VLS Environmental Solutions Expands with New Braunfels, Texas, Waste Processing Facility and Capital Projects Hires

Posted on April 15th, 2025 | Filed under Press Releases

HOUSTON, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VLS Environmental Solutions has unveiled plans for an Alternative Engineered Fuel (AEF) waste processing facility in New Braunfels, Texas. This greenfield project advances the company’s 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.

“This facility is about fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions… setting the benchmark for the region.”

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’s Zero Landfill programs have already been responsible for diverting over one million tons of industrial waste annually.

VLS’ President, Keith Cordesman, highlighted the significance of this expansion. “This 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.”

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. “Our 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.”

With a robust capital project infrastructure and valued client partnerships, VLS will continue to invest in AEF and Waste-to-Energy facilities to support clients’ sustainability goals, further empowering manufacturers to adopt Zero Landfill practices and advancing the industry’s shift toward sustainable waste management.

About VLS Environmental Solutions

VLS Environmental Solutions is a leader in sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. The company’s Waste Services division provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration. The company’s Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance. The company’s Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products. VLS has over 1,500 employees in 50+ locations across North America. For more information about VLS, visit https://www.vlses.com/.

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