Over 20 jobs are being created with the growth of Biffa’s plastic milk bottle recycling plant in Redcar.

Recruitment is underway for multi-skilled operators and logistics operators as part of a £13million expansion at the Wilton International site.

Both roles involve fork-lift truck driving with an hourly rate of £10.15 per hour plus shift allowance, as well as overtime.

Operating for over 20 years, the Redcar plant is part of Biffa’s North-Eastern centre for plastic recycling.

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Middlesbrough-born mum Elise Smith has worked at Redcar for 11 years. In her role she drives fork-lift trucks and helps operate and maintain machinery vital to the recycling process.

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“I think there is a misconception that it’s a man’s job,” she said, “but there’s quite a few lasses of all ages working here now. We’ve even got a mother and daughter.

“Unemployment is a problem around here, so it’s great Biffa is expanding and opening opportunities for people. I've seen people start off as operators and now they’re managers.

“Every day’s different. I’ve learned new skills like getting my fork-lift licence and working on scissor lifts. You’re learning the different parts of the plant, the machinery, how it works.

“Everyone is brilliant to work with. We have a laugh and if there’s ever a problem everyone is willing to help. It’s a really good experience. We even have great team building days.”

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While the Redcar plant recycles plastic milk bottles, 85 per cent of all UK milk bottles now contain Biffa recycled plastic.

The company’s plant in Seaham recycles clear plastic bottles and its facility in Washington recycles coloured plastic bottles, tubs and trays.

Phil Goodier, Managing Director, Biffa Polymers, said: “We’re growing our plastic recycling capacity at Redcar, and that means more jobs for local people. We’ve got a range of great new roles on offer with excellent rates of pay and the chance to learn new skills in an industry that’s at the forefront of helping the environment. 

“Our shift roles could well appeal to people who appreciate planned time off on different days in the week, which may fit in with hobbies, caring and family commitments.”

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