October 15, 2024
Kilwaughter Minerals acquired by Saint-Gobain

Kilwaughter Minerals acquired by Saint-Gobain

Kilwaughter Minerals Limited is to become part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor.  As per normal process, the acquisition has been forwarded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

October 15, 2024

Early interest in architecture inspires a successful career in building industry

Early interest in architecture inspires a successful career in building industry

James Hammond knew he wanted to pursue a career in construction after developing an interest in architecture at 12-years-old. Now, 21 years later, after working his way up within the housebuilding industry, James has been appointed as regional technical manager for Vistry Thames Valley, which has its headquarters in Reading and is part of Vistry Group, Britain’s biggest housebuilder. ‘The 33-year-old, who lives in Puttenham, near Guildford, said: “I’ve always been inspired by Architecture and buildings and with Salisbury Cathedral adjacent to my school, there was inspiration to be taken from at an early age. This fed through to the subjects I learned in school and ultimately, I knew that I wanted to work in the building industry.’ Following on from his early inspiration, James completed school, gained a degree in construction management from university and then joined the building industry as a graduate trainee in the technical department at a housebuilding company. He worked his way up to senior technical co-ordinator before joining Bovis Homes – now part of Vistry Group – in that role in 2018, then gaining promotion to technical manager and senior technical manager in quick succession. As regional technical manager, the father-of-two now manages a team of seven in the technical department at Vistry Thames Valley, which is building new homes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire across its Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes brands. He said: “My role is to look after the operational side of the technical team. Basically, we aim to keep things going on site by co-ordinating all the information from our architects, civil and structural engineers, landscape architects and other third parties. This ensures a smooth handover of information to other departments which, in turn, enables them to carry out their roles in working towards completing great homes for our customers.” James is also directly overseeing the technical operations at two sites – Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne, in Berkshire, and at Beckley Place in Barton Park, Oxford. He said: “I have to ensure that all the relevant drawings and technical information is provided so that the commercial department can price accurately and the build team can get on and build the properties to meet Vistry’s exacting standards. What I like about this part of the job is that it gives me the opportunity to be in the office and also get out on site to see the projects come to life.” “My personal professional ambition is to become a technical director and head up the whole team. The reason I love this job so much is that it is not only challenging but also that two days are never the same. That variety keeps things fresh and exciting. I feel lucky that I love my job and that Vistry has a positive promotion pathway.” Trevor Wicks, managing director of Vistry Thames Valley, said: “In the six years that James has been with us, his enthusiasm and positive can-do attitude has rightly seen him go from promotion to promotion within the technical department and now sees him occupy a senior role in that team. “James is a great leader within a great team. His proven ability to problem solve and create an environment where operations run incredibly smoothly means that he has very bright future with us here at Vistry.” For more information about careers with Vistry Group, visit vistrygroup.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kilwaughter Minerals acquired by Saint-Gobain

Kilwaughter Minerals acquired by Saint-Gobain

Kilwaughter Minerals Limited is to become part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor.  As per normal process, the acquisition has been forwarded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected in the first half 2025. Saint-Gobain is a global leader in the design and manufacture of solutions for the construction industry and employs 160,000 people across 76 countries globally. It has a wide-ranging portfolio of lightweight construction solutions for building facades and envelopes, with its emphasis on making buildings better for occupants and the planet. Kilwaughter has its headquarters at its limestone quarry in Larne, Northern Ireland from where it serves its construction and agriculture customers throughout the UK and Ireland, with distribution centres in Glasgow, Cork and St Helens. Known for leading brands K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime, the company has delivered continued success in recent years, with a clear strategy centred around outstanding customer service and innovative products. To year end (April 2024), Kilwaughter generated revenues of circa £50m and has over 200 employees. Gary Wilmot, CEO of Kilwaughter Minerals said: “We’re excited with the opportunity to join the Saint-Gobain group and continue Kilwaughter’s ambitious growth journey. “Kilwaughter has a rich company culture and heritage, and our focus remains on delivering a leading customer experience, underpinned by our trusted brands. We look forward to the added synergy that Saint-Gobain will undoubtedly bring and sharing our passion for innovation, quality and excellence. “We see the alignment of the vision and values between both companies as a strong building block for our teams and customers.” As stated above, the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chance for Northern Ireland’s most talented construction professionals to shine at glittering awards night

