The acquisition of Serviceteam earlier this year significantly increased Cleanaway's involvement in municipal contracts, explained Don Argus, Brambles chairman. Since the acquisition, Cleanaway's earnings have risen considerably said Mr Argus. “Cleanaway's municipal waste business has trebled and now contributes 40% of Cleanaway's
revenues. I emphasise this point because municipal revenues have not been traditionally hit by economic downturns.”
Mr Argus sounded an optimistic note for future growth in the Cleanaway businesses in the UK, Germany and Australia against a background of “increased government regulation and the progressive change from waste disposal to increased recycling and recovery. Cleanaway is well positioned in this market in the UK, Germany and Australia.”
And the chairman said that the company is well shielded from the difficult hazardous waste market so will not be hit too much from any decline in this sector caused by the economic slowdown.
Sir CK Chow, chief executive officer for Brambles said that the group is now a world leader in support services, adding that “in the last financial year all our businesses recorded strong growth.” He spoke of a sense of excitement among the Brambles workforce at enhanced career prospects and other benefits resulting from the merger of the GKN support services businesses with Brambles this summer.
On Cleanaway, Sir CK said that the business is now one of the top three waste companies in the UK. “The acquisition of Cleanaway has substantially enhanced the scope and potential of Cleanaway there.”
He also spoke of key steps in the company's business strategy. On its Chep pallets side, it is moving ahead with the RTPs for households which will see products delivered to households and the containers collected. “We are excited at the returnable plastic tray for householders (RTPs).”
Register for free to comment