Keystone Steel & Wire, manufacturer of Red Brand® fence, was recently chosen to receive the 2012 Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) Achievement in Environmental Stewardship and Recycling Award. Presented at the SMA Annual Members Conference in Washington, D.C., the honor recognized the company’s new extensive recycling program which promotes the principles of sustainability and stewardship.

"Recycling is in our DNA, and to be recognized by our peers for our efforts is a great honor," explained David Cheek, CEO of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. "Many already know that we recycle about 800,000 tons of scrap metal at our Peoria, Ill., plant each year. By recycling, Keystone is helping the environment, as much of the scrap metal used to create our products is shredded automobile and appliance scrap." Now, according to Cheek, the company’s recycling efforts have been expanded to include materials used throughout the company’s facilities. By implementing a company-wide effort – from the manufacturing floor to administrative offices – over 60 tons of packaging materials are now diverted annually from landfills and sent to recycling centers. Everything from cardboard boxes, paper and plastic bags to aluminum oxide sand barrels are collected at sites throughout the plant.

"We understand the impact of our efforts on the environment, and because it’s a priority at Keystone, we enjoy the added benefit of aligning with environmentally-concerned companies," explained Cheek. "Consumers are seeking earth-friendly and socially responsible manufacturers to partner with, and we are proud to be part of that trend."

The SMA member companies account for over 75% of total domestic steel production, and utilize a feedstock almost entirely composed of recycled scrap metal to produce new steel.