YORK industrial shredding specialist UNTHA UK has appointed a new managing director as the firm closes in on a sales target of £10 million.

Marcus Brew takes the reins at the helm of the Roecliffe-based company, following a promotion from his previous role of sales director.

Former managing director Chris Oldfield, who has led the shredding business since 1997, will become chairman, and is tasked with concentrating on UNTHA UK’s "over-arching strategic direction" and other wider ambassadorial responsibilities in industry.

With a sales target of £10 million for the new financial year, the promotion comes as the next stage in UNTHA UK’s organic development, which has seen the company grow from a one-man business, to a firm with 17 employees.

Specialising in shredding solutions for the waste to energy and varied recycling markets, UNTHA now has more than 500 machines in operation throughout the UK and more than 9,000, in total, worldwide, with a strong pipeline reported for further UK projects.

Mr Brew said: "We have always been a very focused, customer-centric organisation that strives to supply not just the best equipment but the greatest levels of service and support too.

"We’ve made some key changes to our team this year to support our push for continuous improvement, and are currently undergoing a further recruitment drive to fuel the next part of our journey."

Other recent appointments saw Roger Draper join the senior management team as head of after sales last October, and experienced sales coordinator Sharon Annat progressed to the role of sales process manager in December.

With further recruitment planned UNTHA UK is now on the hunt for two more service engineers, a sales manager for spare parts and an office administrator.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Brew said: "Having been a part of the business for seven years, it is a pleasure to now lead the company through our next phase of growth.

"In truth, Chris and I won’t feel much of a change, as we’ve both been concentrating on these responsibilities for some time – the new titles are really just a formality."

Mr Oldfield Chris, a well-known face on the UK’s waste and recycling scene said: "This is a very exciting time in the evolution of our business.

"I will still have an active role at UNTHA UK and look forward to analysing the company’s position and efficiencies from a different perspective.

"Marcus’ promotion will also enable me to support some of the wider industry initiatives, forums and committees that I’ve long been asked to get involved with. I’m eager to see how UNTHA UK will further progress over the next few years."