This October, BL Duke proudly celebrates 25 years in business — a milestone that represents more than two decades of growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our customers and community.
What began in 2000 with one truck and a bold vision has evolved into a trusted leader in the recycling industry. Over the years, BL Duke has continued to challenge the status quo, expanding its operations and introducing solutions that raise the bar for environmental compliance, safety, and service.
“When we started BL Duke 25 years ago, the goal was simple — work hard, take care of our customers, and build a team that could make a real impact. Today, that same drive and teamwork are what keep us moving forward. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come and the people who made it possible.”
— Lou Plucinski, President, BL Duke
Our Journey Through the Years
2000 – The Beginning
BL Duke was founded and purchased its first truck on October 12, 2000. From day one, the company was built on transparency, reliability, and a commitment to redefining how recycling and logistics partnerships should work.
2007 – Breaking Barriers
In 2007, BL Duke hired its first full-time woman, Belinda Nuñez — a milestone that marked the beginning of greater inclusion and diversity within the company. Today, women play an essential role across every department, including leadership and operations.
2011 – A New Home in Forest View
BL Duke acquired a nine-acre recycling facility in Forest View, Illinois, marking a major step forward in capacity and capability. The company installed its first ferrous baler on-site and later relocated its corporate headquarters to Forest View, establishing a central hub for continued growth.
2016 – Expansion to Joliet
BL Duke expanded again, acquiring 30 acres in Joliet, Illinois. The site came equipped with dual barge docks — launching the company’s first downriver barge shipments and adding new efficiency to operations. With rail access and a growing trucking fleet, BL Duke became a true multimodal logistics leader. Two additional balers increased total baling capacity to 1,500 tons per day.
2018 – Investing in Infrastructure
Building on its success, BL Duke acquired another 30 acres west of the Joliet property and opened a 250,000-square-foot Non-Ferrous Warehouse. This investment significantly expanded processing and storage capacity while supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
2020 – Honoring a Legacy
The Shannon E. Collins Foundation (SECF) was created to honor longtime team member Shannon Collins. The foundation continues to pay her generosity forward by providing scholarships to students pursuing private high schools, trade schools, and universities.
2022 – Expanding Our Fleet
BL Duke completed the acquisition of Gilbert Trucking, expanding its transportation capabilities and growing the combined fleet to 110 trucks. This move strengthened BL Duke’s ability to control costs, ensure reliability, and provide seamless logistics support to customers across the Midwest.
2025 – Setting a New Standard
In 2025, BL Duke completed construction of its 30,000-square-foot Steel Turnings Containment Building at the Joliet facility — the first-of-its-kind in the Midwest.
Built with reinforced concrete, a composite moisture barrier, and capacity for over 5,000 tons of material, the facility was engineered to exceed environmental standards and redefine how steel turnings, cast iron borings, and fines are managed.
This innovative project highlights BL Duke’s commitment to sustainability, compliance, and responsible recycling — ensuring our customers can meet their cradle-to-grave responsibilities with confidence.
Looking Ahead
From one truck to a multimodal operation, from a single site to multiple state-of-the-art facilities — BL Duke’s story is one of growth, innovation, and partnership.
As we celebrate 25 years, we’re grateful to our employees, customers, and partners who made this journey possible. Your trust and collaboration drive us forward every day.
Here’s to the next 25 years of raising the bar, building stronger partnerships, and leading the way in sustainable recycling and logistics.
