J&B News & Updates

22.09.20

This month J&B Recycling is celebrating its Operations Manager, Ashleigh Sweeney, being with the team for 16 years.

Ashleigh originally joined us as a weighbridge office junior at the original site at Baltic Street. Over the years she has witnessed the transformation and diversification the company undertook from the original coal industry into the waste management industry working her way through many promotions to the position of Operations Manager.

Her role involves coordinating the operations of the Windermere Road Materials Recycling Facility as well as overseeing the Baltic Street, South Tees and Washington sites; ensuring production efficiency to achieve the highest quality.

Ashleigh has developed alongside the company whilst being involved in the six year investment plan to upgrade infrastructure, process optimisation and automation that has led to the company recognised nationally for its exceptionally efficient processing of waste materials.

“When I first started I was on the weighbridge recording weights of coal, photocopying and making cups of tea,” said Ashleigh.

“I was here when the first recycling wagon came in and as more and more recycling contracts began. It seems that one day we were at Baltic Street, the next we were at Windermere in much bigger offices wondering how we were going to fill the space. With the growing team we now need to expand the offices further to create more space.”

Ashleigh’s role with J&B has changed considerably over the years; from working on the weighbridge, transport and facilities to environmental, quality and now operations, she has grown with both the industry and the business.

She said: “There is so much variety within the job and the business is continually growing, there are always new projects to be involved in. I keep growing as the company grows, there’s still lots to learn and develop, it has been an amazing journey.”

Having initially dreamt of being an entertainer at Butlin’s after her stilt-walking performances in the Millennium Dome and in front of Princess Anne, the J&B family has meant a lot to Ashleigh, seeing her grow from a 16-year-old Junior to becoming Operations Manager.

Ashleigh said: “Initially, when the business was smaller I was fortunate enough to learn first-hand from Vikki. I have always been and will always be grateful for the time and opportunities Vikki and the family has given me.

“It’s a full team effort and I’ve been fortunate over the years to spend time working alongside the Directors and various members of the team past and present to learn from their experiences and knowledge.”

Vikki Jackson-Smith, CEO at J&B Recycling, said: “It has been great to watch Ashleigh work hard in her career and to continually grow within the business. We all appreciate her commitment and dedication and I am extremely proud of what she has achieved.”

As a highly respected and valued member of the team we look forward to the next 15 years with her being part of our expanding business and team.

You can find out more about a career at J&B Recycling here.