THE opening of a new high tech metal recycling plant in Forest Vale has been praised for guaranteeing jobs, providing new ones and building 'optimism' for the town's future.

BASF's new plant (formerly Engelhard) recycles engine catalysts to recover valuable metals like platinum and more than doubles the size of its operation in Cinderford.

At the opening last Friday Gloucestershire County Council Leader Mark Hawthorne said: "It was a great honour to be asked to speak at the opening of BASF metals recycling in Cinderford.  Having the world's largest chemical company investing in Cinderford is a great mark of confidence in the town and a new chapter in a very successful multinational business.

"Talking about our community, I am really pleased to be in Cinderford today.  It is great to see that BASF, the largest chemical company in the world, agrees with Gloucestershire County Council about what a great place Cinderford is for businesses.

"That is true now – but it is going to be even more so in the future.  I think there is a spirit of optimism in the town – certainly there is a great spirit of co-operation, between the local MP, the county and district councils, the town council and local businesses to work together to bring about real regeneration.

"Cinderford could well become a county centre for education – particularly with Gloucestershire College's plans for a University Technical College – as well as a range of other plans to help bring in new businesses – and to support existing successful businesses."

BASF says a range of materials with recoverable metal content – primarily spent automotive catalytic converters and electronic scrap – will be processed at the new 56,000 square foot facility. In addition, the plant will house an analytical services laboratory to ensure accurate measurement of precious metals content for customers.

Deon Carter, senior vice president for BASF's precious metals services said: "Through this investment, we are making a strong commitment to the Cinderford region, which will now serve as the hub of our European metals recycling operations."