures Smith of having reliable service backing his investment.
As Smith continues to reap the benefits of his new hammermill, he encourages other small and medium-sized scrapyards facing similar operational challenges to investigate ZB Group’s technological solutions. The THOR-1616-K hammermill shows immense promise for enhancing efficiency in recycling processes, especially for businesses aiming to meet escalating market standards.
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