VLS Environmental Solutions has unveiled plans for an Alternative Engineered Fuel (AEF) waste processing facility in New Braunfels, TX. This greenfield project advances the company鈥檚 strategic expansion goals, strengthening its role as a leader in sustainable waste management and increasing its capacity to manage the increasing need for sustainable waste processing solutions from industrial partners.
Strategically situated between Austin and San Antonio, the new facility is set to begin operations by mid-2026. It will support Zero Landfill initiatives for manufacturing by converting hard to recycle industrial byproducts into carefully engineered AEF products, a cleaner, more sustainable fuel source designed to reduce landfill reliance and replace carbon and natural gas fuels used by cement kilns and gasifiers. The company鈥檚 Zero Landfill programs have already been responsible for diverting over one million tons of industrial waste annually.
VLS鈥� President, Keith Cordesman, highlighted the significance of this expansion. 鈥淭his greenfield facility is about fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions. Establishing our presence in New Braunfels puts us in a strong position to deepen our relationships with local manufacturers, particularly cement kilns, and sets the benchmark for sustainability in the region.鈥�
As part of its growth initiative, the company also announced two senior-level hires who will help drive its ambitious capital project and greenfield strategy. Jim Waisanen has joined as Senior Vice President of Capital Projects and brings over 20 years in the Specialty and Hazardous Waste sectors. Monica Johnson has joined as Vice President of Project Management with a background that includes managing more than 300 projects while at Vopak North America. Both hires bring decades of expertise and a shared commitment to sustainable innovation. Jim and Monica will be instrumental in accelerating our greenfield and large growth capital investments.
Rob Wheatley, Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized this vision. 鈥淥ur goal is to lead the next era of environmental innovation. The New Braunfels facility not only signifies the expansion of our capacity but serves as a testament to our long-term commitment to scalable, impactful sustainability solutions. Leading the market in this region demonstrates our proactive approach to driving change.鈥