Our History

Our Story: Pioneering Sustainable Progress

Initiated in 2007, VLS has been a steadfast partner for businesses across the Continental United States. Our journey has seen us constantly broaden our reach, aligning with our clients' evolving needs. We've grown, not merely in size but in our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Our history is a testament to our dedication to providing effective, sustainable solutions without compromise. Join us as we continue crafting a greener future.

2007

VLS Recovery Services founded

VLS Recovery Services became an independent entity, purchased from Vopak North America by management. Initial sites were established in Hockley, Texas, Mauldin (Piedmont), South Carolina, and Fitzgerald, Georgia. This marked the start of our journey towards sustainable waste management.

2010

VLS Acquires Armor Environmental

VLS expanded with the acquisition of Armor Environmental in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. We invested millions in facility improvements, meeting the rising demand for Waste to Energy services and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.

2012

Engineered Fuel Facility Opens in South Carolina

VLS innovated an Engineered Fuel facility to meet client's demands for sustainability solutions. Our growth continued with the design of an Engineered Fuels manufacturing facility in Gray Court, South Carolina. This expansion further solidified our foundation for delivering sustainable services.

2012-2017

VLS Increases Capacity and Services

A period of significant growth saw VLS increase capacity by 50% at Piedmont, establish an Engineered Fuel facility at Armor, and expand rail capacity at Hockley. We also made major investments upgrading SSI shredders at Gray Court, demonstrating our dedication to sustainability and continual service improvement.

2018

Major Acquisitions and Capital Investments

A year of significant expansion for VLS began with the acquisition of Beauchan Rail Services, specialists in railcar cleaning and product transfer services. We also tapped into the engineered fuel market with the purchase of Venti Industrial in Alabama. This led to the construction of a new, ground-up engineered fuel manufacturing facility in Brent, Alabama.

2019

NuEarth and Tubal Cain Marine Services Acquired

VLS continued to broaden its service offerings with two key acquisitions. The first was NuEarth, a specialty transportation services company operating in the southeast United States.

Tubal Cain Marine Services Acquired

VLS entered the marine sector with the acquisition of Tubal Cain Marine Services, primarily servicing the U.S. inland tank barge industry.

2020

Waste-To-Energy Expansion

Responding to the growing need for waste-to-energy solutions, we opened a grassroots Waste Management facility, VLS Houston, in January.

JBR Industrial Services Acquired in Spartanburg, SC.

In December, we acquired JBR Industrial Services in Spartanburg, SC, expanding our offerings to include waste management, industrial services, abatement, remediation, and railroad construction and repair.

2021

Pacific Trans Environmental Acquired, VLS Now International

Under the leadership of John Magee, VLS continued to evolve, acquiring Pacific Trans Environmental Services, now known as VLS San Diego. With facilities in El Cajon, California and Tijuana, Mexico, VLS San Diego offers west coast services for waste management, industrial services, 10-day hazardous waste, and transportation services.

ERC acquisition in 2021

In a strategic move to enhance the waste management capabilities, VLS, acquired Environmental Recovery Corporation (ERC). Based in Lancaster, PA, ERC's expertise in wastewater treatment and industrial waste management expanded VLS into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

Acquisition of Safety Railway Service

Acquired Safety Railway Service with nine facilities throughout North America. Based in Victoria, Texas, SRS provides full-service railcar repair and fabrication services as well as mobile repair and on-site services. The acquisition moves VLS from railcar cleaning and light repair to extensive, full-service cleaning and repair services.

Acquisition of Plaquemine Point Shipyard

Acquired Plaquemine Point Shipyard with a facility located just outside Baton Rouge providing full-service barge cleaning and repair along the Mississippi River, expanding the geographic offering of our Marine Services business

I Squared acquisition of VLS

Marking a pivotal moment in our history, VLS Environmental Solutions was acquired by I Squared Capital through its ISQ Global Infrastructure Fund III, from Aurora Capital Partners. This acquisition, completed in the third quarter of 2022, positioned VLS at the forefront of providing ESG-friendly industrial waste solutions across North America, furthering our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

2022

Name Change to VLS Environmental Solutions

To reinforce its commitment to assuring environmental sustainability for generations to come, VLS Recovery Services changed its name to VLS Environmental Solutions. Sustainable environmental practices and compliance have always been foundational to VLS, and the "Environmental Solutions" name better models the business and continues to build its reputation in the environmental services space by helping clients meet sustainability goals across its Waste, Rail, and Marine divisions.

Acquisition of Texas Molecular

VLS acquired Texas Molecular, a pioneer in the field of hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal with waste sequestration capabilities in Deer Park and Corpus Christi, Texas. This addition to the VLS family expanded our capabilities, allowing us to address an even wider range of waste management needs.

2023

Acquisition of SRE Environmental

VLS acquired SRE (Salt River Extraction), a company renowned for its expertise in advanced waste processing technologies. This move enhanced our ability to deliver innovative, environmentally responsible solutions.

Quartzsite Start-Up Facility

VLS Environmental Solutions achieved a monumental milestone by inaugurating its waste-to-energy facility in Quartzsite, Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility underscores our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, transforming waste into energy and setting new standards for eco-friendly waste management practices.

2024

Port Arthur Marine Expansion

The Port Arthur Marine facility expansion was completed in 2024, boosting capacity to accommodate four barges simultaneously. Equipped with advanced repair technology and sustainable waste management processes, this facility sets a new standard in marine services. It embodies VLS’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, supporting the growing maritime industry's needs.

Victoria Expansion

The Victoria location expansion, launched in 2024, is on track for completion in early 2025. Featuring advanced equipment like a high-capacity spin system, zero-drip processes, and cutting-edge vapor treatment systems, the project reflects our commitment to innovation. Progress includes nearly completed piping, racks, and electrical installations, setting a new benchmark in sustainable efficiency.

Calcasieu Expansion

The Calcasieu facility in Sulphur, Louisiana, expanded its capabilities in 2024, now operating 24/7 with capacity to dock up to five 30,000-pound barges. Offering advanced services like vapor control, topside repairs, and regulatory inspections, this facility reflects VLS’s dedication to innovation and sustainability, providing cutting-edge support for the maritime industry.

Plaquemine Point Flare and Gas Free Services

The Sunshine facility in Plaquemine, Louisiana, expanded in 2024 to include advanced Plaquemine Point Flare and Gas Free services. Specializing in handling flammable vapors and ensuring gas-free conditions, the facility prioritizes safety, innovation, and sustainability. These enhancements solidify VLS's role as a leader in delivering efficient, environmentally responsible maritime solutions.

How Can We Help You?

VLS is here to help. Connect with us by filling out the below form, calling us at (877) 861-8588, or using our online chat. Let's work together toward zero waste and a sustainable future.

info@vlses.com(877) 861-8588

19500 Hwy 249, Suite 440  Houston, TX 77070

A Legacy of Sustainable Solutions.