Introducing a lively debate on Building a Safer Future at the Firex International event held on June 18, 2019 in the ExCel centre in London Michael Harper, who became the Federation’s chairman last year, welcomed the progress made whilst expressing the frustration professionals and residents have concerning the lack of
Market study report Titled Global “”Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market“” 2019 Industry Research Report recently published on e-marketresearch.com is the key document for industries/clients to understand current global competitive market status. The Building Fire Retardant Coatings market study report base year is 2018 and provides market research data status (2013-2017)
If you’ve decided that your kitchen is ready for a makeover, there are many aspects you need to take into consideration to get the job done. One of the most important elements that you may not have thought of is the role of plumbing in your new kitchen. While it
Building a commercial property cannot be approached in the same manner as a residential one. There are different considerations for both types of construction. Knowing the things to think about when constructing a commercial property is essential for a successful project. With the following information, you will know what you
Classified as a superhard material, titanium is a go-to metal for homeowners who need a sustainable solution to their building needs. Research suggests that the superhard materials industry will be worth an estimated $6.5 billion by the year 2025 and both titanium nitrate and titanium alloys fall within this category. With researchers
Have you looked at an empty lot or unused flat piece of land in your community and thought that it could absolutely be used in a much better way? With the increasing health epidemic that is sweeping first world countries caused by our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, not to mention the
The Ipswich Tidal Flood Barrier has won a top award from the leading international engineering institution. The project, which better protects over 1,600 homes and 400 businesses from the risk of flooding, has won an Exceptional Merit Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Merit Awards.
Leading mechanical and electrical building services specialist J S Wright is to fit out the first phase of the Paradise Birmingham development. The company, which has its headquarters in Birmingham and an office in London, has been awarded a contract exceeding £4m by BAM Construction for the M&E infrastructure, basement
Architectural cladding specialist Vivalda Group has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019. Despite the current economic uncertainly and the impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy on the industry, Vivalda has continued to push for greater transparency and leadership within the cladding
Low & Bonar has officially sold its division for high-performance construction fibres with the brand name Adfil to a new owner as from 1 July 2019. The “concrete lab” of the international concern can now carry on independently. With the same name and at the same location, but above all
Introducing a lively debate on Building a Safer Future at the Firex International event held on June 18, 2019 in the ExCel centre in London Michael Harper, who became the Federation’s chairman last year, welcomed the progress made whilst expressing the frustration professionals and residents have concerning the lack of positive actions taken to stop another catastrophic fire. He told the audience of well over 100 that the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) along with many others inside and outside government had been trying to address the myriad of issues in a building system that so clearly failed while also trying to identify the products that can and cannot be used in circumstances like high-rise or high risk buildings. Observing “this has not been an easy or indeed fast task, and in fact it has at times been frustrating and painfully slow”, he added the caveat that “it does of course have to be thorough and meticulous”. Part recalling Churchill’s ‘this may be the end of the beginning’ Michael Harper also emphasised the clear wish to see the public inquiry move quickly into its investigative second phase and for the government’s current building safety consultation to bring into fruition the “bedrock change” of a better building control system. One that “chased down the whole culture and competency of a construction industry that had somehow become complacent if not, in some cases, positively indifferent about fire safety”. Outlining that the Federation had joined with many others to implement 100% of Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report to stop cherry picking or conversely avoid the “too difficult” issues and very recently had also backed the Inside Building campaign to have public finance allocated to assist private tenants remove the cladding from their buildings, Michael pointed out this was no sudden call to action. Indeed, for a number of years FSF members had, he said, argued for a review of building regulations; pressed the case for defining competency; suggested strongly that third party installers offer assured quality; promoted sprinklers and alarms to protect the vulnerable; and argued for better building protection. And this was not because of vested commercial interest but because all FSF members share a common commitment to improve fire safety in the UK. Organisations like FSF often had a difficult task in bringing the diverse views of their members together but he closed his comments by saying he was pleased that on many issues that common commitment had allowed FSF to agree “a common denominator” position in a number of fire safety concerns. Immediately after the introduction to Building a Safer Future a panel of FSF lead officers addressed issues relating to fire strategy, competency, active and passive fire protection. The concern that two years after Grenfell little change had actually happened in regulation, products and practices was raised and debated. The underlying belief that few people really understood fire from a risk perspective, knew how to recognise companies and people who were competent and third party assured, and were unprepared to support a socially responsible industry simply because it cost more to have that quality, were all explored by the panel and their questioners.
