Somerset County Workshop

Somerset County Workshop in Somerset, PA, assists 80 to 90 disabled individuals in developing vocational skills through compensable work projects. In July 2013, with help from a recycling grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, they purchased their first paper shredders and now operate Somerset County Workshop Shred Express (SCWSE), a document destruction service meeting the shredding needs of 40 customers in the region. With ‘outstanding’ support from Allegheny Shredders as the grant was written, through the purchase of destruction equipment, to comprehensive training of the work force, the shredding service is now an exciting component in the work offerings, enthusiastically received by the clients, says Workshop Director Jackie O’Connor. Now, SCWSE has five Allegheny J-Series shredders, a 16-Series shredder, a baler and an Allegheny 880 Tipper. If the business continues to grow as it has been, the Workshop will add a conveyor and more shredders—Allegheny allowed for that growth in its initial layout. Jackie hopes their success will be a model for other non-profits—providing work opportunities for the target population, serving the county, and providing valuable recycling.

“They love it when they are assigned to the shredding work. They are fascinated with the shredding machines and feel the work is important because it promotes recycling.”

“Allegheny was extremely helpful to us every step of the way—getting us set up, learning about the industry, and thoroughly training our workers. Their customer service is extremely accommodating. I would strongly recommend them to other non-profits who want to add document destruction to their other services.”