MAJOR MILESTONE FOR RENEWED METAL TECHNOLOGIES AND WAGGA WAGGA
On Thursday, 18 November, 2010 the Official Opening of the new Renewed Metal Technologies' (RMT) facility at Bomen Business Park was held onsite, with the NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos performing the official cutting of the ribbon to unveil the commemorative plaque.
RMT is a $55 million capital investment, and now employs 55 people. In its construction phase it is estimated to have created 181 jobs throughout the Wagga Wagga economy. Now in its operational phase, RMT is estimated to add 105 jobs to Wagga Wagga, representing increased output of $94 million in Wagga Wagga's economy.
The day was auspicious for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it represented the culmination of an idea spawned some 8 years ago, and which has been developed into a viable business through visionary leadership and methodical implementation. The plant comprises the world's best technology in lead recovery. It will process 42,000 tonnes of lead-acid batteries (such as car batteries) annually to recover 25,000 tonnes of lead, 7,000 tonnes of sodium sulphate and 3,000 tonnes of plastic.
Secondly, the plant is only the first step in a vision to establish Wagga Wagga as a centre for resource recovery. "...it is only the tip of the spear in establishing Wagga as a place to recover resources and return them for reuse" said Wayne Richardson, Managing Director and CEO of RMT in his speech at the opening ceremony.
Thirdly, the opening ceremony was attended by over 50 investors and members of The Sentient Group which is the major investor backing RMT. The Mayor held a reception for The Sentient Group at Council Chambers which provided the opportunity for Wagga Wagga City Council to demonstrate the strength of their support for the RMT development, and also for Councillors and members of Wagga Wagga's business community to meet members of The Sentient Group.
The Sentient Group manages over US$1.3bn in the development of quality metal, mineral and energy assets around the world. Its investors have wide-ranging investment interests and hence it was a valuable opportunity to create business networks and relationships.