Market study report Titled Global “”Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market“” 2019 Industry Research Report recently published on e-marketresearch.com is the key document for industries/clients to understand current global competitive market status. The Building Fire Retardant Coatings market study report base year is 2018 and provides market research data status (2013-2017) and forecast (2019-2025) and also categorizes the Building Fire Retardant Coatings market into key industries, region, type and application. Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market 2019 study report covers all major geographical regions and sub-regions in the world and concentrates on product sales, value, market size and growth opportunities in these regions. Competitive Analysis for Building Fire Retardant Coatings market industries/clients :- AkzoNobel, Axalta Coating Systems, BASF, PPG ndustries, Sherwin-Williams, Versaflex, Kukdo Chemicals, Nukote Coating Systems, SUPE, Rhino Linings Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market 2019 Industry Research Report provides current competitive analysis as well as valuable insights to industries/clients, which will help them to formulate a strategy to penetrate or expand in a global Building Fire Retardant Coatings market. Insights from competitive research analysis will provide a competitive advantage to industries/clients in the Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry. Study years considered for this insight to analyze the market size of Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market are History Year: 2013-2017, Base Year: 2018, Estimated Year: 2019, Forecast Year 2019 to 2026. Download sample report copy of Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market 2019:- www.e-marketresearch.com/request-sample-23452.html Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market 2019 Industry Research Report is segmented into key players, type, application, and region. Geographically, this Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market 2019 report studies the key geographical regions United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, And study insights of product sales, value, industry share and growth opportunity in these regions. Sub regions covered in Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry study reports are- North America- United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific- South Korea, Australia, India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Europe- Germany, Italy, Spain, France, UK, Russia, Rest of Europe, Central & South America- Argentina, Brazil, Rest of South America, Middle East & Africa- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa. Main Types covered in Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry- Interior Wall Coatings, Exterior Wall Coatings Applications covered in Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry- Household, Commercial More details, inquiry about report and table of content visit our website:- @ www.e-marketresearch.com/buying-inquiry-23452.html Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings Market study objectives are:- To study and analyze the Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2019-2025). To study the major players in the world (North America, China, Europe, India, Japan, Southeast Asia), to study the sales, value and market size of major players in the world. Main Focus on the worlds major Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry players, to study the sales, value, industry size and future expansions plans. Main Focus on the worlds key manufacturers, to define, describes and analyzes the industry competition landscape, SWOT analysis for Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry. To define, describe and forecast the Global Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry 2019 by key players, region, type, application. To analyze the worlds major geographical regions as well as sub-regions Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry, their potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To study important trends and segments driving or inhibiting the worlds Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry growth. To study the opportunities in the world Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry for stakeholders by identifying the growth segments. To study every submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry. To study competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the Building Fire Retardant Coatings industry.
If you’ve decided that your kitchen is ready for a makeover, there are many aspects you need to take into consideration to get the job done. One of the most important elements that you may not have thought of is the role of plumbing in your new kitchen. While it may be exciting to design the layout of your updated space based solely on the vision you have in mind, it’s crucial not to overlook the configuration of plumbing. Read on for some of the plumbing matters you should think about during your kitchen renovation. Make Room for the Sink As you work on remodeling your kitchen, the placement of your sink should be one of the first things you consider. The way you position your new cabinets and drawers can affect how your sink fits into the kitchen and may even prevent it from functioning properly. Along with the depth of the basin, the placement of the plumbing that comes out of the wall below the sink should be taken into account. Planning around these important features by consulting New Canadian Drain and Plumbing can help your renovation go much more smoothly. Focus on Layout The entire layout of your kitchen should be planned in advance with potential plumbing issues in mind. There are numerous features that need to be picked out before a renovation, such as countertops, flooring and appliances. It’s easy to get tricked into focusing solely on the finishes and designs involved in your remodeling project, but disregarding plumbing can cause serious problems down the road. Choose a spot for your dishwasher and refrigerator based on the location of the plumbing, not only on how the placement of these appliances will affect the appearance of the room. Relocate Pipes When you have new fixtures and appliances installed, the pipes will likely have to be re-positioned. Contacting a skilled plumber to relocate your pipes can ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently. Moreover, failing to have your appliances or pipes installed correctly can cause serious damage to your home. By trusting a professional to take care of the plumbing aspects of your kitchen, you can save a significant amount of time and money. When you focus on the role of plumbing in your kitchen renovation from the start, you can avoid repairs and high costs later on. Making plumbing a priority also allows you to have a kitchen that is consistently in top condition.
Building a commercial property cannot be approached in the same manner as a residential one. There are different considerations for both types of construction. Knowing the things to think about when constructing a commercial property is essential for a successful project. With the following information, you will know what you need to consider when taking on a commercial property building project. Why Are Commercial Buildings Different? When it comes to the differences in residential or commercial buildings, usage is straightforward. Obviously, a residential building is a housing building, such as an apartment or single-family home. A commercial building is for business purposes, such as an office building or a retail center. Sherman Pole Buildings recommends individuals fully understand the constraints involved in constructing a commercial building. There are also different permit requirements for the two types. From parking lots to elevators, there is are many requirement codes and permits that must be met or obtained. 4 Things You Need to Think About When Building a Commercial Property There are a few things you should consider before beginning a commercial property building project. Careful consideration will help you to plan accordingly so mistakes can be avoided. 1. Consider the building type and proper location. Each type of commercial building is going to have its own unique set of needs. Properly considering the building type and placing it in the proper location will be beneficial for helping you avoid problems with permits, codes, and construction. 2. There are zoning laws that have been put in place to ensure commercial buildings are put in exact zones and built to exacting specifications. Making sure you have all the right permits and are building according to commercial zoning laws is essential. 3. Cost is a big factor when planning a commercial building project. Consider your budget and properly plan for the costs to avoid unwanted surprises. You do not want to be in the middle of your building project and find you are low on financial resources. Ensure loans are approved before starting excavation of the building site. 4. Choosing the right contractor is a big decision when it comes to a commercial building project. The right professional should be highly skilled and attentive to detail. The best team of professionals working on your project will help to ensure issues can be avoided. Plan for Problems No commercial building project is complete without some level of irritation. Problems are likely to arise at some point in the course of planning or construction. Being prepared for issues like weather disturbances and permit problems will help you to avoid frustration. Do not be afraid to ask for professional help if you feel you are getting too stressed. Conclusion A commercial building project is a big undertaking that requires careful planning and a team of professionals. Getting the right permits and having an ample budget in place is beneficial. A lot of the stress involved in building a commercial building can be avoided with proper planning and consideration. Make sure you do not rush the planning process because it will be one of the most important aspects of building your new building project. Rushing the process will lead to improper steps being taken that result in problems that can become costly. When in doubt, always rely on the expertise of commercial building professionals to ensure the work is carried out to exacting standards.
Classified as a superhard material, titanium is a go-to metal for homeowners who need a sustainable solution to their building needs. Research suggests that the superhard materials industry will be worth an estimated $6.5 billion by the year 2025 and both titanium nitrate and titanium alloys fall within this category. With researchers constantly testing and developing new uses for titanium, such as titanium dioxide used to coat buildings in order to reduce smog, these figures are likely to become a reality. Make Good Bones Better Wood was a go-to option for many years to set up the framing for homes, as it was fast to construct, durable, lightweight, and cost-effective. However, neither the effect on the environment or woods susceptibility to pests and damage can be ignored. Titanium makes a strong case as the material of choice as it not only provides a strong an durable frame that is better resistant to fires and earthquakes, but it also proves to be an ally for homeowners against pests. Titanium Plate Ticks A Few Sustainable Boxes One of the advantages of titanium’s anti-corrosion quality is that the need to replace it will most likely not happen, and if it does, it will take more than a few decades. What this means for the environment, is that the constant need for repairs and replacements won’t exist, therefore, freeing up resources. Titanium sheet used in roofing also happens to be a great temperature regulator with a thermal conductivity ratio of only 17.0 W/mK. This means less strain on the HVAC, which in turn, means less strain on the environment. Achieve An Everlasting Finish One of the biggest cost factors for a homeowner is the high cost of repainting their roof. While this might only happen every 5 to 10 years, the cost is estimated at $120 to $272 per roofing square, which means the bigger the roof, the higher the cost. Those who decide to use titanium dioxide as a coating won’t have to worry about the color fading. Titanium dioxide is resistant to organic and inorganic materials and also bacteria, which makes it ideal for use inside the home as well. Titanium is fast becoming the go-to material for the construction industry, as its various applications make it one of the most versatile metals. It’s strong resistance to the elements, low heat conductivity, and anti-warp quality make it the metal of choice for coastal regions and fire and earthquake-prone areas.
