Mauldin, South Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Larry Welnowski Jr. has successfully relocated his business, Nickel City Polymers Inc., from Buffalo, New York, to Greenville, South Carolina, focusing on sustainable practices in the plastics industry. The company specializes in post-industrial recycling and strengthens its market presence through local partnerships. Welnowski’s commitment to sustainability aims to assist companies in minimizing waste while navigating the complexities of the plastics market.
Mauldin, South Carolina – Larry Welnowski Jr. has successfully transitioned his family and business from Buffalo, New York, to Greenville, South Carolina, just eight months ago. He is the owner of Nickel City Polymers Inc., a company focused on buying and selling plastics while also diverting surplus and scrap materials from landfills, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in the plastics industry.
Nickel City Polymers specializes in post-industrial recycling, which differs from post-consumer recycling. This specialization means that Welnowski purchases prime plastic resin and distributes it to processors responsible for creating plastic products, including essential parts for automobiles. Additionally, he buys scrap plastic, collaborating with other companies to grind it into small flakes or granules, laying the foundation for further recycling efforts.
The business model of Nickel City Polymers is structured so that approximately 65% of its revenue generates from distributing plastic resin while 35% comes from plastic recycling. Welnowski, who has spent 26 years in the plastics field, finds the variety of plastics available overwhelming yet exciting. His goal is to help companies save money and avoid inconveniences by purchasing scrap plastic and supporting their recycling and repurposing initiatives.
Due to his focus, most clients of Nickel City Polymers are located east of the Mississippi River and also in Texas. After relocating, Welnowski has built vital relationships with local suppliers, which has facilitated a smoother transition into the South Carolina market. He appreciates the regional accessibility and the robust plastic manufacturing presence in the area, particularly near the BMW factories, which has contributed to the growth of his business.
Additionally, Welnowski has developed partnerships with trucking companies responsible for picking up scrap plastic and compensating for the materials collected. A key advancement in his business model is the partnership with a nearby plant in Piedmont, which grinds the scrap plastic, promoting local efficiency and reducing transportation costs.
Welnowski originally sought to escape the harsh winters of Buffalo, stating that the temperature has never reached 100 degrees in his previous home. His family, including his wife Amy and son Jared, have embraced the move as a new adventure and life chapter, while their daughter Alyssa is pursuing her studies at Coastal Carolina University. Welnowski has exchanged the cold and snow for southern hospitality, expressing appreciation for the friendliness of the community and the ease of name pronunciation in the region.
As Nickel City Polymers continues to thrive in South Carolina’s competitive market, Welnowski shows no regrets about the decision to relocate and is fully committed to his new lifestyle and community engagement.
Key Features of Nickel City Polymers Inc.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Mauldin, South Carolina |
| Industry Focus | Buying and selling plastics; post-industrial recycling |
| Revenue Structure | 65% from distributing plastic resin, 35% from recycling |
| Client Base | Primarily east of the Mississippi River and in Texas |
| Partnerships | Collaboration with trucking companies and local recyclers |
| Family Involvement | Wife and son actively involved; daughter attends university |
| Personal Background | Originally from Buffalo, New York |
FAQ
- What is Nickel City Polymers Inc.?
- Nickel City Polymers Inc. is a company focused on buying and selling plastics, specializing in post-industrial recycling to minimize landfill waste.
- Where is Nickel City Polymers located?
- Nickel City Polymers is located in Mauldin, South Carolina.
- What services does Nickel City Polymers provide?
- The company provides services in distributing plastic resin and recycling scrap plastics into usable materials.
- How is the revenue structured for Nickel City Polymers?
- Approximately 65% of revenue comes from distributing plastic resin, while 35% comes from recycling scrap plastics.
- Who are the primary clients of Nickel City Polymers?
- Most clients are located east of the Mississippi River and throughout Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Nickel City Polymers
- Greenville Business Magazine: NC Health Provider
- Upstate Business Journal: Biomedical Devices
- Plastics News: Nickel City Polymers Headquarters
- Greenville Business Magazine: SC Best in Business
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Google Search: Sustainability in Plastics
- Google Scholar: Plastic Recycling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plastics
- Google News: Plastic Industry News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
