A WASTE management company, which specialises in treating hazardous materials from North Sea oil and gas projects, has vowed to continue investing in its flagship North-East plant despite unveiling plans to restructure the business.

Augean, which runs landfill sites at Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough, says it could create new jobs at the depot, which looks after hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The firm employs about 15 workers at the site and operates an advanced waste recovery park, which treats drill cuttings and refinery sludges from offshore work, and a tank farm that looks after liquid waste.

Bosses told The Northern Echo the plant remains integral to their plans after revealing proposals to axe its waste network division, which operates mainly across the Midlands and offers collection, storage and disposal of goods.

The company underlined its committment to the region after revealing its half-year results for June 30, which showed revenues, including landfill tax, had increased by 17 per cent to £23.4m, and adjusted pre-tax profits stood at £1m.

Dr Stewart Davies, Augean chief executive, said: “We are addressing the underperformance in the waste network division which, while will impact on the group’s full-year results, but will have no negative impact on Port Clarence, where we have and will continue to invest heavily.

“That is one of the most high-tech facilities with some of the best waste treatment work in the country.

“It is one of the largest flagship sites and a key place for waste disposal.”

Dr Davies, who took over as chief executive in August, previously held managerial positions for Serco, Corus and Balfour Beatty, and says he is was confident Augean will build on the results.

He said: “This reflects the sustained progress made with our previously identified strategies on low-level waste, offshore work, and minerals and energy.

“Despite the challenging conditions in a number of markets, the group has delivered increased revenue and cash flow, and we expect these key sectors to continue delivering further growth in the second half of the year.”