Waste Recycling Company To Bring 1,400 Jobs To Okmulgee

By Craig Day, The News On 6

OKMULGEE, OK -- More than 1,000 jobs are on the way to a Green Country community. Okmulgee city leaders say they have hit a home run, landing a waste recycling company called Waste Not Technologies.

Within a month, ground will be broken on a new manufacturing campus at the industrial park south of Okmulgee. The company will invest $150 million at the site.

The company says it will eventually generate 1,400 jobs.

City leaders say it's a big win for the environment and for Okmulgee's economy.

"I would contend that this is the biggest project working in the entire state right now, and it's coming to Okmulgee, Oklahoma," said Brian Priegel, Okmulgee Mayor.

Destin, Florida-based Waste Not Technologies will take solid waste that would go to landfills, and turn 95 percent of it into eco-friendly products, things like shipping pallets and fiberboard for furniture and the construction industry.

The company will start with 700 jobs and will eventually expand to 1,400 jobs with an average salary of $31,000 each year.

It turns out the site in Okmulgee was exactly what the company was looking for: close proximity to a major highway, railroad access, city utilities and enough room with more than 200 acres.

"Now you have the opportunity for retail growth, you have the opportunity for housing growth, and influx of people. I think the main effect may be people don't have to drive to Tulsa for a job," said Bob Baxter, Okmulgee City Manager.

When it is fully operational, the facility will be able to process 3,000 tons of waste each day, which city leaders say is good for the environment and Okmulgee's economy.

"Most times you look at 100 jobs as being a huge success story for a community this size, and to go to 1,400 jobs is just amazing," said Bob Baxter.

"It's going to be a tremendous economic boost. We're going to feel the effects of this for a long time," said Brian Priegel.

Once construction begins later this year, it will take 18 months to two years to finish.