From our inception in 1993, we at Greenbank have transformed from a humble family-owned piggery into a leading figure in the waste management industry. Having celebrated our 30th anniversary last year, we want to share our journey with you.
1) Foundations and Early Growth
The Humble Beginnings (1993)
Greenbank’s story began in an unconventional setting – a pig farm. Here, 800 fattening pigs were fed with waste food from restaurants, schools, and bakeries, processed in large pressure cookers. It was during these early days that our founder, Ian Evershed, noticed a critical market need.
While collecting waste for the piggery, he spotted glaring inefficiencies and hazards caused by unmanaged waste behind shops and restaurants. This realisation led to the birth of Greenbank, initially a small business focusing on selling small waste compactors to local businesses.
Expansion and Innovation (1994 – 2002)
Our reputation for delivering effective waste solutions quickly grew, and with it, our ambitions. By 1994, we had expanded from a local venture to a nationwide operation. This growth led us to relocate strategically to Middlesbrough, a significant milestone in our history.
During this period, we diversified our product range. Through import agreements with Bramidan, we began offering a wide range of waste management equipment, including various balers and bin lifting systems. The addition of Steven and Robin Evershed, Ian’s sons, to the team, strengthened our family roots and commitment to innovation.
As our footprint expanded, so did our need for space. In 2002, in response to our rapid growth, we purchased and refurbished our current premises, setting a solid foundation for continued growth and innovation.
2) Developing the Brand and Expanding Offerings
From the early 2000s onwards, our journey at Greenbank has been marked by significant brand development and an expansion of our product offerings. This era in our history is characterised by innovation, strategic decisions, and a growing influence in the waste management industry.
Building a Brand and Diversifying Products (2004 – 2012)
2004 was a pivotal year for us. We began manufacturing our polystyrene compactor range, starting with the SC3000, followed by the SC1000 and SC2000 models. These products, forming our own branded Cobalt range of machinery, represented our leap into manufacturing and set us apart in the market.
As our product range expanded, so did our clientele. We began supplying larger blue-chip companies, including several highly recognised brands, cementing our reputation as a trusted provider of waste management solutions. This period was pivotal in establishing ourselves as leaders in our field, known for our innovation and quality products.
In 2012, we made another strategic move by transitioning from a Family Partnership to a Limited Liability Partnership, Greenbank Compactors LLP. This change was a testament to our evolution and readiness to embrace a broader business horizon.
3) Structuring for Future Success and Celebrating Milestones
As we at Greenbank Recycling Solutions approached the 2020s, we focused on restructuring to ensure future growth and innovation. This period was marked by significant milestones and strategic decisions that reflected our commitment to evolving with the industry’s needs.
Structuring for the Future (2020 – 2023)
In 2020, we embraced a new chapter by becoming Greenbank Recycling Solutions Ltd. This change signified more than a rebranding; it was a declaration of our intent to grow and adapt in a dynamic market. The following year, we welcomed Suzanne McKie as our sales manager who is now our General Manager, and Gerry Carruth as our Managing Director. Their expertise and insights were invaluable additions to our leadership, enhancing our strategic direction.
Our focus didn’t just lie in expanding our team. In 2021, we established a comprehensive management structure and leadership team, laying a strong foundation for our next growth phase. By 2023, we had invested significantly in system improvements, particularly in revamping our ERP system, aligning with our commitment to growth and efficiency.
30 Years of Innovation and Excellence (2023)
In 2023, we celebrated an incredible milestone—30 years of trading. This anniversary was not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity to refresh our brand. The new branding symbolises both our respect for our history and our vision for the future. Over three decades, we have not only supplied solutions to numerous esteemed companies but have also consistently maintained the highest standards of quality and service.
Today, we stand proud of what we have achieved at Greenbank. From our humble beginnings to becoming a leader in waste management solutions, our journey is a story of adaptability, innovation, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to offering the best in waste management solutions, always with the goal of creating a cleaner, more sustainable world.
