A VEHICLE recycling firm has launched a new operation centre in St Helens.

Copart UK, who are involved in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, have announced the new premises.

After purchasing the 16-acre site at Ravenhead Road, which was formerly leased by Cazoo, Copart said it is "strategically placed between Manchester and Liverpool" and "will increase their Northwest capacity by 50 per cent".

The news comes just after two other new Copart Operation Centres opened their doors in Corby, Northamptonshire, and East Kilbride, Scotland, and in addition to the company announcing several large expansions to existing sites.

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Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK and Ireland, said: “We’re very excited to be making this announcement as we continue to move forward on our ‘Land and Expand’ strategy.

“The investment into this additional capacity demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers by enabling growth, EV handling, and increased volumes due to the expected forecast of further extreme weather events.”

Car dealership Cazoo left the Ravenhead Road site after shutting its premises there in 2022.

Copart UK, was established in 2007 and handles over 500,000 vehicles each year through online auctions for a variety of customers, including finance companies, banks, dealers, fleets, rental car companies and the insurance industry, as well as franchised, independent, and wholesale motor traders.