Brewster Bros was joined by Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance yesterday to mark the official opening of its recycling plant in Livingston, the largest of its type in the UK.

To mark the occasion, local MSP Angela Constance was given a tour of the recycling plant, which features a CDE state-of-the-art wet processing system, and got to see up close how the plant will provide waste management services to the industry across the Central Belt of Scotland.

The MSP also got to hear how the new facility will support the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy Strategy ‘Making Things Last’, which aims to secure 70% recycling of construction and demolition waste by 2020.

Thanks to increased investment, Brewster Bros forecasts an annual turnover of £3 million at the plant, which will boost the local economy and provide further job opportunities on top of all 20 job roles retained from the previous owner, Henry Gilles.

Investment in the £3.8m recycling centre includes a £2.1m spend on high efficiency CDE equipment, with a capacity to recycle 400,000 tonnes of construction, demolition and excavation waste per year.

Scott Brewster, director at Brewster Bros, said: “It was an exciting morning for everyone involved at Brewster Bros as we marked the opening with the visit and ribbon cutting with Angela Constance MSP. Our number one aim is to treat and recycle construction and demolition waste as a resource, ensuring zero waste to landfill, so it was fantastic to show our local MSP first-hand how we hope to achieve this right here at our new recycling plant.

“It’s a special time for everyone at the company and we are looking forward to shaping the future of the recycling industry across Scotland and beyond.”

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, said: “I’m delighted to officially open this state-of-the art recycling plant right here in Pumpherston. This plant is the largest of its type in the UK and it is a great indicator of Brewster Bros commitment to shaping the future of recycling in Scotland and it’s been interesting and extremely worthwhile to hear about the future economic benefits this plant will bring to West Lothian and Central Scotland.

“I think it’s fantastic that Henry Gillies is being taken over by another family-oriented organisation that will not only save jobs for local residents, but also create future employment opportunities here in West Lothian.”

All recycled materials from the plant will come with a quality certification and conform to the requirements for the BREEAM Sustainability Assessment Method for Construction.