We build for
success
ABOUT US
Thetford International Ltd is a UK manufacturer of industrial waste compactors, designing and building robust compaction systems for commercial and industrial operations nationwide. From static and portable compactors to complex bespoke waste handling systems, every unit is engineered for performance, durability and long-term cost efficiency.
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Operating from our manufacturing facility in Thetford, Norfolk, and employing over 50 skilled staff, we design and manufacture our equipment entirely in-house — including structural fabrication and electrical control systems. This gives us complete control over quality, specification and reliability, ensuring every compactor is built to meet the exact requirements of each customer.
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Our compactors are trusted by manufacturers, retailers, waste contractors, local authorities, food processors, hospitals, transfer stations and civic amenity sites across the UK and internationally.
What Makes Us Different
WHY choose us
True In-House Design & Manufacturing
We are one of the few UK compactor companies that designs and manufactures its own industrial waste compactors entirely in-house. This allows us to tailor systems precisely to site requirements and adapt designs when needed — something suppliers without engineering capability cannot offer.
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Built for Industrial Demands
Our compactors are designed to be powerful, durable and built to last. They are engineered for demanding commercial and industrial environments where reliability is critical.
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Complete System Capability
Beyond standalone compactors, we design more complex waste handling systems — particularly where waste delivery points are remote from container locations. Our in-house engineering capability allows us to design fully integrated solutions to suit individual site layouts.
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Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
Customers choose Thetford because they recognise the value of robust engineering and dependable support. Many who initially purchase lower-cost alternatives return to us when performance and longevity become priorities.
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Continuous Improvement
Our product range is constantly reviewed, updated and developed to meet changing waste regulations, site requirements and operational demands — without compromising build quality.
Global Coverage
international
Our equipment is operating in a wide range of international environments, from municipal transfer stations to large-scale industrial facilities. We understand the regulatory, logistical and operational considerations involved in supplying waste compaction systems beyond domestic markets.
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Working with contractors, distributors and end users globally, we ensure each project is specified correctly, delivered efficiently and supported appropriately. Our international presence reflects the adaptability of our systems and the long-term confidence customers place in our engineering.
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​We also recognise that international projects demand clear communication, technical documentation and dependable coordination across borders. Our structured approach to specification, compliance and commissioning ensures customers receive a seamless experience, regardless of location, while maintaining the same performance standards expected in the UK market.
Our Heritage
Established 1969
The business was originally formed in 1969 as Mechanical Products Supply Company Ltd. Beginning in a 600 square foot industrial unit manufacturing skips and containers, the company expanded rapidly in response to the growing demand for waste compaction.
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By 1977, the increasing importance of compaction equipment led to a change of company name to Thetford International Compactors Ltd, reflecting a strategic shift towards engineered waste compaction systems.
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As fuel costs increased and landfill space became scarce, the need to compact waste at source became essential. Thetford responded by focusing on the design and manufacture of powerful, long-lasting industrial compactors capable of handling growing waste volumes efficiently and safely.
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Today, operating from a seven-acre site in Thetford, the company has grown into one of the UK’s most established compactor manufacturers, exporting equipment across Europe and to markets including India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Throughout this growth, the emphasis has remained the same: strong engineering, practical site knowledge and dependable after-sales support.
Client Testimonials
Thetford has supported DS Smith’s Recycling Division for over a decade, supplying high-performance compaction and material handling equipment across more than 100 paper recycling contracts nationwide. Their durable machinery, technical expertise and responsive engineering support make them a trusted long-term partner.
Plant Manager
DS Smith
We have worked with Thetfords for over 45 years, making them our primary supplier of compaction equipment. Many machines installed decades ago remain in service today. Their durable equipment, professional installation and responsive service support are vital to our customers’ operations.
Mark Smith Casepak
As an ISO 14001-certified manufacturer focused on sustainability, we needed a more efficient waste solution. Thetfords delivered a compactor and CHEM container system that transformed our operations. Their expertise, collaboration and support have been exceptional — if only all suppliers were this good.
Richard Jones Mercian Labels
We’ve worked with Thetford International for many years, and they consistently deliver excellent service and high-quality products
Thetford International remains a trusted supplier to Impact Air Systems, and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.
Richard Deacon
Impact Air Systems
We've recently installed our fifth compactor from Thetford International and have once again been impressed by their professionalism, quality and service. From planning to installation, everything ran seamlessly. Reliable equipment and outstanding support make Thetford a trusted long-term partner.
Simon Phillips
Amgen Cymru
For over 15 years, Thetford International has provided exceptional support for our waste compactors. Their team is reliable, responsive and highly professional, consistently delivering outstanding service. We value our long-standing partnership and would confidently recommend them as a trusted maintenance provider.
Stephen Drew
CCL Labels
Our Management Team
Our management team brings together decades of industry experience, providing the leadership, technical expertise and strategic direction that ensure Thetford International delivers reliable, high-quality support to every customer.
Managing Director
Johnnie Ellis
With 37 years experience, Johnnie leads the family business with a strong focus on people, quality, innovation and building long-term customer relationships, while supporting continued growth across international markets.
