Business / Funding boost for waste management firm
A NEW Shetland based waste management firm is embarking on a project worth more than £500,000 which forms the first phase of a plan to recycle industrial waste locally.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded Aquila Waste Management Solutions £120,000 towards the cost of retaining an existing waste transfer facility on the island.
The project will initially create four jobs, with additional employment created in subsequent phases.
The SEPA-approved facility, based around six miles north of Lerwick, is long established, having operated from the same site since 1982 and was previously run by Aberdeen-based Total Waste Management Alliance (TWMA).
As well as supporting with renovation, HIE’s funding will contribute to the cost of essential equipment and upgrades.
Aquila director Leigh Smith said: “We are delighted, and very thankful, to receive this support from HIE. It has helped to bolster what is a significant investment from us and underpins our commitment to delivering crucial waste management services to the industries of Shetland.
“Significantly, this funding has not only protected the existing jobs but will help to create new, well-paid, local green jobs which will boost local economic growth.
“Looking ahead, we are aiming to improve our facility and expand the range of services we offer our customers. Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked hard to get us to this stage and we look forward to working with HIE on further investment projects in the coming years.”
George Irvine, senior development manager for HIE’s Shetland area team, said: “It is great to see Aquila’s commitment to finding green solutions for industrial waste.
“Without Aquila this activity would have to be undertaken off island. We are delighted to support the company and eagerly anticipate further collaboration as the project progresses. The project retains both employment and a vital local service for a range of industries.”
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