The “Green Monster” can shred a car in 30 seconds. The recently renovated, multi-million dollar shredder proved its capabilities when the first automobile was processed on August 1, 2014 at Ferrous Processing & Trading’s Cleveland facility. Approximately the size of a city block, the one-of-a-kind, remodeled shredder can be compared to a giant meat grinder for steel, capable of mincing any object constructed of 3/8” or less steel, including vehicles, washers, dryers and some siding.
After being designed by the FPT engineering team over the past 12 months, the components were produced in Detroit, then shipped and assembled in Cleveland. The machine required eight weeks to make operational. With a 4,000-horsepower electric motor, the shredder has a bell-shaped hammer that pounds on a shaft revolving 500 times a minute to force steel through grater-like openings. A conveyer belt is equipped with magnets to separate and sort the flow of shredded product, resulting in the best recycled steel product available in the country.
“Steel mills throughout the Midwest are eager to purchase this top quality, exceptionally clean steel,” notes Drew Luntz, President of FPT Ohio. “The propriety enhancements in our shredder allow FPT Cleveland to produce the finest material for melting. Our processing allows the steel to be completely recycled.”
The Cleveland facility was selected as the recipient of this redesigned and renovated shredder because as Luntz notes “steel is similar to human knees. It gets so tired and fatigued that eventually it just needs to be replaced.” The location’s previous machine design was more than 20 years old. Another renovated shredder is on the drawing board, though the next location is still to be determined.
“This improved technology demonstrates our long-term commitment to quality and supports FPT’s goal of maintaining our position as industry leader,” commented Luntz. “We are constantly looking forward to the future of metals recycling.”