A STOURPORT oil and waste recycling plant has been bought by millionaire entrepreneur Andrew Black.

Mr Black, who is the founder of successful betting exchange platform Betfair, has purchased Hydrodec UK/OSS Group and immediately set out his plans to expand the company and create new jobs.

The business, based Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, has been rebranded and will operate as a private company under its new identity of Slicker Recycling Ltd.

Managing Director Mark Olpin said: “Andrew Black has a reputation for making things happen. His involvement and his interest in environmental matters, especially recycling, have already been of considerable benefit to us.

“We are re-branding to help re-enforce our new identity and our new approach to business.

“Currently our main activity is the UK wide collection of waste oil from the automotive and general engine servicing industry.

“At our refinery in Stourport we recycle this into a reprocessed fuel oil, used for industry. We also collect and recycle other hazardous workshop wastes such as oil filters and batteries.

“With Andrew’s backing we have exciting plans for expanding the business over the next two years.

“Our offices and plant will remain in Stourport and we will be taking on extra staff so we can introduce additional general waste and recycling services.

“However the big plan is to build a UK base oil re-refinery which will turn waste oil back into its original state as a lubricant.

“The new plant would not be in Stourport for logistical reasons but all our other operations and HQ will remain here.”

OSS Group has been in Stourport for over 20 years. It currently employs 150 people working in its HQ, reprocessing plant and as collection drivers and provides a country wide oil and workshop waste collection and recycling service.

Two years ago OSS Group was acquired by Hydrodec Group plc, a UK-listed international business with operations in the United States of America and Australia.