£500,000 machine adds to quarry investment

A new £500,000 machine will be installed at a quarry near Balderton to reduce airborne dust.

The Hercules trommel weighs 77 tonnes and is 9.3metres high — the same height as two double decker buses.

The trommel acts like a giant sieve, removing clay and mudstone attached to gypsum, while minimising airborne dust.

Its installation is the latest step in a £7m investment programme at Saint-Gobain Formula’s Bantycock Quarry.

The site produces gypsum and plaster for manufacturing in industries such as dentistry, food, ceramics, and construction.

Quarry manager Mr Kevin Glasper said: “The project includes a new plant and equipment and training and development of the workforce.

“This means we are now well placed to meet future demands for our gypsum products while setting the highest possible standards of health, safety and environmental performance.”