Tyneside recycling specialist GAP Group NE Limited has awarded a contract to another North East firm to deliver an advanced system that can separate metals and plastics.
Ferryhill-based mining equipment manufacturer Parnaby Cyclones will fulfil the £5.2m contract to make what is described as "one of the UK and Europe's most advanced polymer and metal separation and recovery systems". It is expected to be operational by the second quarter of next year and will allow plastics, copper, brass and other rare earth materials to be reclaimed for new products.
The investment is part of GAP's strategic plan, developed in partnership with environmental tech investment company Ritchie Bland Energy Limited, to double turnover in the next three years. GAP plans to do this by widening its offer to include the latest recycling and waste management technology.
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Peter Moody, managing director of GAP Group, said: "In the end, following a thorough tender process involving European as well as UK based companies, we are thrilled to offer such a significant contract to a North East manufacturer. We’re absolutely confident Parnaby Cyclones and their team of experts can deliver this pioneering technology at our Gateshead site within the very strict timeframe needed and are perfectly positioned to provide the necessary ongoing support once the plant is fully operational.
"The contract with Parnaby Cyclones marks the latest milestone in our plan to become a market leader in waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling and to reinforce our position as a major contributor to the circular economy - the principle that, where possible, all raw materials and process bi-products are continually reused therefore not depleting finite stocks of naturally produced material, removing harmful pollutants and positively impacting the environment in a sustainable way. The more we can reduce landfill and the need to incinerate toxic materials the more environmentally sustainable global manufacturing processes become."
The forthcoming system will use dry separation and density separation equipment to target ferrous and non-ferrous metals and polymers that come from waste electric and electronic equipment, including domestic appliances such as fridges, microwaves and stereo equipment. Adrian Parnaby managing director of Parnaby Cyclones said: "We specialise in turn key projects like this one ensuring the best possible use of the space available on site for the separation processes required. At £5.2m it’s one of the single biggest projects we’ve ever won and will give GAP one of the most technologically advanced systems out there.
"Parnaby Cyclones was launched in 1974 by my father; also my two sons Ian, who project managed the GAP contract and Ben who looks after our trials and testing both hold key roles within the business. Currently Parnaby employs 48 staff, with the GAP project creating six new specialist roles for us. Over the years we’ve evolved from developing coal processing and separation plant to now focusing the majority of our work, more than 80%, on recycle materials with much of our equipment manufactured in-house.
"The GAP contract will also provide indirect work for our suppliers in the North East including production of conveyors, steel works, structures and fabricators, with some work going to our German suppliers."
Earlier this year, GAP revealed plans to bring a multimillion-pound metal recycling plant to the region, specialising in e-waste printed circuit boards. The operation is set for completion in 2024.
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