What a fantastic and insightful day at the MHEA Site Visit to Day Aggregates’ Wellingborough facility!

Delivered expertly by the brilliant team at Day Aggregates, the visit offered a superb insight into how modern materials‑handling and recycling technologies are shaping a more sustainable future for our industry.

We explored one of the UK’s newest and most advanced IBA recycling and sustainable aggregate manufacturing plants, where 100% of incinerator bottom ash (IBA) is transformed into certified, low‑carbon secondary aggregates. The impressive IBA intake shed, capable of storing up to 20,000 tonnes and supporting 16 deliveries per day, set the scene for the scale and efficiency of the operation.

We followed the journey of the material through the plant, observing how metals such as aluminium, steel, copper, and even small quantities of precious metals are expertly recovered before the remaining material is processed into EcoBlend, used widely in roads, pathways, car parks and structural bases.

A particular highlight was seeing the facility’s impressive environmental systems in action. From rainwater harvesting to interconnected 30,000L storage tanks, wedge pits, settlement pits and a high‑pressure ring‑main water system, the site has sustainability engineered into every stage of production.

We also learned more about the £20 million Wellingborough manufacturing plant, which processes roughly 200,000 tonnes of IBA each year and plays a vital role in supplying sustainable aggregates across the Midlands. Its location also helps address local aggregate shortages and reduces reliance on imported materials.

The evening prior to the site visit, we hosted a dinner for all MHEA members including those unable to attend the visit itself. We were delighted that the Day Aggregates team joined us, and everyone agreed it was a fantastic networking opportunity, bringing together colleagues, industry peers and new connections in a relaxed and engaging setting.

A huge thank you once again Nigel Mitchell, IBA Processing Manager, Matt Creese, Site Manager and Chris Varney, Assistant Site Manager for hosting such a well‑delivered and insightful tour. The visit clearly demonstrated how innovation, sustainability and modern materials‑handling expertise are helping drive our industry forward.

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