The compact nature of the site was challenging, with little to no room for significant facilities. However, McParland and his team had no major issues developing a solution for Fieldmans Waste. “The site had some space constraints, which meant we had to think very carefully about the package we created,” he said. “There was also a lot of discussion around the challenges Fieldmans Waste were looking at when it came to future waste streams, as well as building a plant that will allow them to grow into the future.”

Dylan agreed that the smaller site created some unique challenges. However, he pointed out that FOCUS Enviro told them it was relatively easy to adjust the package of machines to the site. “They told us that our site was a fairly common set-up for the United Kingdom,” said Dylan. “The team at FOCUS Enviro mapped out the site to show how they could put together a processing line that was going to be fit for purpose.”

Having a processing plant that match our exact requirements was a key focus for Jake. There was also a big focus on maximising the plant’s return on investment. The FOCUS enviro team through consultation with representatives from Fieldmans were able to create a fully customised processing plant that not only maximises the efficiency of the site but also delivered a plant that satisfies current demands with a built-in capability to deliver for changes future waste streams. No money was wasted on installing irrelevant attachments.

“There’s nothing on the machine that doesn’t need to be there,” Jake said. “Everything that has been installed has a purpose. It’s a basic set-up here, but well-built and well-designed. It all comes from one manufacturer, so it works well as an integrated unit.”

One of the benefits of the new facility is how it supports health and safety in the workplace. It’s a shift from being bent over on the floor, picking items up and sorting them, according to Dylan. “Our staff are positioned in a purpose built sorting cabin, comfortably standing up and sorting the waste as it comes by on a conveyor belt,” said Dylan. “It’s a much better working environment for them and has helped improved recovery rates as a result.”

Future of relationship

McParland believes that FOCUS Enviro and Fieldmans Waste have a strong relationship that will continue. “Introducing this recycling system is only the start for Fieldmans Waste,” said McParland. “Over the past 20 years, we have seen many companies of similar size progress to multiple sites and facilities in a short space of time. This has come from the investment in the initial plant and the efficiencies gained in the recycling and recovery of materials. Fieldmans Waste is now witnessing first-hand a plant that can process more, build profits and create opportunities to increase market share.