A STATE-of-the-art aggregate washing plant in Hampshire has officially opened.

It is owned by demolition, waste and haulage management company R Collard, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The site incorporates the latest technology forrecycling construction and civil engineering wastes.

The £2.5 million facility will provide a source of recycled aggregate products to enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of regional construction and civil engineering developments across the south.

Projects that will be using materials from R Collard include the M3 Smart Motorway project and the M4 widening scheme.

Daily Echo:

Rob Collard, who is a well known as a British Touring Car Championship racer, said he was delighted with the equipment.

“We have just invested £2.5million and it’s taken two-and-half years in the planning process to make it happen, so I’m very pleased to see it working today,”said Mr Collard.

“We’ve had people like Balfour Beatty, Costains, and Wates and we have had general builders who are looking to buy an alternative cheaper aggregate than they would normally buy. Because it’s recycled it doesn’t have the aggregate tax so it gives the builders an alternative.

“They can come and buy our cheaper aggregates and it’s a saving which is passed onto the customer.”