Group SCS always aims to reduce waste and a recent project by Health & Safety, Quality and Environment Officer Simon Richards is a great example of how this can be done.
Simon, who joined Group SCS in summer 2018, is a big fan of working with wood and when Managing Director Christopher Jones pointed out an old pallet that had previously been used to transport a fan to the Cardiff office, Simon saw a great opportunity for upcycling.
Simon said: “I feel that there is an abundance of materials, not only timber, that can be recycled into useable items and more awareness is always a good way of making people realise the potential of such materials.
“Also, if material of this nature can be reused and recycled into practical items such as the picnic bench it can only be good for the environment in reducing landfill.”
Pallet project research
To complete the project, Simon researched – via the internet – plans for the bench. Once the design had been established, Simon began his project using a battery-powered drill, hand tools (set squares, sliding bevel and hand saw) and fixings (bolts and screws).
From start to finish, which included the dismantling of the pallet, cutting the timbers to the desired shape and length, constructing the bench and finishing with Danish oil, the upcycling project took approximately five hours. Project Engineer Mike Williams assisted Simon during the construction of the picnic bench.
Woodworking classes
Simon’s enjoyment of wood stems from his school days in the woodworking classes, which then progressed into becoming a carpenter joiner on leaving school.
He said: “Even though I have progressed into my current role I will always find time to continue to work with wood and other construction materials, as I find it therapeutic and rewarding. Also, there is an immense job satisfaction on completion of projects such as this one.”
Simon has also made many gifts, tables and clocks from offcuts and pallets, some of which can be seen in the pictures below.
