Pennon buys regional market share

Bury-based waste management and recycling firm Swinnerton Environmental has been sold to Pennon Group subsidiary Viridor for £1.8m.

Swinnerton Environmental specialises in processing paper and plastics for recycling, employs 30 people and recycles 30,000 tonnes of material a year.

The business will be integrated into Viridor's Northern region which already operates more than 15 recycling centres in Greater Manchester.

Mark Burrows Smith, director of Viridor North, said: "In recent months Viridor has shown its commitment to becoming the leading recycler in the Greater Manchester region. The acquisition of Swinnerton Environmental, alongside the acquisition of Adapt Recycling in December will build upon our existing operations in the region, expanding our business in the key recycling areas."

He added: "The ever-increasing levels of recycling and landfill diversion being demanded within the UK's waste strategies mean that investment in key recycling operations is crucial. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and working together to deliver high quality recycling services to customers across the region."

Gordon Swinnerton, managing director of Swinnerton Environmental, said "This is good news for employees, customers, suppliers and all other stakeholders in the business, and will allow the business to develop. I look forward to working with my new colleagues."