Ghelma, a leading Swiss construction company, needed a solution to process excavation material, sand and gravel, much of which was previously considered waste.

To address this challenge, Terex Washing Systems, in close partnership with distributor, Avesco AG, delivered a bespoke washing solution tailored to Ghelma’s needs.

Avesco AG is the official distributor for Terex in the Swiss market. The family business has been around for more than 150 years and focuses on supplying capital construction equipment to customers across Switzerland, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Finland, Austria, and Slovenia.

The companies have collaborated on various tailored solutions for customers, including for Albin Borer AG, a Swiss company focused on construction, infrastructure and material treatment. Their collaboration saw them design and commission an end-to-end excavation wash recycling system, which helped turn Albin Borer’s waste into a saleable product.

Now, the Terex and Avesco partnership has helped deliver Ghelma with a modern system designed to maximise the recovery of high-value materials and integrate state-of-the-art washing and recycling technology.

The design included an H9 Feeder, PS60 Logwasher , FM60C-2-Grade double wash sand plant, 12X5-2-deck pre-screen, , 6x2 trash screen, and 8x4-3deck full rinser post-screen. Also included were an FM60C-2-Grade double wash sand plant, a dewatering, TC4026 stockpile conveyors, a fresh water pump, and a settling pond.

The PS60 Logwasher  enables robust scrubbing and removal of tough clays and contaminants, which is suited to Ghelma’s natural sand application. The PS60 Logwasher was key to scrubbing the heavily contaminated material, ensuring a clean material output.

The 12X5-2deck pre-screen efficiently pre-screens material to remove undersized material and improve yield. The 6X2 trash screen helps separate unwanted material, including organics and debris, further enhancing material quality. The 8X4-3deck full rinser post-screen can be used to rinse and classify materials into final products for the Ghelma operation.

The FM60C-2Grade double wash sand plant is capable of precise sand classification and washing, which helps Ghelma produce a range of high-quality sand materials. The freshwater pump helps ensure water circulation while processing occurs, while the settling pond enhances the site’s water treatment and recycling, supporting its water management.

SUB-HEAD:  Converting waste into value

Terex Washing Systems, in collaboration with Avesco AG, is providing a solution that turns previously waste material into high-value products. By processing excavation material and natural sand and gravel, the plant produces a range of materials for the construction material market.

Ghelma produces a variety of products, including +32mm oversize, 16/32mm aggregate, 8/16mm aggregate, 4/8mm aggregate, 1/4mm sand, 0/1mm fine sand, and trash , mainly organics.

The collaboration throughout the project ensured that Ghelma could maximise material recovery while reducing operational costs associated with waste disposal. The plant’s ability to process and refine previously considered unusable materials into high-quality products is not only cost-effective but also supports Ghelma’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

SUB-HEAD: Working in close partnership

Throughout the project, Terex Washing Systems worked closely with Ghelma and Avesco AG, maintaining strong communication and collaboration at every stage. From the initial consultation to the plant’s installation and commissioning, our teams ensured that the solution was customised to fit Ghelma’s exact needs, providing ongoing support to ensure the plant's performance exceeded expectations. This collaborative approach fostered trust and ensured the project was a success, reinforcing the value of working in close partnership with customers.

SUB-HEAD: Promoting the circular economy

The advanced washing solution not only delivers high-quality materials but also promotes a circular economy by recovering and recycling resources. Ghelma can convert waste into valuable construction materials, minimising the need for virgin resources. The inclusion of water recycling systems, such as the settling pond, further supports sustainable operations by reducing water consumption.

SUB-HEAD: Environmental and economic impact

The project has delivered multiple benefits to Ghelma, including waste reduction, resource efficiency, water conservation, cost savings and sustainable growth.

The new system can help Ghelma divert materials from landfills and repurpose them for construction while maximising the use of all materials processed at the site.

The system enables efficient water management and conservation through on-site water recycling through the integrated water treatment system.

These factors have led to increased cost savings. This has mainly come about through reduced disposal costs and the ability to generate revenue from recycled products. Sustainable growth also has a wider impact, reinforcing Ghelma’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

“This advanced washing plant not only enhances Ghelma’s operational efficiency but also supports their sustainability goals by promoting the circular economy and conserving resources,” Terex said.

“This project is a testament to the benefits of working closely with customers and distributors to achieve long-term success.”

Terex Jaques is committed to delivering quality solutions directly to customers through a streamlined direct sales approach. This model ensures that clients have a seamless, personalised experience from initial inquiry to project completion, enabling us to address specific needs swiftly and efficiently. For all washing equipment inquiries, reach out to our team today who can help you with bespoke washing solutions for all your wet processing needs. TWS.Sales@terex.com