Metalico Inc., one of the largest ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processors in the U.S., will improve rail lines at its Youngstown and Akron facilities with the help of a $101,289 grant from the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

In Youngstown, the project will replace an existing split-rail derail to the industry-standard switch-point derail, plus correct gauge as needed, tighten bolts and tamp approximately 6,000 feet of rail, according to the commission. The work will help improve safety at the facility.

Of the $101,298 cost, the rail commission has committed $50,649.

In Akron, the project will restore a deteriorated, internal plant crossing used to access the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway’s system. The commission has committed $50,640 to the $67,520 project.

Operations at Metalico include recycling scrap iron, steel and nonferrous metals, and purchasing catalytic converters and recovering platinum group metals. The company employs more than 550 people in 26 locations across eight states, including four in Ohio: Warren, Youngstown, Girard and Akron.