Newport electronic waste company, FootprintMatters2U, has strengthened its service offering by acquiring IT Asset Disposal, based in Port Talbot.
IT Asset Disposal employs 14 staff to collect and repair end-of-life electronic equipment such as computers, printers and photocopiers which are then either reused or dismantled into raw materials for reprocessing.
FootprintMatters2U took over IT Asset Disposal when it became insolvent in October and has saved 14 staff from being made redundant.
IT Asset Disposal works in conjunction with businesses, universities, colleges and schools across South Wales, the South West and the Midlands. The business also provides work placements for those with disabilities or disadvantages.
FootprintMatters2U offers a full waste management package to business customers across the public and private sector including local authorities, schools, colleges, NHS Trusts and companies of all sizes from SMEs to blue chip. It also collects TVs from householders in their local area.
IT Asset Disposal will keep its name but will be managed from FootprintMatters2U’s premises in Newport.
Tim Hourahine, managing director of Footprint Matters 2U, said: “IT Asset Disposal has a similar business model to our own but with a more specific focus on re-use so this move can only complement the work we already do to divert waste from landfill.
“As well as repair items to go back into the local community and beyond, the company also has the ability to provide secure data destruction with software that is specified to military standards.
“We look forward to strengthening our service offering by working with the existing team to offer the complete range of recovery solutions for electronic items. It will also give us the base we need to extend our free TV collections service into the Port Talbot and Swansea area’s in the very near future.
“A string of contract wins over the past 12 months has meant we have been able to expand the business at a steady rate and are pleased to be supplementing our growth through this acquisition.”
IT Asset Disposal currently recycles and re-uses up to 1,000 tonnes of equipment each year. The company’s ex-owner Dan Dyer said:
“Had it not been for FootprintMatters2U stepping in to take us over, we would have had to close the doors before the end of November, losing all our valued staff. It was during the recent WRAP Cymru annual conference that we first met and realised that FootprintMatters2U were looking more to the re-use market, which is where IT Asset Disposal specialises.
“I believe that FootprintMatters2u’s management has the drive, enthusiasm and skills to bring about a change in fortunes.”
FootprintMatters2U is a waste management company specialising in the recycling of electrical goods and hazardous waste. With over 22 years experience, the company offers its customers peace of mind by diverting waste from landfill following processes that are environmentally sound.
For domestic clients FootprintMatters2U can arrange free collection of TVs, fridges, white goods and all electrical items in Newport, Cardiff and Caerphilly area’s and will soon be able to roll this out in the Port Talbot and Swansea areas. It is the only electrical recycling company in Wales to have achieved PAS 402 accreditation.