Ailsa3 acquired a stake in New Zealand composting innovator, VCU Technology Ltd in June 2006. The six-figure investment gives the fund a significant minority stake in VCU Technology and Hinton was appointed non-executive director.

The VCU Technology globally patented system; the ‘VCU’ (vertical composting unit) is a scaleable technology that can treat up to 40,000 tonnes of waste per annum. It was the first in-vessel technology in the UK to be accredited to the EU Animal By-Product Regulation and with 30 VCU facilities already built in the UK, features on more sites than any other technology of its kind.

VCU Europa, the European subsidiary of VCU Technology, designs, manufactures and installs VCU plant across Europe, with a proven track record of delivering successful projects for both the municipal and industrial markets. VCU Europa offers all aspects of project delivery including design, construction, planning, licensing and accreditation services.

“Alisa3 was approached as potential investors specifically to bring to the company a greater depth of understanding of the UK waste industry,” says Tony Gledhill, Chairman of VCU Technology. “Given Alisa3’s experience in building and operating waste businesses, we have no doubt they will make excellent investment partners as VCU Technology continues its progress as the leading in-vessel composting equipment providers in the UK.”

Andy Hinton, non-executive director of VCU Technology said; “VCU is a proven business that has developed a highly efficient and attractive waste management solution, and our investment will assist their expansion and delivery of the product to an expanding market. The funds injected into the venture will allow increased production and we will be actively involved in assisting the business in generating new contracts in the UK and further a field.”

The Vertical Composting Unit (VCU) is a market leader in in-vessel composting. The VCU was the first in-vessel system to be accredited to the EU Animal By-Product Regulation and now has more in-vessel composting sites in the UK than any other technology.

VCU Europa designs, manufactures and installs VCU plant across Europe, with a proven track record of delivering successful projects for both the municipal and industrial markets. VCU Europa offers all aspects of project delivery including design, construction, planning, licensing and accreditation services.

The VCU has flexible capacity, 1,500-40,000tpa; no odour due to self-biofiltration; a vertical design which means a small footprint; low maintenance and delivers a high quality end product.

VCU Technology Ltd has a world-wide patent on the Vertical Composting Unit and VCU® is a registered trademark of the company. VCU Technology International Ltd is the operating arm of the group and VCU Europa Ltd is the European-based subsidiary.

For more information visit the VCU
website at www.vcutechnology.com