Reverse vending machine supplier TOMRA has appointed a new managing director for the UK and Ireland.
Ryan Buzzell takes up his post as the company makes a multi-million pound investment in new staff and resources ahead of the introduction of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in March next year.
Reverse vending machines are a critical component of scheme, providing a means by which people give back their bottles and cans.
Based at the firm’s current Scottish operations hub in Livingston, Buzzell will oversee the installation of hundreds of machines in supermarkets, convenience stores and other locations across the country.
He has experience internationally in the implementation of similar schemes, most recently as chief executive of TOMRA Collection Australia.
Buzzell, an American, has held a series of senior roles with TOMRA during his 18 years with the business, firstly in New York and then Sydney, where he was based for more than five years.
In Scotland, his work will include a goal to double its current Scottish workforce to 60 by the end of 2023, with its work to install and maintain reverse vending machines, including contracts with major supermarket chains and smaller shop operators.
“We are making a significant investment as we look towards the implementation of successful deposit return schemes, firstly in Scotland,“ Buzzell commented.
“I have seen first-hand the tremendous difference that DRS’s make to the environment; they are reflected also in TOMRA’s experiences in many other countries worldwide.”
Recruitment for new roles with TOMRA - including those in sales and installation - is well underway, with the company having secured several supply contracts recently.
Buzzell added: “No two DRS’ are the same, but we can share our experiences of what works - the advantages of a successful scheme to the environment are huge.
“We know from our research that there’s significant public support for the scheme in Scotland, so we are well placed to help retailers, and others, navigate their way through the change and to begin reaping the benefits.”
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