SWM (Schweitzer-Maudit International) is a leading global manufacturer and provider of engineered solutions and advanced materials.
The company originated in 1545, when the first paper mill began operating in the south of France. The focus on fine writing papers and those for the tobacco market continued until, in recent years, diversification began – into advanced materials and structures including netting, TPU films and botanical materials for beverage packaging and cosmetic applications.
And now, with locations around the world – including North and South America, Asia and Europe – the business has grown phenomenally.
But, as can be expected with an organisation of this size, huge volumes of waste are produced on a daily basis.
The UK site of SWM – based in Gilberdyke, East Yorkshire – was purchased from existing tenant Smith & Nephew plc back in 2015. And three previously-installed balers – two RWM250’s and an RWM400 – supplied by Riverside Waste Machinery, were already in position at the site, which assisted the company in dealing with waste offcuts of netting and plastic.
The Challenge
As the company has grown, inevitably so too has their volume of waste and the equipment required in the factory.
So, when the need for new machinery – in the form of a tipper skip – came to light, Rebecca Howlett, administrative assistant at SWM, immediately thought of Jonathan Oldfield, MD of Riverside.
With six tipper skips already on site – used for a variety of general waste, metals and cardboard – a further 160l roll-forward skip was required following the announcement of a new line of manufacturing which was to commence.
Rebecca commented, “We already have an existing relationship with Jonathan, and would rank Riverside above a 10 in the levels of quality assurance provided. Every year all our Riverside machines are serviced by the team, and we consider these high-value items an essential part of our operations.”
The Solution
Despite the fact that – at this time – Riverside did not advertise tipper skips on their website – Jonathan was happy to help SWM out.
Jonathan says: “Here at Riverside, we value the long-standing relationships we have with our existing clients. When Rebecca got in touch, we were more than happy to assist – and successfully obtained and installed the skip within 14 days.”
The Results
Rebecca is extremely happy with the additional piece of machinery, which the firm uses to deal with waste generated in a new ‘Surface Protection’ area. The materials loaded into the skip are taken away twice daily by forklift truck, maintaining high waste removal levels and ensuring the production process remains efficient.
Rebecca added: “Once again Riverside has provided us with exactly what we need. We generate a revenue stream for the materials we bale on site; the factory remains clean, tidy and safer thanks to our new machinery; and we rely on Riverside to help up with our overall recycling and waste management efforts.
“We’re proud to be a manufacturer with a ‘green’ stance, and we will continue to use Riverside for all our waste machinery and consumable needs.”
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