14.5.2026

Kuusakoski acquires full ownership of SWEEEP Kuusakoski

Kuusakoski, a Finnish recycling pioneer, has acquired the remaining 39% shareholding in SWEEEP Kuusakoski, making the UK-based WEEE recycling company a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuusakoski Oy. Kuusakoski previously held a 61% majority stake.

SWEEEP Kuusakoski is one of the UK’s leading waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection and recycling specialists. Its recycling facility in Kent, near London, is among the most advanced and environmentally robust in Europe, processing approximately 25% of mixed WEEE generated in the UK.
 
The move to full ownership concludes a long-standing partnership that began in 2010, when Kuusakoski joined SWEEEP as a co-owner to support the company’s growth. The acquisition supports Kuusakoski’s strategic priorities in multimetals and material sourcing.
 
The transaction does not affect SWEEEP Kuusakoski’s day-to-day operations, customer relationships or personnel. The company will continue operating under its current brand and organisation as part of the Kuusakoski Recycling group, with Barry Walker continuing as CEO.
 
“For our employees, customers and partners in the UK, this change brings reassurance and renewed momentum. SWEEEP Kuusakoski remains the same trusted organisation, with the same team and capabilities, now fully part of the Kuusakoski Group – working together with our partners to shape the future of circularity,” says Barry Walker, CEO of SWEEEP Kuusakoski.
 
As part of the transaction, SWEEEP Kuusakoski’s founders and minority owners, Patrick and Pamela Watts, will retire from operational roles. Since founding the company in 2007, they have played a key role in building SWEEEP Kuusakoski into a respected and successful business in the UK recycling sector.
 
Commenting on the acquisition, Timo Kuusakoski, Business Development Director at Kuusakoski, says:
“SWEEEP Kuusakoski has demonstrated strong expertise in the demanding UK WEEE recycling market. As WEEE continues to be a strategically important material stream for Kuusakoski, moving to full ownership is a natural step. We would like to thank Pam and Patrick for the excellent collaboration over the years and congratulate them on the success they have built.”
 
More information
 
Tuomas Haikka, CSO and Director, Corporate Relations / Kuusakoski Recycling
- Tel: +358 40 749 4218
- tuomas.haikka@kuusakoski.com
 
Justin Greenaway, Commercial Manager / SWEEEP Kuusakoski
- Tel: 01795 434125
- Mob: +44 7967 587 065
- Email: justingreenaway@sweeep.co.uk