Shred-it's Expansion Continues into Wales

This article was published in The Business Desk
By Ben Rooth - Business Correspondent

DOCUMENT destruction firm Shred-it, which has its UK headquarters in Manchester, is opening its first branch in Wales to meet growing demand.
The company - which has a 10,000 sq ft facility in Trafford Park and opened its head office in Sale last year - has opened its latest branch on the Village Farm Industrial Estate in Pyle, Bridgend, South Wales.

Ten jobs have been created at the Bridgend branch where two specially designed on-site shredding trucks will be based.

Shred-it already provides document destruction services to over 370 customer locations based in South Wales, spanning both the public and private sectors.
During the last twelve months, the business has seen its customer base across the region grow by 52 per cent.

Robert Guice, executive vice president of Shred-it, said: "Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the potential financial and reputational risks posed by a breach of confidential information. This is prompting more and more companies to seek our assistance as they move to boost their secure data destruction processes.

"Our new Bridgend branch will enable us to enhance our local service to both new and existing clients in the region. The opening of new branches across the UK also forms an important part of Shred-it's plan to build on the sustained growth achieved last year."

During 2009, Shred-it saw total sales turnover exceed £23m nationwide between January and October - an increase of 15 per cent on sales turnover during the corresponding period in 2008.

It now operates a network of 16 branches nationwide which operate 118 shredding trucks and employ 200 people.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, minister for the economy and transport for the Welsh Assembly, said: "We welcome Shred-it's decision to invest in Wales and the creation of new jobs in the local area.

"This move will enable the company to expand its operations in Wales while also offering its extensive customer base a more sustainable solution."

Shred-it expects demand for its services to increase on the back of government proposals to raise the maximum fine for businesses breaching data protection laws to £500,000 from the current maximum penalty of £5,000.