Exurban confirmed plans to create up to 200 jobs in Fort Wayne with the construction of a zero-waste recycling facility for electronic scrap metals. The company was responding to a lawsuit that challenges the development.
The new facility and company headquarters will be sited on 77 acres of industrial property, zoned I-2, at the intersection of Adams Center and Paulding Roads in Fort Wayne. The facility is projected to create high value employment, with full benefits and average pay totaling $50,000 to $75,000/year. The estimated annual payroll is over $10 million. The plant will set new standards for environmental performance, producing zero waste. Total project and construction investment are estimated to be between $350 million and $400 million. After conducting a public hearing on October 10, 2022, the Fort Wayne Planning Commission approved a development plan and height variances on October 17, 2022. The company plans to be fully operational by Q1 2025.
Last week a lawsuit was filed in Allen County Superior Court challenging the Planning Commission approval. The lawsuit asks the court to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision and stop the project. Exurban believes the challenge is without merit and efforts are under way to determine if a reasonable resolution can be reached in a timely manner.
Wes Adams, co-founder of Exurban Indiana, LLC said, "Exurban remains committed to and excited about bringing this world-class, zero-waste metals recycling project to NE Indiana. This investment will create employment and make Fort Wayne a world-wide leader in renewable metals production."
John Urbahns, President and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne, Inc, comments, “Exurban’s plan to invest in our community is a significant capital investment that will enhance the tax base of Allen County. In addition to the investment, the planned jobs are well above the current average wage within the region. We look forward to working with Exurban to ensure quality development in the community.”
Improper disposal of electronic scrap metal is a major challenge for the country and our environment. Exurban offers a compelling solution to this growing problem.
"We appreciate that new solutions to difficult problems cause folks to ask questions, and to seek a better understanding of our process and we welcome that,” said Adams. He added, “In the coming months we will do more to familiarize the community with how we have designed a recycling process that allows us to recover critical electronic metals without generating any waste, while providing high paying jobs and tax revenue. Exurban is committed to being a good neighbor and cooperate citizen of Northeast Indiana, and we look forward to being a part of your community. We greatly appreciate the support and encouragement we have already received. More to come.”
