SANY excavators increase recycling processing by a third at Skip East
Family-run Skip East has transformed its recycling operations with the help of powerful and reliable SANY excavators – boosting waste processing by 30% and minimising downtime thanks to exceptional aftercare and service support from Global Machinery Solutions...
Originally founded in 1985 as Ely Skip Hire, Skip East began as a small mini-skip supplier around Ely. Today, it provides skips of all sizes and waste management services across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk, processing all skip waste for repurposing.
In early 2025, the business acquired a new site to complement its existing facilities in Littleport and Cambridge. The site came with five years’ worth of accumulated waste from the previous operator – including demolition materials, metals, wood, machinery, tyres, glass, old skips, mattresses, and even portable toilets.
The clean-up was a major undertaking, requiring significant effort to bring the site up to operational standards so it could run alongside the other two facilities.
Introducing the SANY powerhouses
Skip East purchased its first SANY excavator in 2023 and has since expanded its fleet. The business now operates three SY155 models and one SY80U, with Managing Director Doug calling himself ‘a SANY convert’.
The machines’ strength and reliability proved vital in clearing the newly acquired site quickly, without diverting staff from other locations. Today, the excavators are integral to daily operations - sorting mixed waste, feeding shredders and crushers, loading processed materials, and managing stockpiles efficiently.
Their ability to handle a wide range of materials – from concrete and metals to wood and general waste – ensures consistent productivity, safety, and workflow continuity across all recycling activities.
Since introducing the SANY machines, Skip East has increased its waste processing capacity by around 30%.
Unrivalled reliability and aftercare
A key factor in choosing SANY was the five-year warranty, offering peace of mind and long-term protection. While natural wear and tear has required occasional parts replacement, Global Machinery Solutions has impressed Skip East with its rapid response times, expert engineers, and outstanding service support.
“We provide a vital service to businesses across the East of England by hiring out skips and processing their waste. With nearly 1,200 skips in use at any one time, we need reliable, high-performing machinery to prevent backlogs
“SANY has delivered on every level – not only with excellent machines, but also through the five-year warranty and Global Machinery Solutions’ brilliant aftercare. Their response time is second-to-none – far better than the two weeks I once waited before working with them.
“I’m delighted with how our SANY machines perform. They’ve helped us grow our business and increase productivity for the construction, building and landscaping companies that rely on us.” - Doug Stuart, Managing Director, Skip East
“SANY machines like the SY155 and SY80U are built for power, precision and reliability – and they never fail to impress. But we know great machines are only half the story.
“Our aftercare, service and parts support are just as important, ensuring every customer’s fleet stays in top condition with minimal downtime. We’re proud to support Skip East and look forward to continuing this partnership.” - Edward Baker, Managing Director, Global Machinery Solutions
About Global Machinery Solutions
Global Machinery Solutions is part of SANY’s dealer network and covers Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.
For more information call 01476 568384, email sales@globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk or visit www.globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk