Ron Mitchell founded a company that recycles 55-gallon drums

Initiative, drive and being at the right place at the right time are the keys to success, at least according to Ron Mitchell, with Mitchell Container Services.

Started in 1974, Mitchell worked for a company who used 55-gallon drums to supply ink to International Paper and Scott Paper. Once the contents were emptied, the drums were returned and stored or sent away to the Carolina's for reconditioning. Mitchell found out how to recondition the drums locally so they can be reused.

Seeing a need for this type of service in Mobile, Mitchell visited many companies and researched reconditioning before deciding to start his own business.

"Quality of product, integrity and safety are important. We have quality and safety employees who are skilled at the process of reconditioning, and that is all they do." explains Mitchell, the company's president and CEO.

Mitchell Container employs 28 people. Its facility spans 10 acres of land in Saraland. The company serves 20 states across the country and expanded to include an on-line catalog of products and services.

Mitchell sells 55-gallon steel drums, plastic drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC's), which can hold the same as capacity as five 55-gallon drums.

"We sell and lease the IBCs as they are more economical to our customers since companies can get more product and not constantly change drums." explained Mitchell.

Community support is a high priority to Mitchell, who serves as councilman for the City of Saraland. The company is also proud of their involvement in civic and service organizations including the better business bureau, the Mobile Area Chamber and the Saraland Chamber of Commerce. "Being a part of the community is very important to being in business. You can't do everything, but do what you can," says Mitchell.

For more information call Mitchell Container Services Inc. at 251-679-3786 or visit their website at www.mcontainer.com.

From the Business View - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce