A global manufacturer of exhaust gas control systems has installed a mill-sized waste baler on its UK site, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to boost recycling levels.
The RWM400 machine – supplied by North East-based ATK Equipment – is now being used to bale the large volumes of plastic and polythene waste materials handled by the GT Emissions Systems factory.
Located in Peterlee, County Durham, the business manufactures a range of products, which effectively contribute to the emission strategies of diesel engine producers.
With over three million of its proven solutions – including exhaust brakes and waste heat recovery valves – operational in the field, the 10,000 sq.ft base deals with high levels of demand, shipping to countries worldwide, including America, Russia, Mexico and Sweden, amongst many others.
John Young, group health, safety, environmental and facilities manager at GT Emissions Systems, commented on the company’s need for a baling solution: “We’ve never had a baler before, but were well aware that smarter handling of our materials was required, particularly in line with the enhanced UK awareness of our global recycling problems.
“Bill Walton, managing director at ATK, recommended the RWM400 mill-sized equipment, and we’ve witnessed great improvements since the machine was installed.”
The baler compresses approximately 3-4 tonnes of plastic and polythene materials per quarter, and the 500kg bales produced are then collected for off-site recycling – maximising transport efficiencies and load capacities as a result of their size.
John continues: “The new method of compacting and storing waste material not only ensures the factory is a tidier space to work in, it’s also safer for staff. Add to that the revenue generated from waste collections, and it’s safe to say that we wish we had taken this route earlier!”
Based in Seaham, ATK Equipment is a leading provider of waste processing machinery, including balers, compactors and crushers.