Terex customizes shredder as part of cancer awareness campaign

Terex Ecotec marked Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with the unveiling of a unique TDS 815 compact slow speed shredder, painted in the signature colour represented by Prostate Cancer UK. The machine, led by the team at Terex Ecotec, is an effort to promote early detection of prostate cancer and is part of an ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility.

The TDS 815 processing machine has quickly become a key product in the waste management sector, offering versatility in a wide range of applications. Featuring a 1.5-m twin shaft shredding unit for efficient material reduction. Powered by a CAT 4.4 140kW Stage V engine, the 16,500-kg machine excels in a range of demanding applications — from wood and green waste to bulky and household waste. The addition of T-Link telemetry further enhances the machine's adaptability by providing real-time performance monitoring, optimizing operational efficiency across a variety of waste materials.

A bold colour for a personal cause 

What sets this particular TDS 815 apart is the striking blue paintwork that marks its role in Terex Ecotec's prostate cancer awareness campaign. The project was driven by the personal experience of Stevie Black, operations director at Terex, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2024. For Stevie, this initiative has been an opportunity to combine his professional expertise with a personal cause. The blue machine will not only be in the field processing waste but it also represents a call to action for greater awareness of prostate cancer, a deadly disease that affects one in eight men.

"The TDS 815 is a fantastic example of our team's dedication to advancing waste processing technology," said Stevie. "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 new Terex machine will travel to bring awareness 

The blue TDS 815 was given to Quarry and Recycling Solutions Ltd (QRS) at the Terex Campsie facility in Northern Ireland. As a Terex Ecotec distributor, QRS will be using the machine for various environmental projects across the country, furthering the campaign's goal of raising awareness for prostate cancer while demonstrating the machine's powerful capabilities in real-world applications.

As part of this initiative, Terex Ecotec is encouraging men to complete a simple risk assessment via the Prostate Cancer UK website, which could help identify those at high risk for prostate cancer and guide them toward seeking early detection.

Dougie Watt, managing director at QRS explains, "We were immediately on board when we heard about Stevie's idea. This machine will be a valuable addition to our rental fleet, travelling across Ireland and raising awareness for prostate cancer at various sites. We're also excited to showcase it at both the Balmoral Show and the CQMS Show in Tullamore, where it will take centre stage on our stand. It's an honour to be part of this important campaign, and we're proud to help bring Stevie's vision to life."

"The response from our team has been overwhelming," said Stevie. "The enthusiasm shown by everyone involved in building and spraying 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."

"At Terex Ecotec, we're proud to be leading the way in sustainable, high-performance waste processing equipment," said Jonathan Hanna, business line director for Terex Ecotec. "But it's also about what we can contribute outside of our industry. By painting the TDS 815 blue, we're hoping to reach thousands of men and encourage them to act early. Prostate cancer affects so many men, and together, we can make a difference."