Computer recycler opening Hagerstown facility

September 01, 1999|By SCOTT BUTKI

A New Hampshire-based company that refurbishes and recycles old computers is opening a facility in Hagerstown, initially creating at least 20 jobs.

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DMC Electronics Recycling Corp. ultimately could employ up to 100 people for assembly, shipping and warehouse work, said Tim Troxell, assistant director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission.

Gary DiRusso, DMC Electronics chief operating officer, is in town this week to interview candidates for the first 20 jobs. The number of jobs could increase to 50 within a year but it would be a few years before the number would reach 100, DiRusso said in a telephone conversation from his hotel room.

The entry-level jobs start at $10 an hour but most of the positions pay more, he said.

DMC Electronics is leasing from Bowman Development 100,000 square feet of space in the Bowman-Newgate Building in Hagerstown. The 360,000-square-foot building on Hopewell Road opened in January.

The company will begin moving in immediately, Troxell said.

The company takes apart old computers, sells some of the parts and uses some to make new computers, Troxell said. This is a way to ensure the equipment is not thrown into landfills, he said.

The Hagerstown location will be the first one outside of the company's Newfields, N.H., headquarters. About 75 people work at that site.

"We looked at many and various communities and chose Hagerstown because of its great location, terrific interstate access, good available workplace, low cost of doing business and its quality of life. We were really struck at how the county welcomed our company with open arms," DiRusso said.

The company believes that outdated computer equipment can be reused, he said. The company sells the rebuilt computers to government agencies and private companies and recycles the rest, he said.

"Since this is a growth industry, and DMC has shown growth during its last few years, we're pleased to hear that the company plans to add employees in the near future," said EDC Chairwoman Suzanne Hayes.

"This is a good news story all the way around. DMC is truly environmentally friendly, it's high-tech, the jobs are good-paying positions and the company plans on expanding. The company will be doing actual recycling here and some sales fulfillment and distribution," Hayes said.

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