A new managing director has been appointed from within at Hull recycling specialist Wastewise as it secures a major supply contract expansion.
Bob Wilkes is the second person to take the role in a year after James Landau stepped up to executive chairman, with previous external appointment Ian Morrish taking a job in Saudi Arabia months after joining.
Mr Wilkes has a long history with the £11 million turnover firm, having joined the family-owned entity in 2009 for a short time, coming back on board in 2017 to support the rapid growth of the company as operations and development director.
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“With many years of industry experience, and particular expertise in business development and regulation, Bob has much to bring to his new role, Mr Landau said.
“Bob is the ideal candidate to step into my shoes and drive forward the next phase of our growth strategy. As a respected and well-liked member of the management team this is a natural next step.”
Having spent most of his life in Yorkshire, Bob is described as a talented cabinet-maker in his spare time as well as enjoying landscape painting and walking in the North Yorkshire Moors and the Lake District.
“I am delighted to take over the reins at Wastewise at what is an exciting time for the industry,” he said. “As we continue to grow our business further, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this will bring and to developing our knowledgeable and dedicated team.”
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It comes as the Willerby team has extended its deal with Vital Earth Sales Ltd, a top producer and distributor of peat-free composts and growing media.
The 10 year contract will see 50,000 tonnes a year taken by the Doncaster-headquartered firm.
Wastewise first started supplying Vital Earth in 2020, when a new production and bagging facility was set up to supply compost under the brand name SupaGrow to builders’ merchants and retail outlets.
Mr Wilkes said: “We are delighted that Vital Earth Sales Ltd has been so successful with its SupaGrow blend. A huge increase in orders and major new business wins has made it essential for them to secure a steady supply of compost.”
Wastewise operates three composting facilities across the North of England processing more than 200,000 tonnes a year of organic waste. It made an operating profit of £1.6 million in 2020.
Sam Robinson, managing director Vital Earth, added: “The SupaGrow brand has been an outstanding success, renewing our contract with Wastewise allows SupaGrow to launch many new organic, peat free composts and soils that customers can rely on.
"In such challenging times working with Wastewise has provided the assurance that our compost supply chain will remain not only constant but of a consistently high standard for many years to come ensuring certainty of supply for our customers.”