Recycling business changes hands

DISTRIBUTION group Wincanton is selling its recycling business, which has a base in Widnes, for £17.5m.

All 145 staff at the division, which operates from four locations including the Widnes sortation centre, will transfer to the new owner Sims Group UK.

Sims Group is part of the Australian and New York listed business Sims Metal Management and is a leader in electronic and electrical equipment recovery and recycling.

Wincanton said the  proceeds of the sale would be used to reduce debt.

In the 12 months to March 31 this year, the recycling activities generated turnover of approximately £18.3m and earnings of approximately £300,000.