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Ladbrook Engineering Enables A New Generation of Glass Recycling Technology

Ladbrook Engineering Enables A New Generation of Glass Recycling Technology

North Walsham based Ladbrook Engineering have announced that they are currently working on the design and production of a new generation of the 'Little Smasher', the LS02, a glass recycling machine for the licence trade. The Little Smasher is a machine that safely and efficiently smashes bottles into tiny fragments, helping to reduce waste storage and enabling easy transportation for recycling.

Working with 'Smash & Grab Glass Recycling Ltd' the recycling company that designed the Little Smasher unit, Ladbrook have been providing manufacturing and design services.

"We are very pleased to be working with Smash and Grab Glass Recycling on this next generation of machine," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. "It’s a great product that really helps facilitate the recycling of glass as well as providing an important waste management solution for the licence trade. The new design looks more stylish and has a number of technical improvements."


Ladbrook are one of the UK's leading specialists in pressed metal parts, providing components for products ranging from cookers to prestige sports cars. Ladbrook also provide a design and manufacturing capability to a wide range of industries. Established for over 70 years, Ladbrook remains a family owned company focused on providing outstanding customer service and high quality components.

"With this new machine we have a much bigger role in the design and manufacturing side of things," said Mike Blowers. "We will be bringing a number of changes to the design that will enable faster assembly and a significant cost reduction. Also, as more of the production will be manufactured in-house at Ladbrook, we'll now have much more control over the quality of the components and the final product."

The Little Smasher


Gerry Turner with the Internal Mechanics

Smash and Grab Glass Recycling Ltd has sold the LS02s to a number of top quality London restaurants and hotels, including Young’s Breweries, Fuller Smith & Turner and Capital Pubs, Butlins and Ikea amongst others. Smash & Grab also arranges for regular collections of the crushed glass by existing waste removal contractors, therefore providing a complete recycling solution. As the Little Smasher reduces the volume of glass by approximately 80%, collections do not need to be as frequent as with conventional glass recycling. The transportation of glass in this form is far more efficient, resulting in a more cost effective and significantly lower carbon footprint approach to glass waste disposal and recycling. The remaining collections generate much less noise than conventional ones, adding another social benefit.

“We have very much appreciated the design and manufacturing support that Ladbrook have provided,” said Geoffrey Galitzine, Managing Director of Smash and Grab Glass Recycling Limited. “The Ladbrook engineering team has contributed many important design improvements that will ensure that the next generation of the Little Smasher will build on the success of the earlier design. Ladbrook is an excellent supplier, always attentive and responsive, with good communication.”

For more information regarding Ladbrook's press metal and metal spinning services, contact Paul Goodman on 01692 402156

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