Sterling Services saw it coming a decade ago. Just about all of the work the Hamtramck-based firm handled back then was centered on the automotive industry. Since then the liquid-mixing firm has broadened its scope and plans to become a player in the local biodiesel game.
"We diversified our product lines into other industries and revenue streams," says Jason Eddleston, vice president of operations for Sterling Services.
Bio-diesel is one of Sterling Services' main targets. It plans to expand its plant space so it can handle and mix more blends of biodiesel later this year. Right now biodiesel accounts for 10 percent of Sterling Services' business. Eddleston expects biodiesel will account for as much as a quarter to a third within the next year.
Sterling Services is also looking at getting into or expanding its presence in other eco-friendly products, such as ethanol. It's currently applying for a state grant for auto suppliers to help ease and speed up this transition.
Source: Jason Eddleston, vice president of operations for Sterling Services
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.