It’s green for go at Birmingham waste firm Weir » Communities » 24dash.com

A Birmingham waste services company says it is confident that investment in new machinery will allow it to attract new clients, improve its recycling ratio and increase profitability.

Weir Waste Services, of Doris Road, Bordesley Green, says its new machinery will drastically reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill sites and will allow it to target companies with the most stringent environmental policies.

A £75,000 Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) grant from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has helped Weir to plan for future green growth.

Weir, which employs nearly 70 people, put the money towards the purchase of new Kiverco static waste processing plant.

The new machinery - which has cost £650,000 - will allow the amount of construction waste it recycles to be increased from 70 per cent to at least 85 per cent and means the firm will be able to handle in the region of 100 tonnes of waste an hour compared to the previous 50 tonnes.

Previously, a build up of waste forced the firm to use landfill sites.

Anthony Brownsett, Compliance Manager at Weir Waste Services, said: “Apart from the environmental impact of having to use landfill sites, this course of action also impacted on the firm’s profitability. With landfill tax due to increase by 33 per cent in April, landfill diversion is a must.

“Our future ability to attract new customers with strict policies in terms of waste management, and recycling will see us increase our turnover and employee numbers. We have already taken on two new drivers and could end up taking on another 12 people in the yard.

“If we hadn’t bought this equipment we would have had to lay people off within 18 months without doubt.”

Stuart Parkes, from the Access to Finance team at Advantage West Midlands, said: “It is very pleasing to be able to contribute towards Weir Waste Services’ future development.

“If the company had not proceeded with this project, it risked being unable to comply with firms’ environmental policies. A reduction in market share could have led to a reduction in job numbers.

“Not only will the investment help to secure employment, it should help to create further jobs at a firm which operates in a part of town with a high unemployment rate.

“And what is also great news is that the new equipment purchased will cut down on waste sent to landfill sites and help to reduce the carbon footprint of both the firm and the region.”

Tim Baldwin, Waste Policy Manager at Advantage West Midlands, said: “A new study forecasts that by 2020 there will be a 3.6 million tonne capacity gap for treating waste diverted from landfill.

“The region needs businesses like Weir Waste Services, whose future plans start to build the infrastructure we need to address this opportunity.

“Weir Waste Services’ plans reinforce our research that shows low carbon and high profits business strategies are entirely compatible. This is the approach taken in the new West Midlands Economic Strategy ‘Connecting to Success.’”

Weir Waste Services, which operates 32 vehicles from its site in Bordesley Green, provides recycling and waste solutions for trade clients.

It works for a wide range of businesses in the private sector - including supermarket giant Tesco, national housebuilding firm Lovell Partnerships and construction group Wates. It also has a broad public sector client base, including health and education authorities.

SFIE grants are part of a comprehensive range of regional finance initiatives co-ordinated by Advantage West Midlands. For more information visit www.westmidlandsfinance.com