Country Fare
Client
Trents
Location
Poole
Size
100,000 sq ft
Project Timeframe
2 Years
Inside Charles Trent’s Industry-First Vehicle Recycling Facility
How did SR France help deliver the UK’s first reverse vehicle recycling centre? Learn more about 100,000 sq ft of precision-built infrastructure, completed on time and within budget.
Challenges Faced
Charles Trent Ltd — better known as Trents — has led the UK’s vehicle recycling sector since 1926. As a fourth-generation family business, they recycle 95% of each vehicle it processes and continues to invest in modernising the industry.
In 2020, they took a bold step forward: developing the UK’s first reverse production line facility for vehicle dismantling. The goal? Bring all operations indoors and speed up processing through automation. They wanted to target a 100% recycling rate and create up to 60 new jobs at their Poole site in the process.
To deliver this first-of-its-kind facility — totalling 100,000 sq ft — Trents brought in S.R.France to handle all groundworks. From site strip to final externals, we worked alongside the main contractor, Jade Aden, to keep the project moving from day one.
The site presented four key challenges:
Zero Excess Space
The building footprint covered the majority of the site, leaving little space for construction, operations and delivery of materials. Careful sequencing and delivery timing were essential.
Specialist Structural Requirements
The internal floor had to support racking that was 17m high. It also needed to accommodate recessed production lines with built-in ducting. This required advanced concrete work and precision formwork.
Complex, Large-Scale Groundworks
We were tasked with breaking out over 9,700m² of concrete and excavate more than 4,800m³ of material. Only then could we start on the foundations — all while working on a live, operational site.
No Margin for Delay
Trents had clear scope and requirements. They needed to be sure that deadlines would be achieved and the final project met specification.
Solutions Implemented
S.R.France was appointed as the groundworks subcontractor for the whole project. Our team collaborated with Jade Aden, the main contractor, to complete each stage. This included everything from the initial site strip to the final externals. We managed to do all this despite the site’s challenges and technical difficulties.
We responded to each challenge with targeted, high-spec solutions across four key workstreams:
Ground Preparation & Concrete Works
9,700m² of existing concrete yard broken out and removed
4,800m³ of material was excavated to form a reduced-level dig
1,800m³ of C40 concrete poured for high-performance internal slabs
RC40 thickening applied for load-bearing strength
9,485m² of A393 mesh reinforcement laid and tied to support 17m-high racking
Structural Foundations
176 pile caps broken down and removed
Ring beam foundations excavated and formed
26 tonnes of steel reinforcement cages installed
227m³ of RC40 concrete placed to structural specification
Drainage Systems
214m of 750mm stormwater drainage installed
518m of stormwater pipework (150mm–300mm diameters) laid
45m of foul water drainage (110mm diameter) installed
Three 1800mm diameter catch pits, one 1200mm PCC manhole, and a flow chamber were constructed to manage site runoff
External Yard Construction
232m³ of PAV2 concrete was laid for the yard surface
1,337m² of A393 mesh reinforcement installed for durability under heavy machinery and vehicle traffic
Every element was delivered to spec, on time, and without disruption. By collaborating closely with Trents and the main contractor, we kept progress on track. This ensured the facility was ready both structurally and operationally from day one.
The Transformation
Now that all the groundwork is done, Trent’s new reverse production line facility is operational. Better yet, it’s already transforming vehicle recycling possibilities across the UK.
This custom-built centre enables Trents to grow sustainably and solidify its leadership in circular automotive recycling. For S.R.France, this was more than a build; it was an opportunity to deliver a UK industry first.
“We've worked with S R France on many projects over the past ten years, and they’ve always been reliable, professional, and easy to work with. They managed tricky ground conditions and tight deadlines without fuss and kept us well informed throughout. We trust them and would happily recommend them.”
— Marc Trent, CEO - Charles Trent Limited
