Glaston has supplied and installed two HPC / Kaeser compressors and three large HPC /Kaeser blowers into the new Global Renewables waste recycling plant in Leyland, near Preston.

This new facility follows the signing of one of the UK’s largest waste PFI contracts between Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Global Renewables Lancashire back in March 2007. The contract, a £2bn, 25-year agreement to process the household waste of 1.4m people in Lancashire heralded the start of a new approach to waste treatment in the UK. The rising costs of landfill and the growing awareness of the damage this method of disposal causes to the environment has forced a radical rethink of how we handle our waste.

Two UR-3R™ facilities – one in Leyland, near Preston and the other at Thornton, near Blackpool – will treat over 300,000 tonnes of household waste per annum, reclaiming recyclables for reuse and transforming the organic portion of the waste into a high quality compost-type product called Organic Growth Medium (OGM).

Glaston are pleased to be able to support the new facilities in keeping the plant energy efficient.

Michael Douglas, MD of Glaston commented “recycling and reducing waste is part of our work ethic at Glaston, with our comprehensive portfolio of products; we try to make a substantial contribution to increasing the energy savings and efficiency of many manufacturing plants in the UK. We are very pleased to be involved in this project”

Glaston compressed air systems are designed for 24/7 operations and meet 99% of all industrial applications – food, chemical, engineering and other sectors, including the specified requirements of all ISO8573.1:2001 quality classes.

If you would like any more information about the services available from Glaston or the Global Renewables installation please contact us.

New apprentice James tells all.

Just a few months ago Glaston was joined by a new member of staff, James Gallagher.

James, the youngest member of the Glaston team has joined the company on a modern apprenticeship programme. Currently working as the Warehouse Apprentice, James will be given the opportunity to achieve the experience and training to move within the company as required.

James had made such a good first impression that Glaston are developing a training programme that will provide regular placements for an apprentice to join the team. This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people who are willing to work hard to acheive a long and rewarding career with Glaston.

As James is quite new to Glaston we thought it would be a good time to put him under the spotlight and get to know him a little better. At Glaston, we hope that James will get another turn under the spotlight when he is the longest serving member of the team!

Q1. What made you choose an apprenticeship at Glaston?

A1: I’ve always been interested in the field of engineering, so as soon as I heard about the opportunity to work alongside some of the top engineers in the country doing something that I enjoy – I couldn’t pass it up.

Q2. What was your first impression of Glaston?

A2: My first impression of Glaston was impeccable, I’ve never heard of a company who care so much about its employees, right down to the smallest details. I still find it astonishing that everyone in the company, from the Managing Director to the lowest rung on the ladder, me, meet up in a morning for a cup of tea and a biscuit to discuss the weeks events. Even though I have only spent a few months with the company, I feel I am treated with the same respect as the people who have worked here their whole working lives.

Q3. What skills do you think you bring to the role?

A3: I believe I bring a fresh, new perspective to the way tasks are conducted, as well as a willingness to learn and the ability to adapt to any situation.

Q4. What have you learned so far from working at Glaston?

A4: In the three months I have worked at Glaston I have learnt a lot of things, and to list them all would take an eternity. The most enjoyable thing I have learnt is how the compressors Glaston supply actually work.

Q5. What has been your greatest challenge so far?

A5: It is hard to think of my greatest challenge so far, other than writing this! I am challenged in different ways each day which makes my job extremely demanding but I find this exciting as I am constantly learning new and better ways to do things.

Q6. Where would you like to be in five years time?

A6: Within the next five years I hope that I will be given the opportunity to progress within Glaston and become an engineer.

Q7: What do you hope to get out of your apprenticeship?

A7: I hope to gain knowledge and experience of working within the engineering trade, as well as receiving the relevant qualifications at the same time.

Q8. What is a typical day like for you at the moment?

A8: I don’t really have a typical day as each one varies, but mainly my days consist of ensuring engineers have all the parts they require to do their job as well as assisting customers who wish to purchase parts.

Q9. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A9: In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym as well as socialising with friends. On a weekend I usually try to meet up with a few friends to play a friendly game of football or rugby which inevitably ends in an overly competitive match!