Turmec is a leading provider of waste processing and recycling machinery. The company designs and manufactures sustainable engineering solutions, enabling customers to recover high-quality materials from waste streams. CEO Geoff Bailey discussed the company’s recent growth and investments. Report by Antonia Cole.
With over 50 years of experience, Turmec is well-established in the waste management sector, CEO Geoff Bailey said: “I’m privileged to work with a high-achieving team and promote Turmec’s core values. The sector is very close to my heart, with my grandfather first setting up a paper recycling business in Dublin in 1940.
“The company remained in the industry until it was absorbed into the Greenstar group of companies 20 years ago, when I was CFO and Managing Director of post collection activities. The move to Turmec six years ago is my latest chapter in what has been a challenging and rewarding career in waste management.”
Turmec delivers tailored engineering systems that help clients sustainably manage waste. Offering support from initial design to final installation and ongoing technical assistance, the company is committed to providing comprehensive solutions to clients. Currently, Turmec is focused on expanding its global footprint. While the company maintains a strong position in established markets across Australia, the UK and Ireland, it has strategically entered the North American market.
Supporting its entrance into this new market, Turmec partnered with Viably. With Viably’s deep understanding of the North American solid waste market, Turmec has delivered its first plant build in Cleveland, Ohio. To drive further revenue growth, the company has invested heavily in internal resources. Turmec has expanded both its engineering and project delivery teams, while enhancing the capacity and efficiency of its manufacturing facility in Rathcairn, County Meath.
“This development has been reflected in our financial performance,” added Mr Bailey. “Revenue has grown in recent years to over €40 million and we expect to reach €50 million within the next 12 months. Our direct employee base has also grown from 105 to 120. We are actively filling open positions, which will bring us to a team of over 135 people.”
International growth
Through its multi-year partnership agreement with Viably, Turmec is focusing on new build and plant upgrade opportunities across the solid waste recycling spectrum. A key project in this partnership was the delivery of a 70-tonne-per-hour construction and demolition, commercial and industrial recycling plant for Boyas Recycling in Cleveland, Ohio. The facility highlights the economic benefits of high-purity recyclate production, alongside the optimisation of valuable landfill void space.
“It has already attracted visits from several operators, helping to generate significant interest,” explained Mr Bailey. “The plant is delivering landfill diversion of 75 per cent and 90 per cent purity rates across various grades of aggregate, grade A timber, OCC, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and mixed hard plastic. We are looking to add further optical separation technology to enhance the recovery of grade B timber and to produce SRF for cement kiln energy requirements, which will increase landfill diversion to over 95 per cent.”
At the same time, Turmec has been advancing its UK operations through the construction of an innovative materials recovery facility in Glasgow. Developed in partnership with several key original equipment manufacturers, this state-of-the-art facility is contracted to process up to 50,000 tonnes of household recyclable materials annually for Glasgow City Council.
“What makes this facility unique is the use of automation, including AI-driven optical sorting technology and robotic sorting systems for quality control and accuracy,” continued Mr Bailey. “These technologies produce high-quality recyclate while minimising the requirement for labour.
“The facility has also been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to adapt to changing material streams and future recycling requirements being driven by the UK’s Simpler Recycling initiative. The project forms a key part of Glasgow City Council’s wider strategy to improve recycling performance and support the transition towards a circular economy.”
Major investments
Additionally, Turmec has completed the construction and handover of a new construction and demolition recycling facility for the BMI Group in Ipswich, Queensland. This facility is a key part of a larger waste infrastructure development initiative undertaken by BMI and highlights the increasing demand for advanced recycling facilities across the Australian market. The plant will recover high-quality aggregate, timber and metals.
“The facility is capable of processing 60 tonnes per hour of mixed construction and demolition waste,” commented Mr Bailey. “Incorporating a range of advanced technologies, from shredding and screening to air density separation systems, the site will enable the efficient recovery of valuable materials. What makes this project particularly significant is its focus on automation, reliability and sustainability. The plant has been engineered to maximise throughput and recovery performance, providing BMI with a future-ready recycling solution.”
The company has also been upgrading its internal manufacturing capabilities. Having invested in a new powder coating paint shop at its production facility, Turmec has improved surface finish quality and consistency across its range of components. The addition of this paint shop gives the company more control over standards while also optimising production efficiency.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring that every aspect of operations meets the highest standards,” added Mr Bailey. “As demand for advanced recycling solutions continues to grow internationally, investments like this ensure we have the infrastructure, processes and capabilities to support our customers, as well as maintain the quality and reliability we are known for.”
Responsible development
Sustainability is also a key part of Turmec’s long-term growth strategy. The company has a comprehensive ESG programme, which includes initiatives focused on reducing its operational footprint. Recently, Turmec has installed solar panels to its site and the transition to powder coating technology has eliminated paint solvent emissions. Additionally, the company continuously invests in improved and energy-efficient manufacturing machinery.
“We support biodiversity initiatives through our participation in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, as well as the ongoing monitoring of our carbon footprint,” said Mr Bailey. “While there is always more to be done, we are committed to continuous improvement and setting meaningful sustainability targets for the future.
“Community engagement is another area we intend to build on. We believe businesses have an important role to play in helping future generations understand the value of environmental stewardship.”
To expand its market presence, Turmec also regularly engages with international partners. The company participates in major trade events, such as IFAT 2026, to connect with global clients and identify emerging technological trends. Turmec attended IFAT with its Australian partner, The Environmental Group, and strengthened its relationships with suppliers such as Pellenc ST.
“The global waste and recycling sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasing environmental regulation, landfill constraints, resource scarcity and growing demand for circular economy solutions,” explained Mr Bailey, in conclusion. “We have ambitious growth plans, which will be delivered by expanding existing market shares, exploiting the opportunity in North America and developing new markets such as the Middle East.
“Going forward, we remain uniquely positioned to lead the global transition towards a more circular economy.”