Stalybridge recycling firm announces plans to leave town

PVCR Ltd has announced plans to move its recycling facility out of the town to a new purpose-built site in Runcorn.

The Dale Street-company, which was acquired by German company REHAU in 2014, proposes to relocate all of its operations from its current site by the end of the year.

While the company says it’s outgrown the current site, it also acknowledged concerns over the environmental impact of its local operations.

PVCR Ltd recycles used PVC window frames by shredding and granulating them, before they’re transferred to a production facility in North Wales and used to manufacture co-extrusion products used in the manufacture of new windows.

Back in June 2018, local councillors and residents put pressure on PVCR after small pieces of metal and plastic were found in the canal and footpath behind its facility.

At the time, the company said the pollution was a result of an unsuccessful two-week trial of a new shredding machine.

After consultation with the Environment Agency, the company ceased external yard activities, pending a review of its processes, and said it would take additional steps to prevent the escape of material from its site.

But now, the company is moving from the area altogether and the company’s 18-strong workforce are all being given the opportunity to move to the new Runcorn site.

A spokesman for REHAU commented: “Our Dale Street site in Stalybridge cannot be expanded to fulfil demand for our PVC recycling capabilities. In addition, we have been very aware of the environmental and noise impact of our operations, particularly as the site is located close to a river, a school and a number of private homes.

“We have reluctantly taken the decision to move to a proposed new purpose-built enclosed facility in Runcorn, out of a desire to scale up our operations, mitigate our environmental impact and, most importantly, out of consideration for the local community. 

“While this proposed decision will affect current working arrangements for our employees, we intend to put in place all necessary arrangements to facilitate the smooth transfer of any employee who wants to move to the proposed new site.”