ISLAND MP Bob Seely turned Bob the Builder when he operated a new bulldozer for an Isle of Wight firm.

The latest addition to Wight Building Materials (WBM) vehicle fleet has been put through its paces by Mr Seely.

WBM has invested nearly £400,000 in new environmentally friendlier vehicles recently, including a new bulldozer, cherry picker and ‘hi ab’ lorry loader and concrete pump.

Mr Seely took the wheel of the 18-tonne new bulldozer during a fact-finding mission to the firm's base at St George’s Down near Newport.

Under the guidance of WBM’s Oz Gulliver, he drove the new vehicle within the depot and tried his hand at earth moving.

Beforehand, WBM general manager Steve Burton had given Mr Seely a tour of the site, briefing him on all aspects of the business, including its ongoing programme to reinstate previously quarried sites back into countryside land rich in biodiversity.

Steve also spoke about the company’s contribution to the local economy through its position as major supplier to the local construction industry as well as highlighting recent — and future — investment in the business.

The company has plans to spend nearly £2 million this year on a new silt conditioning plant that will enable it to recycle material for its restoration and reinstatement programme.

Steve said: “This new investment will ensure we continue to offer our customers the very best products and services and will help us to maintain our place as the Island’s premier supplier of aggregate, building and construction products.

“It also enables us to make the best use of our precious local resources and ensure we operate the business in the most environmentally sustainable way.

“We were delighted Bob took the time both to put the new bulldozer through its paces and to hear about all aspects of the work we are doing here and elsewhere on the Island.”

Mr Seely said: “I was impressed to see not only the physical investment in new technology but also the company’s commitment to being a responsible local employer as well as a business that meets its responsibilities to the environment.

“Nearly 40 Islanders are employed directly by WBM with a further 30 more indirectly employed. It’s good to see a successful local company having such a positive impact on the Island economy.”

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