Chance for Northern Ireland’s most talented construction professionals to shine at glittering awards night

Talented construction professionals across Northern Ireland are being urged to step forward and be recognised at a glittering awards ceremony. The prestigious event will be held at Croke Park in Dublin on 18 September 2025 and will be hosted by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).  CIOB hosted a launch event for the awards on 11 October at Tughans, The Ewart, Bedford Square, Belfast, giving aspiring winners the chance to network with fellow construction professionals before going head-to-head for one of the coveted titles. A similar event was held at Engineers Ireland, Clyde Road, Dublin at the same time. Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: “I am always delighted when this important industry has an opportunity to showcase the talent, hard work and achievements of the people creating and maintaining our built environment. “The CIOB Ireland Awards is a great platform for the incredible things industry professionals are doing and I’m very much looking forward to hearing all those stories. “Nothing in construction happens in isolation so I encourage everyone working in the built environment sector to nominate the colleagues who most deserve recognition.” Councillor Micky Murray, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, oversaw the launch ceremony as categories covering Client of the Year, Team of the Year, Rising Star and Sustainability Award were officially opened for nominations. Cllr Murray said: “The CIOB Awards Ireland are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the remarkable talent and innovation driving Northern Ireland’s construction sector.  “It’s an honour to attend this celebration of excellence, and I encourage everyone to put forward their nominations and highlight the outstanding achievements within our built environment.  “Recognising the talented individuals who help shape Northern Ireland’s infrastructure is crucial, as they play a vital role in creating spaces and places that enhance our communities and support our future growth.” Nominations are now open and aspiring winners can enter their submissions online, with categories covering Client of the Year, Team of the Year, and Rising Star.  Awards are open to both members of CIOB and non-members and CIOB is urging as many construction professionals as possible to put their names forward.  More information on the awards can be found on the dedicated webpage: www.ciob.me/irelandawards Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can contact Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager Ireland, at shallinan@ciob.org.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Delivers the next Generation of M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches

MILWAUKEE® Delivers the next Generation of M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches

MILWAUKEE® continues to disrupt the cordless impact wrench market with the introduction of the next generation of M12 FUEL™* Compact Impact Wrenches. With the compact size, the new Impacts deliver the most access in tight spaces while doubling the performance from the previous gen. The compact size and reduced weight make overhead applications less strenuous and reduce fatigue from repetitive use throughout the day. Available in 3/8” and ½” with Friction Ring, the new M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches are the most compact and their weight without battery is only 1kg, which is lighter than the competition. With the increased power, the new impact wrenches can remove the most corroded and stubborn fasteners.  Featuring an updated 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL, enabling single handed mode changes by shifting into neutral and double tapping the trigger. The AUTO SHUT-OFF Mode also applies no more than 20 Nm of torque for hand-tight applications, that prevents overtightening when in forward mode delivering users greater control. While in reverse, bolt removal mode slows down the RPM once the bolt is free, preventing bolts from flying around the work area. The new M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches join the M12™ Cordless System, the largest sub-compact system on the market, focused on delivering industry-leading durability and the power to complete applications in the tightest spaces. Currently, the M12™ System is made up of more than 115 solutions. *M12 FUEL™ power tools are designed, engineered, and built to deliver extreme performance and productivity. All M12 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run time and durability on the job site. Simply put, M12 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Specifications M12 FUEL™ ½” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring M12 FCIWF12G3-502X Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ ½” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring, (2) M12 HB5 Battery Packs, (1) C12 C Charger, (1) HD Box M12 FUEL™ 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring M12 FCIWF38G3-502X Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring, (2) M12 HB5 Battery Packs, (1) C12 C Charger, (1) HD Box Perfect Match: M12 FCIWF12G3 ½″ SHOCKWAVE™ IMPACT DUTY automotive impact socket set – Automotive 3pcs socket set (4932451568) M12 FCIWF38G3 SHOCKWAVE™ IMPACT DUTY impact sockets – 3/8″ Packout impact socket set – 19 pc (4932480946)To find out more about M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How to Spruce up the Outside of Your Newly Constructed Property

