When it comes to innovative enterprises, being a fan before joining the team is a great way to do business. Jim Tocash, Vice President and General Manager for North America at Close the Loop, played the resource recovery game this way.
"I was in the printing business for 13 years, and was a customer of Close the Loop's collection and recycling services. I loved what they did and their model, and ended up working for them."
Close the Loop began in Australia in 2000. Over the last nine years, the company has enjoyed continuous expansion. Employees collect used toner bottles, inkjet and laser cartridges, and the like from any office's printing equipment, and turn them into new printers, cartridges, plastic lumber alternatives, and more. "Close the Loop" refers to the company's commitment to zero waste to landfill processing. Its recycling facilities are in Somerton, Australia and Hebron, Kentucky.
Tocash was part of the team that chose Hebron as an ideal spot for Close the Loop's North American operations. He would like for Northern Kentucky to become a corridor for resource recovery. "Businesses like ours--unique, based on technology, with a positive impact on the environment--tend to attract other like-minded businesses to the area."
Tocach is proud of the tangible difference his company makes in our community. "Our first year, we employed five people; our second year, fifteen. Currently, we employ 25 to 30 people. We spend millions on supplies, many of which come from local businesses, putting cash back in the community. "
Close the Loop is starting construction on Sancon, a joint venture in China; they also partner with Canada's Target Recycling for collection services. In the first quarter of 2010, Tocash expects Close the Loop will announce expansion into other lines of business.
The millions of cartridges that Close the Loop recycled this year have already made a sizable impact on our environment. Tocash looks forward to closing many more loops in the years to come.
Writer: Elena Stevenson
Source: Jim Tocash, Vice President and General Manager for North America, Close the Loop Incorporated