100 new jobs at recycling site

Jobless locals have been given work at the business which has been opened by the UK’s biggest recycling social enterprise.

Think3e has been working with Kirklees Council since last July to open an initial 25,000sq ft of industrial space at Calder Bank Mills in Scout Hill.

The organisation has ploughed £250,000 into the project, which will give all employees an apprenticeship as well as the chance of permanent work.

Earlier this year, the council approved a £100,000 grant to support Think3e in achieving a ‘fast growth’ strategy by helping to buy equipment and making a contribution to the first year’s rent.

Council leader Mehboob Khan said: “Dewsbury was once famous for recycling and became one of the richest areas in the country.

“We now have this opportunity to make it happen again and bring it all back home.”

Think3e is working with the authority’s business team to divert waste from landfill into raw materials and products which can be fed back into manufacturing.

Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Simon Reevell added: “Any news of new jobs is good, but when there is an environmental benefit as well it’s a bonus.

“We have to build on this now and let’s hope it is just the start of more developments.”

Think3e managing director Marcus Baldry praised the support of local businesses in setting up the venture and said the apprentices would be the ‘green heroes’ of the future.

Two permanent members of staff have also been recruited.