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Local recycling company acquires first CAT 365C rotating shear on West Coast, increases employment by 20%, will handle scrap for Tractor Trade-in Program

Modesto, CA - May 18, 2011-

Modesto Junk Company, Inc. once again shows its mettle as a leader in the scrap metal recycling industry.

Caterpillar 365C rotating shear is first out West!

The downtown Modesto company has just purchased a brand new Caterpillar, Inc. brand 'Scrap & Demolition 365C' rotating shear. The shear is the first of its kind on the West Coast of the United States, a showcase installation for both Modesto Junk Company and Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT).

The rotating shear provides for increased efficiency amongst Modesto Junk Company's four on-site CAT excavators. It enables the operator to do more work in a faster time without having to reposition while cutting and handling scrap material. According to Juan Rodriguez, the Modesto Junk Company employee who operates the new rotating shear, it takes 50% - 75% less time to cut up the material compared to the older (non-rotating) traditional shear, which has been replaced by the state of the art device.

The shear rotates a full 360 degrees in either direction in under eight seconds, and attaches to a newer 70,000 pound CAT 330DL excavator, also purchased from CAT/Holt of California.

Employee staff grows by 20%

Accompanying this latest equipment upgrade at its two acre site in downtown Modesto (9th and N Streets). Modesto Junk Company has been adding new jobs locally. Amidst some tough economic conditions during the past two years, the Company has increased it's staff employment during this time period from twenty-five (25) to thirty (30) persons, resulting in a 20% staff size increase.

Accelerating its leadership in the scrap meta industry with the finest equipment and a customer-focused staff, Modesto Junk Company handles a growing variety of scrap items in the Central California marketplace including: ferrous metals (iron/steel, tin and appliances); non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper, lead, stainless steel); California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage containers (aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles), auto batteries and cardboard.

Local economic stimulus through Tractor Trade-in Replacement Program

In addition to the new equipment and hiring additions, Modesto Junk Company has been awarded rights to assist farmers, ranchers, and others in the agricultural business through the Tractor Trade-in Replacement Program, by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). The SJVAPCD works to improve air quality in the Valley, and reducing emissions is key to that end result. With the goal of the tractor replacement program to get older, higher air-polluting off road agricultural equipment out of the operation, owners of these pieces of equipment are financially compensated by the SJVAPCD on the purchase of their new machines. The older units get scrapped, the new units are put in to use, and well get to breathe a bit easier.

Modesto Junk Company checks identifying information on the old tractors, and ensures that they are fully and properly dismantled as scarp metal. Agents from the SJVAPCD check and certify the destruction of the old tractors. Farmers and ranchers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact the SJVAPCD at (209) 557-6400 or at valleyair.org.

More about Modesto Junk Company, Inc. :

Modesto Junk Company, Inc. is a full service scarp yard and recycling center, centrally located in downtown Modesto (on 9th Street, between 'N' & 'O' streets). Established in 1920, it's Modesto's own original green company!

Currently paying $2.20/lb. fro CRV aluminum cans, the Company is committed to paying the highest prices for scrap metals, an industry leader in environmental efforts, a supporter of many local charitable groups, and a key partner and resource for local law enforcement - working to combat metal theft crimes.

The company was founded by Alex Highiet in 1920, who emigrated from Russia via Ellis Island to Modesto in the early 1900s, in pursuit of the freedoms provided in the United States. the Highiet family has maintained continuous ownership for four generations, and is today operated and managed by Harvey (second generation), Jeff (third generation), and Keith (fourth generation).

Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. & Sat 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Web: modestojunk.com, facebook.com/modestojunk, twitter.com/modestojunk

For more, contact: Keith Highiet, (209) 522-1435, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.