'Re-Gen was founded in Newry and remains deeply connected to this community': AI-driven facility to supercharge recycling, cut carbon and create 50 local jobs
Phase one of the new Newry facility marks a major milestone for Re-Gen, with revenue tripling from £30m to £100m and its workforce surpassing 400, cementing its position as Northern Ireland’s largest waste firm
Northern Ireland waste-management company Re-Gen has completed the £20 million first phase of its new state-of-the-art Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) facility at Derryboy Road in the Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry.
The investment marks a major milestone for one of Europe’s leading recycling and waste-processing firms, positioning Re-Gen to create 50 new skilled jobs and further strengthening its role as one of Northern Ireland’s key employers in the fast-growing green economy.
The advanced facility uses cutting-edge technology to significantly increase the amount of recyclable material recovered from black bin waste. This includes the extraction of aluminium, paper, cardboard and glass that would previously have gone to landfill. The expanded capability supports Re-Gen’s mission to drive up recycling rates, reduce environmental impact, and maximise the value of household waste.
In addition to capturing more recyclables, the site is now able to produce two highly valuable fuel types. Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), which is used across Europe as a lower-carbon alternative to fossil fuels in cement manufacturing, is one of the key outputs. The second fuel type, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), is generated from non-recyclable residual waste and can be used to create energy in specialised waste-to-energy facilities, helping divert even more material from landfill.
Designed and engineered by Re-Gen’s in-house R&D and engineering teams, the Derryboy Road facility incorporates the most up-to-date automation and digital systems, including AI-powered sorting, near infrared recognition, and data analytics to track material efficiency and output quality in real time. These innovations significantly enhance the company’s role in supporting Northern Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
Re-Gen’s revenue has increased from £30m to circa £100m over the last five years and today employs over 400 people across their two sites, making it a valuable contributor to the local economy and community as well as the largest waste management company in Northern Ireland.
Joseph Doherty, CEO of Re-Gen, said: “This £20 million initial investment marks a major milestone for Re-Gen and for Newry. The Derryboy Road site represents years of planning, innovation, and collaboration by our team and it firmly places Northern Ireland at the forefront of recycling and resource recovery technology in Europe.
“The new facility allows us to develop our black bin waste processes further, reducing dependence on landfill, treating local black bin waste and reducing carbon emissions. This investment directly benefits our local economy by creating new jobs, developing new skills, and strengthening the region’s long-term sustainability. We look forward to rolling out Phase 2 of the Derryboy site as we continue to significantly invest in this outstanding facility.
“Re-Gen was founded in Newry and remains deeply connected to this community. Every stage of our growth has been driven by a commitment to innovation and driving carbon emission reduction for current and future generations.”
The new facility complements Re-Gen’s existing Materials Recovery Facility and export operations, which together support clients across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Re-Gen is already a trusted partner to a range of local authorities and commercial waste providers seeking to improve recycling performance and reduce carbon impact.