Columbus McKinnon, based in Amherst, N.Y., has partnered with end of life tire recycler, Gilles Henry, SARL and has delivered two complete recycling systems for scrap tire reduction in France. The systems are designed to produce clean cut tire-derived fuel (TDF) for a number of cement and renewable energy companies throughout Europe. The agreement was organized through the French tire association Aliapur.

CM installed a primary shredder and single speed shredder for making a variety of tire chip sizes, including 38 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm and 100 mm TDF as required by individual markets. Each of the single speed shredders is equipped with interchangeable classifiers to accommodate each of these chip sizes. Gilles Henry installed these two systems at their facilities located in the Normandie and Lorainne regions of the country.

Gilles Henry, SARL is a privately owned company managed by co-owners Gilles Henry and his partner Annie Simon and is headquartered in Nancy. They have been processing end of life tires for more than 15 years and got their start in Chaudeney sur Moselle.

Aliapur is the managing authority for all processed tire material in France.

CM shredders are built using the patented Holman Knife Design which the company says produces clean cut TDF chips. With both plants up and running full time, Gilles Henry is expected to produce 75,000 tons per year.