Photo courtesy of Terex Ecotec
United Kingdom-based size reduction and screening equipment maker Terex Ecotec, which has a United States office in Newton, New Hampshire, has deployed a special paint scheme on one of its TDS 815 compact slow-speed shredders as a way to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to promote early detection methods.
The business unit of Connecticut-based Terex Corp. commemorated March’s status as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with the unveiling of the shredder painted in the signature color of the Prostate Cancer UK organization.
The firm says the project was driven by the personal experience of Stevie Black, an operations director with Terex in Northern Ireland, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer early last year.
Terex Ecotec says for Black the initiative has been an opportunity to combine his professional expertise with a personal cause. As the blue machine is on the job, it will represent “a call to action for greater awareness of prostate cancer, which affects one in eight men,” according to the firm.
Regarding the machine selected, the twin-shaft Terex Ecotec TDS 815, the company says it offers versatility and performance across a wide range of applications, including the processing of wood scrap, landfill clearing debris, yard waste, municipal solid waste and bulky materials.
“The TDS 815 is a fantastic example of our team's dedication to advancing waste processing technology,” Black says. “The fact that we could take this high-performance machine and transform it into a symbol for a cause so close to my heart is something truly special. It’s a way for Terex Ecotec to not only showcase our innovative products but also contribute to a broader societal conversation around health and early detection.”
The blue TDS 815 currently is in the hands of Quarry and Recycling Solutions Ltd. (QRS), a machinery dealership based in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. Terex Ecotec says QRS will seek applications for the machine in the region.
“We were immediately on board when we heard about Stevie’s idea," QRS Managing Director Dougie Watt says. "This machine will be a valuable addition to our rental fleet, travelling across Ireland and raising awareness for prostate cancer at various sites.”
QRS also plans to display the machine at two upcoming trade fair.
"It’s an honor to be part of this important campaign, and we’re proud to help bring Stevie’s vision to life," the company says.
“The response from our team has been overwhelming,” Black adds. “The enthusiasm shown by everyone involved in building and [painting] the machine was truly inspiring. This project highlights the strength of our Terex Ecotec team, working together to produce something that not only meets industry standards but also has a deeper, more personal significance.”
As part of this initiative, Terex Ecotec is encouraging men to complete a risk assessment via the Prostrate Cancer UK website that can help identify those at high risk for prostate cancer and guide them toward seeking early detection.
“By painting the TDS 815 blue, we’re hoping to reach thousands of men and encourage them to act early,” says Jonathan Hanna, business line director for Terex Ecotec. “Prostate cancer affects so many men, and together, we can make a difference.”
