Adding Scrap Value

After the consolidation that has taken place in the scrap business in the past decade, it’s unusual to find an independent scrap merchant; and to find a company operating on the scale of West Midlands-based B Shakespeare and Co Ltd must be almost unique.

Customer Demands
Founded in 1958, the company handles over 150,000 tonnes of ferrous scrap every year, providing a free skip or Ro-Ro service to local factories and foundries to guarantee supply. The processed material is sorted and baled on site for recycling. Depot Manager, Garry Carter says the continued existence of the company is down to two things: listening to customer demands and acting upon them; and running an efficient, cost effective company.

Keeping an Eye on Costs
“We employ enough people to ensure the company works efficiently, and we always keep an eye on costs such as investing in new equipment such as the 300 bar, 1,250 tonne Sierra shears,” Garry says. “These have reduced our steel cutting gas costs by 75 percent.” However, when Garry took over the running of the depot several years ago, he saw there was still room for improvement, as between 2-3 hours were consistently lost while a fitter sourced and fitted new hydraulic hoses to the CPS supplied Solmec handlers, balers or other plant. Having previously used the Pirtek emergency on-site hose replacement service, Garry suggested they should be trialled at the Brierley Hill depot.

Downtime Dramatically Reduced
"What we immediately found was the unscheduled downtime was dramatically reduced. Pirtek would arrive very promptly, with the correct hoses and couplings, and fit the new hoses, leaving our fitter free for more important tasks,” Garry Carter concludes. “This has been reflected in increased production. Pirtek Oldbury provide an excellent service that has had a significant and positive effect on our productivity. They will remain our preferred supplier."