Bristol-based waste management firm ETM Recycling is making significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art facilities in the city thanks to a £7m funding boost from NatWest.
The firm, which operates the South West’s largest waste management fleet, will use the cash injection to strengthen its recycling capabilities while also creating a number of jobs.
ETM Recycling plans to add new, innovative technology to its £4m waste transfer centre at Ashton Vale, pictured, which it says is the most efficient in the region, increasing the volumes by streamlining and speeding up the process.
The centre, which sends zero waste to landfill, is used by a wide range of businesses including nearby Ashton Gate Stadium, for which it manages all the waste produced there, the NHS, Bristol City Council, Tesco and UWE Bristol.
The NatWest funding will also be used to grow the team at ETM Contractors, a sister company providing Bristol and South West companies and local authorities with comprehensive and expert civil engineering services.
ETM was founded by Eddie McCormack in 1994 to specialise in highway maintenance and civil engineering.
He became frustrated with the lack of recycling options available to businesses, so decided to diversify into the sector himself, launching ETM Recycling in 2010.
Eddie was joined at the helm by his children Andy and Amy in 2000 and 2011 respectively to help grow the business further.
Today the ETM Group employs more than 250 staff working with businesses across the South West to divert a cumulative 300,000 tons of waste a year from landfill.
ETM Recycling commercial director Amy McCormack said: “We’re so proud of what we’ve built so far and have no intentions of slowing down.
Continuing to invest back into the business is crucial in sustaining that growth and ultimately, helping us ensure as little of Bristol’s waste ends up in landfill as possible.
“This move will allow us to significantly upgrade our current facilities, speed up our operations and adopt new techniques.”
NatWest relationship director Mark Forbes, who worked with ETM to secure the funding package, added: “ETM Recycling is a core part of Bristol’s business community, and the team are making great strides in improving access to affordable and easy recycling options across the entire region.
“The firm’s innovative approach allows them to always stay ahead of the curve, constantly looking at how they can adapt to meet the needs of its customer base.
“Sustainability is only going to become more of a core focus for businesses in the coming years, and ETM Recycling is well placed to play an integral role in that shift.”