How to Spruce up the Outside of Your Newly Constructed Property

The construction of your new property has been a labour of love and everything in between. Since starting the project, there have been numerous hoops to jump through as you complete the building work, add the finishing touches and make the property a safe and enjoyable place to live. Before you start thinking about seasonal home maintenance or interior decor, it’s now time to turn your attention to the outside of your house. Sprucing up the exterior of your newly constructed property is a great way to add the finishing touches to your hard work and increase curb appeal. From outdoor landscaping to aesthetically pleasing lighting options, there is so much to think about with regards to the outside of your property. Consider some of the following ideas and you will soon have a polished and well-presented outdoor space that has everything you could possibly need! Work on Your Lawns Tending to your lawns is a huge part of being a new homeowner. You want to be proud of the land you now call your own and you want the outdoor space to complement the property in every way. Spending some extra time working on your lawns will not only be time well spent, but it will also increase the value of your property too. A few years down the line, you may be looking to sell your newly renovated property for a high price tag and well-kept lawns will help to create an elevated appeal. Mow your lawn regularly and try to apply lawn seed every once in a while to keep it looking fresh and green. Hire a gardener to stay on top of grass cutting if you don’t have enough spare time to make it a priority; you’ll thank yourself in the long run! Focus on Landscaping Much like the lawn has a huge impact on curb appeal, you’ll also find that the surrounding landscaping does too. Tending to your flower beds, adding shrubbery and other potted plants can create an elevated outdoor space that ties in perfectly with your pristine property. With just a little bit of time and dedication, and a high quality hedge trimmer, you will soon have a lovely landscape which matches the freshness of your home. Staying on top of your foliage and hedge trimming will not only keep the outdoor space looking neat and tidy, but it will also bring every element of your home to life. Use Lighting Outdoor lighting is such a pivotal element of a newly constructed property, simply because there is so much flexibility to do incredible things with it. You can use lighting to highlight certain areas of your property and outdoor space, which can be extremely appealing to look at. Whether you’re hanging modern festoons outside a pergola, or you’re using outdoor lighting on your front porch, you need to make the most of the magic of lights when sprucing up your outdoor space. If possible, try to opt for lighting that matches each other, whether it’s warm, white or coloured. This will create a cohesiveness outside your property and the lights will work hard to bring everything together when the evening draws closer. Add an Exterior Gate If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of excess space outside your property, you may want to add an exterior gate for security and aesthetic purposes. An electric gate not only looks beautiful, but it can also keep your property safe from intruders and unwanted guests! Improve Your Driveway The driveway of your home is not only an important practical element, but it can also completely change the exterior of your property. Having a well kept driveway that is sleek, modern and tidy will make everything else surrounding your property look incredible. Whether you’re having Indian stone laid down or beespoke resin, there are a number of different driveway options for you to choose from. This will not only create a safe and practical place for you to park your vehicles, but it will also make your home look even more impressive from the outside. Plant Beautiful Flowers It’s no secret that flowers can completely change the way your home looks and feels when you’re outside. Having a well-tended garden is something that can be easily achieved too, even if you don’t have too much spare time on your hands. Potting some beautiful flowers and creating a touch of brightness in your garden or outside your front door is very simple. Choose your favourite florals and make sure you water them regularly so that they thrive in all weathers. Whether you’re creating flower beds in your back garden or effective pots scattered around your outdoor area, any pop of colour will work its magic to spruce up the space. Improve the Aesthetic of Your Doors Your front door and garage door can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your property, so why not improve them even more? Painting your front door an eye-catching colour might just be the perfect solution for sprucing up your outdoor space. Your garage door could also be easily painted to accommodate the rest of your smart design choices. Whether you’re steering towards a pastel palette, or you’re opting for a bold tone, your exterior doors deserve to have a little uplift too! When you consider all of the ideas mentioned above, you will probably be full of ideas and inspiration to make your property the best it can possibly be. Hopefully, when you have made these tweaks and improvements, you can completely transform your outdoor space and the exterior of your home so that it is a more practical and pleasing place to be. All of these small changes can be done over a period of time, so there is no need to rush any of these particular jobs. Soon enough you’ll have a fully completed space that has everything a brand new property deserves. Image from Pexels – CC0 Licence

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