Paprec expands its footprint in Switzerland

The Paprec Switzerland division of Paris-based Paprec Group has agreed to acquire Switzerland-based Rewag -Recycling und Entsorgungscenter Wiggertal AG, which has nine recycling plants in Switzerland. A news release from Paprec indicates the acquisition “enables it to densify its presence on the territory of German-speaking Switzerland and collect as well as [ship material] closer to its customers.”

Paprec Group has been present in Switzerland since 2010, when it the acquired Lottner, Lopatex, E. Müller, Data Ex 4000 and Reisswolf. Paprec indicates it has a significant presence in Switzerland’s confidential destruction and paper and cardboard recycling sectors as a result of that transaction.

With its first acquisition, Paprec obtained nine facilities in the cantons of Basel City, Basel Campaign, Zürich, Lucerne and Aargau, with nearly 180 employees at the sites.

Rewag is based in Oftringen in the canton of Aargau, which is on the highway leading from Zürich to Bern. Specializing in recycling and waste services and the rental of bins for industry, the company collects paper, cardboard, scrap metal and discarded materials from factories and construction sites. Paprec indicates it will help the new locations develop confidential destruction services.

“Obtaining a network to collect and recover materials near producers is crucial for the development of our recycling activities, both financially and environmentally,” says Christophe Gence, director general and managing director of Paprec Switzerland.

“The group’s development in Switzerland follows the same logic as the development in France. To complete its organic growth, Paprec Group aims to acquire local businesses to be present throughout the territory,” comments adds Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, founding president of Paprec Group. “We want to grow in this area convinced by the need for recycling. The technical innovations developed by the group are key to our competitiveness in Switzerland.”

Paprec Group was founded and has been directed since its creation by Jean-Luc Petithuguenin. In 25 years the firm has grown from 45 to 8,000 employees spread over 200 sites in France and Switzerland. Its annual sales have reached €1.4 billion ($1.66 billion). The company recycles plastics, paper, cardboard, building materials, household recyclables, electronic scrap, green waste, wood, biomass and other materials.