Operations Director
Andrew Goddard
Andrew oversees sales, service, production and engineering, bringing over 25 years of experience at Thetford International and extensive industry expertise to delivering reliable, high-quality waste handling solutions for customers.
Technical Sales Manager
Gordon Robinson
Leading Thetford's sales team, Gordon combines over 40 years of engineering expertise with 26 years in customer-focused commercial roles, helping businesses invest in the right long-term waste handling solutions.
Technical Sales
James Wojtasz
Progressing from Service Supervisor to Technical Sales, James combines extensive engineering and operational knowledge to deliver reliable, high-quality waste handling solutions tailored to each customer's requirements.
Project/Service Manager
Chris Goddard
Chris leads a nationwide team of engineers, delivering reliable maintenance, expert support and exceptional customer service across the waste handling industry, backed by 25 years of experience at Thetford International.
Service Supervisor
Carl Manels
Responsible for coordinating Thetford International's nationwide engineering operations, Carl brings over 10 years of experience delivering responsive servicing, repairs and breakdown support to customers across the UK.
Sales Office Secretary
Kim Nunn
Kim has been an integral part of Thetford International for over 25 years. Working closely with Sales, Accounts, Production, Design and Service, she plays a vital role in maintaining seamless communication and providing excellent customer support.
Company Secretary
Megan Clark
With 10 years at the company, Megan is responsible for the day-to-day running of our accounts department, as well as her role as Company Secretary. She helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes and support the wider team across the business.
Managing Director
Johnnie Ellis
With 37 years experience, Johnnie leads the family business with a strong focus on people, quality, innovation and building long-term customer relationships, while supporting continued growth across international markets.
Meet Our Management Team
Operations Director
Andrew Goddard
With over 25 years at Thetford International, Andrew oversees sales, service, production and engineering, ensuring customers receive reliable, high-quality waste handling solutions backed by extensive industry expertise.
Meet Our Management Team
Technical Sales Manager
Gordon Robinson
Leading Thetford's sales team, Gordon combines over 40 years of engineering expertise with 26 years in customer-focused commercial roles, helping businesses invest in the right long-term waste handling solutions.
Meet Our Management Team
Technical Sales
James Wojtasz
Progressing from Service Supervisor to Technical Sales, James combines extensive engineering and operational knowledge to deliver reliable, high-quality waste handling solutions tailored to each customer's requirements.
Meet Our Management Team
Sales Office Secretary
Kim Nunn
Kim has been an integral part of Thetford International for over 25 years. Working closely with Sales, Accounts, Production, Design and Service, she plays a vital role in maintaining seamless communication and providing excellent customer support.
Meet Our Management Team
Projects/Service Manager
Chris Goddard
With 25 years at Thetford International, our Service Manager leads a nationwide team of engineers, delivering reliable maintenance, expert support and exceptional customer service across the waste handling industry.
Meet Our Management Team
Business Development
Carl Manels
With over 10 years at Thetford International, our Service Co-ordinator manages nationwide engineering operations, coordinating servicing, repairs and breakdown response to keep customers' waste handling equipment operating efficiently.
Meet Our Management Team
Company Secretary
Megan Ellis
With 10 years at the company, Megan is responsible for the day-to-day running of our accounts department, as well as her role as Company Secretary. She helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes and support the wider team across the business.
Meet The Management Team
Client Feedback
Trusted by businesses across the UK, we're proud to build long-lasting relationships based on quality, reliability and exceptional service. Here's what some of our customers have to say about working with Thetford International.
We've recently installed our fifth compactor from Thetford International and have once again been impressed by their professionalism, quality and service. From planning to installation, everything ran seamlessly. Reliable equipment and outstanding support make Thetford a trusted long-term partner.
simon Phillips
amgen cymru
We have worked with Thetfords for over 45 years, making them our primary supplier of compaction equipment. Many machines installed decades ago remain in service today. Their durable equipment, professional installation and responsive service support are vital to our customers’ operations.
Mark smith
casepak
Thetford has supported DS Smith’s recycling division for over a decade, supplying high-performance compaction and material handling equipment across more than 100 paper recycling contracts nationwide. Their durable machinery, technical expertise and responsive engineering support make them a trusted long-term partner.
plant manager
ds smith
As an ISO 14001-certified manufacturer focused on sustainability, we needed a more efficient waste solution. Thetfords delivered a compactor and CHEM container system that transformed our operations. Their expertise, collaboration and support have been exceptional — if only all suppliers were this good.
richard jones
mercian labels
We’ve worked with Thetford International for many years, and they consistently deliver excellent service and high-quality products and their services are second to none.
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Thetford International remains a trusted supplier to Impact Air Systems, and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.
richard deacon
impact air systems
For over 15 years, Thetford International has provided exceptional support for our waste compactors. Their team is reliable, responsive and highly professional, consistently delivering outstanding service. We value our long-standing partnership and would confidently recommend them as a trusted maintenance provider.
stephen drew
ccl labels
