Lindemann metal shredder boosts recycling capacity in S. Norton Group facility

A new metal shredder is set to boost recycling capacity and reduce energy consumption at a Manchester facility, following a £20 million investment by S. Norton Group.

The company’s latest installation, a 3000hp Lindemann shredder, was the focus of a visit by 17 senior industry leaders in February. The tour, hosted at S. Norton’s flagship site, was arranged by Lindemann to showcase the system’s efficiency in processing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and other waste metals.

Equipped with a variable speed drive system, pre-shredder, and shredder drive assistant, the installation offers energy savings of up to 20 per cent compared to a 3000hp shredder with a standard drive train.

The upgrade also delivers a 50 per cent increase in processing capacity, compared to the previous installation at Manchester, improving both operational efficiency and material recovery.

Carl Gustaf Gӧransson, CEO of Lindemann, commented on the showcase: “The event held in Manchester served as a valuable forum for collaboration and innovation between us and our customers. It was a highlight to be able to showcase the first-rate installation of our best-in-class shredder machinery. Feedback from attendees was excellent and they valued the opportunity to see and discuss S. Norton’s shredder operation first-hand.”

Dave Hobson, Group Capital Projects Manager, managed the installation and praised the collaboration: “Utilising the very latest and innovative technology options, this world class shredder installation sets the business up for the future. It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

As the only shredder of its kind in Greater Manchester, the facility plays a crucial role in the region’s metal recycling infrastructure. S. Norton, which operates six UK sites, has also expanded its footprint with a new Glasgow site acquired in late 2023 and ongoing development in Birmingham.

S. Norton Group recycles a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals, such as aluminium, copper, iron, and steel.

According to the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation, 157 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were saved in the EU by recycling 94 million tonnes of steel scrap. Using recycled steel to make new steel also enabled a reduction of 86 per cent in air pollution, 40 per cent in water use, and 76 per cent in water pollution.

S. Norton Group Managing Director, Tony Hayer, added: “We were delighted to host this valuable opportunity for senior leaders in the industry to see our technologically advanced shredder and understand how it is able to produce high quality shredded material, liberating more metal than older, less efficient models.

“The shredder was custom-built to replace an ageing asset and is an integral part of our plans for growth and ongoing investment in operational quality and capacity at all our six UK sites, including Liverpool.”