Tony Hughes, managing director of LKM Recycling, steps into the spotlight to talk about the largest shredder in UNTHA UK’s range – the RS150.
- Describe your business in one paragraph
We started life over 40 years ago, as a scrap metal business. However, fast-forward to 2017 and our 67-strong company is now handling everything from metals and glass, to wood, plastic and general waste.
- What do you shred?
We’re becoming particularly renowned for our ability to tackle heavy duty applications such as aluminium, tyres and uPVC windows. That said, with our newly-commissioned shredder now in operation, we can profitably process a wider range of materials than ever before.
- Which machine do you use?
The RS150 four shaft shredder.
- What happens to your shredded material?
This shredder helps us to liberate materials from otherwise quite complex appliances and redundant products. By shredding and screening uPVC windows, for instance, we can easily separate the ‘waste’ into its component parts with ease. This means more material going back into the industry for reprocessing and more revenue yield generated.
- Why did you choose UNTHA?
We undertook a very rigorous three year research project, because the investment was so substantial. However, we were really impressed with the UNTHA set up. The technology is renowned globally, but the brand is as much about people too – there’s a real focus on relationships.
We travelled to UNTHA’s Austrian headquarters to see the RS shredders in production and trial the machine using our own materials. We were convinced of ROI before we’d even signed on the dotted line.
In terms of the RS150 itself, this is a high torque, slow speed shredder with eco-drive concept that keeps power consumption low. You don’t expect such environmental and cost-saving benefits with a heavy duty machine such as this.
- Describe UNTHA in 3 words
Reliable, committed, excellence
- When it comes to your business, why do clients choose you over your competitors?
We live and breathe recycling – it’s what we’ve been doing for decades. We’re an experienced, honest and friendly team who prioritise great customer service alongside the most responsible recycling processes. We help solve problems for our customers.
- What’s in store for your business over the next 12 months?
Growth! With this processing machinery now up and running, we will handle 25% more recyclates over the next 12 months alone. This means more revenue, more jobs and a more positive contribution to the UK environmental sector.
- If you could change one thing about the [waste/recycling] industry, what would it be?
The Environmental Agency in that they need to police the non-compliant businesses as much as they do the compliant ones.
- What’s the best thing about working in this industry?
There are many things – the varied types of materials that appear on the market, the challenge to turn a waste cost into a commodity, the ever-changing world of waste to fuel and the ability to have an impact on the environment today for the sake of human kind going forward.
Want to see this shredder ‘in the flesh’ and test exactly what it’s capable of? Talk to us about your shredding requirements and we can set up a one-to-one demonstration for you – call us on 0845 450 5388 or email sales@untha.co.uk.