The Finnish recycling company previously held a 61% majority stake in SWEEEP Kuusakoski, which operates one of the UK’s largest waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling facilities.
The deal comes from a partnership that began in 2010, when Kuusakoski became a co-owner of the business to support its growth and development in the UK WEEE sector.
SWEEEP Kuusakoski’s facility currently processes around 25% of the mixed WEEE generated in the UK.
Kuusakoski said the acquisition aligns with its strategic priorities around multimetals and material sourcing, while strengthening its position in the WEEE recycling market.
The transaction will not affect SWEEEP Kuusakoski’s day-to-day operations, customer relationships or employees. The business will continue operating under its existing brand and organisational structure as part of the Kuusakoski Recycling group, with Barry Walker remaining as CEO.
Walker commented said: “For our employees, customers and partners in the UK, this change brings reassurance and renewed momentum.
“SWEEEP Kuusakoski remains the same trusted organisation, with the same team and capabilities, now fully part of the Kuusakoski Group – working together with our partners to shape the future of circularity.”
Timo Kuusakoski, Business Development Director at Kuusakoski, added: “SWEEEP Kuusakoski has demonstrated strong expertise in the demanding UK WEEE recycling market.
“As WEEE continues to be a strategically important material stream for Kuusakoski, moving to full ownership is a natural step.
“We would like to thank Pam and Patrick for the excellent collaboration over the years and congratulate them on the success they have built.”
SWEEEP founders set to retire
As part of the transaction, SWEEEP Kuusakoski founders Patrick and Pamela Watts will retire from operational roles in the business.
The pair founded the company in 2007 and oversaw its growth into a major operator within the UK recycling sector.
Reflecting on the sale of their remaining shares, Pamela Watts said the business began with “a leap of faith” and significant financial risk.
She commented: “I still remember the day Patrick called and asked me to pay £600,000 to Mewa. I thought that was the whole story – until he calmly explained that it was only the deposit, and that we now needed to find another £2.4 million.
“We were risking everything we had. It was daunting, and more than a little terrifying. But it was also the beginning of something extraordinary.”
The founders also praised their long-standing partnership with Kuusakoski, which began when the Finnish company acquired a majority stake in 2010.
They added: “Over the past 16 years, that partnership has been defined by mutual respect, shared ambition, and genuine collaboration.
“Many of you have become much more than colleagues – you have become part of our extended family.
“We leave knowing the business is in great hands and will continue to thrive.”
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