A Dorset-based used automotive parts specialist has expanded with a new facility providing the UK's first reverse production line facility for vehicle recycling - creating 35 jobs.
Charles Trent’s new 100,000 sq ft site in Poole strips old internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles down via two production lines at accelerated speeds - allowing the firm to recycle around 95% of car parts.
Founded in 1926, the family-run business now operates across two sites employing a 220-strong workforce.
The company said the efficiency generated by its new facility meant it was looking to add a further five sites over the next five years where it could recycle 300,000 vehicles per year - around a fifth of the total number scrapped nationwide each year.
Chief executive Marc Trent said: “After four generations of family ownership and close to a century of business operations, we’ve broken sectoral barriers like no others.
“Our revolutionary site will increase our operational efficiency and importantly show our commitment to lowering the UK’s carbon output. The cutting edge nature of our new site will also support our continued investment in clean energy solutions.”
The new unit will recycle up to 50,000 ICE vehicles every year with the help of a 400 KW per hour solar power field and battery storage system.
The move has been supported via a £5.5m funding package secured from Lloyds Bank.
Mike Morgan, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “We’re seeing the lasting effects of the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine impact our automotive supply chains, with vehicle parts scarcely available.
“Charles Trent’s new site will combat these market issues while championing sectoral sustainability. Charles Trent is pioneering industry operations with ambitions to take vehicle recycling up a gear.”
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