A specialist wood recycling plant is to open early next year as part of a huge expansion by West Bromwich Pallets.

The company plans to double the workforce to 100 by moving to a new site in the town, where it will use its Enviromulch process to convert waste wood into mulch for landscaping playgrounds and riding arenas.

The move will cost £4.5m and has attracted £1.2m development money from Advantage West Midlands.

WBP Enviromulch Ltd handles thousands of tonnes of dismantled packing cases and pallets a month, which are crushed incorporating dust removal and suppressant systems.

&#8220This is a massive move for us. On average 60% of material dumped in skips is wood waste, which is something that simply cannot go on”

WBP Enviromulch Ltd owner Rod Gifford

Owner Rod Gifford said: “This is a massive move for us. On average 60% of material dumped in skips is wood waste, which is something that simply cannot go on if we are to save resources for future generations.”