History in the Making

Pursuit of new Challenge leads to History in the Making for Quest Disposal & Recycling Inc.

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

There’s nothing more exciting than a new challenge, and for Jaden Melenka that meant exploring new and different ways to diversify the Vegreville business he owns with brother Jarrett Melenka and Keith Hayduk.

Jaden Melenka with one of the 20 Leopard 1 tanks currently in the yard

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The new challenge turned out be the ‘Conversion Project’ which involves the overhaul and repurposing of 48 decommissioned Leopard 1 battle tanks that will be used for target practice at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake air weapons range.

Each tank has an insignia and a name.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Back in the 1970’s Canada acquired more than 50 of the Leopard 1 tanks and operated them until 2017. Many of these tanks were used in combat in Afghanistan, and Jaden said the project has generated a lot of interest, and he’s been in contact with a soldier from Edmonton who wants to come to Vegreville to see the tank he operated.

“It’s such an honour to be working on such an important part of Canadian military history.”

Line up of tanks.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Jaden, who serves in the capacity of project manager for quality disposal, and said he couldn’t be prouder of his team who have been willing to take the project. Jaden said the workforce at Quest Disposal & Recycling Inc. is very diverse with many different specialities. That, coupled with unique experiences and ideas from staff have contributed greatly since work began on the project last September.

Because they were not familiar with the tanks, Jaden said a couple of military mechanics from Montreal spent about a week providing hands on training four new staff members who would be working on the project. “They were exceptionally good at enabling the process.”

So far, they have 20 tanks in their lay down yard and are expecting to have another 25 arrive in the coming months. All in all, Jaden expects everything to be completed in mid- July. “It’s a big accomplishment for us.” Jaden said it is also a nice way to further support the town and the local economy.

Tank engine after removal.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The project has generated a lot of intrigue and interest in the community, and he said the visibility is good for the company and its employees who are learning new skills and increasing their capabilities. He sees it as a win, win, win for the company, the community, and the military.

By refurbishing the tanks, they are making them environmentally friendly as well as give them a new purpose as they will be used in the training of the next generation of military personnel. While he is hoping they will be able to secure one of the tanks to be used as a monument in Vegreville, but that is not in his control. Nevertheless, he couldn’t be happier with having a hand in history by giving these out-of-date relics a new lease on life.