Have you looked at an empty lot or unused flat piece of land in your community and thought that it could absolutely be used in a much better way? With the increasing health epidemic that is sweeping first world countries caused by our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, not to mention the decreasing sense of community being caused by our time poor society, wouldn’t it be nice to use those spaces to counter all of this? This is where basketball come in to play. Utilizing otherwise useless areas in the community to create a social space where kids and adults can come and enjoy a game, watching or playing, with rules that fit NBA regulations, or just get made up on the spot to create a unique community form of the game. http://www.jerseybasketballassociation.com/rules/ A lot of the space available may be council owned, and able to be repurposed for community development, otherwise if privately owned you may be able to negotiate a lease with the owner that allows you to develop and enjoy the space for a set period of years, often at little or no cost. The benefit to the owner is that they enjoy community goodwill, and the space is being used until such time as they can develop it themselves (If you go this route allow for a period that will be the majority of the life of the court to get maximum use). Sizing the Court If you’re looking at a regulation court you will need to be able to clear at least 94 feet by 50 feet, plus a little space around the edge, while high school basketball courts are generally a little smaller at around 84 feet by 50 feet. Of course, there is no reason for you to stay strictly within regulations, but it is usually a good idea. However, the main goal is to create a great surface to play ball on. Building the Court Outdoor basketball courts are generally made from asphalt paving or concrete. One of the reasons that you will see basketball courts with cracks and weeds is often that the court hasn’t been laid properly from the start. When you are talking to your New Jersey asphalt pavement contractor about their process, they shouldn’t be talking about just laying down blacktop. The first step is not to just ensure that the surface is flat, but also to make sure that it is very well compacted. Although there are many corners that can be cut, a good asphalt surface will have material that is placed under the top layer, and usually several different layers of differing materials, depending on what drainage and earth is going to be under the court. Each layer must then be well compacted. If you go with a company that will cut corners for you, you will have court that simply won’t last the distance. Even more so if you are building near a busy road or in an industrial area. Painting the Court Using non-slip paint is ideal for an outdoor court, and although you can get a range of different materials for the top in a selection of colors, standard blacktop with white paint is likely to be your cheapest option. However, you may be able to use the space for a logo of the company installing in order to get a discount. The Surrounds Trees provide great shade, but they also may drop leaves which mean that someone will need to clean up before a game can happen. You may think that this is fine, however in a community court simple things like this often become a reason for no one to use the space. Try and look at plantings that will be low mess. Although, fruit vines or trees may be a great option to encourage more families to enjoy the space, with apples, peaches and nectarines growing well in New Jersey (see here). Although these do lose their leaves in winter, so it becomes a balance of which is the more desirable quality.
The Ipswich Tidal Flood Barrier has won a top award from the leading international engineering institution. The project, which better protects over 1,600 homes and 400 businesses from the risk of flooding, has won an Exceptional Merit Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Merit Awards. The Barrier was recognised in the Technical Excellence and Innovation category. ICE is a professional membership body, supporting more than 90,000 engineers around the world. Costing almost £70million, the Ipswich Flood Defence Management Strategy comprises a mix of new and refurbished flood walls and gates along 1,100 metres of the River Orwell. The barrier’s centrepiece is a 200-tonne rotating Radial Sector Gate, which can be raised in minutes in the event of a tidal surge. The barrier was officially unveiled by Floods Minister Dr Thérese Coffey in February. The flood gate has a design similar to that of the Thames Barrier and is so large that it is coated with 6 tonnes of protective paint. The flood gate rotates upwards out of the sea floor into the closed position, holding back dangerous tidal surges that could flood the town. The new defences provide a much higher level of protection from the type of tidal surge which threatened the town in 2007 and 2013, both of which were close to spilling over the existing defences. Aside from the reduced flood risk benefits, the flood defence scheme has the added advantage of helping to boost the local economy through freeing up hectares of land for regeneration. The Environment Agency project was approved by Defra in 2006 and has been delivered by contractor VBA – a joint venture between VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins. The barrier scheme has an exemplary health and safety record. Risk on the project was designed using 3D and physical modelling, along with VolkerStevin’s behavioural safety programme. This resulted in no reportable incidents throughout the three year construction process, which comprised more than 300,000 hours of work. As a result, the project is now being used as a case study for other Environment Agency works including the Boston Barrier. Andrew Usborne, the lead officer on the scheme, said the award was welcome recognition for the Environment Agency and its partners.
Leading mechanical and electrical building services specialist J S Wright is to fit out the first phase of the Paradise Birmingham development. The company, which has its headquarters in Birmingham and an office in London, has been awarded a contract exceeding £4m by BAM Construction for the M&E infrastructure, basement and external services for two new Grade A office buildings, One and Two Chamberlain Square. The wide-ranging mechanical works will include installing rainwater and above ground drainage, chilled water plant with distribution to serve neighbouring Birmingham Town Hall, and car park ventilation systems. J S Wright will also install commercial landlord systems including sprinklers, general ventilation services for the plant room and communal areas, and boosted mains cold water plant for distribution including landscape irrigation. All the services will be controlled by a central Building Management System (BMS). The electrical works will involve the installation, testing and commissioning of the mains distribution network, including an uninterruptible power system and commercial landlord switchboards, along with submain distribution cabling and small power distribution. J S Wright will also provide lighting and emergency lighting, access control, CCTV equipment, door security and fire alarms, and car park lighting. Work on site is scheduled for completion at the end of 2019. Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, said: “We are delighted that our expertise and experience in delivering M&E services to multi-million-pound regeneration projects, primarily in London and the Midlands, has resulted in a commission that will eventually transform our home city of Birmingham.” Established in Birmingham in 1890, J S Wright designs, installs and maintains mechanical and electrical services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. The company recently launched a new residential maintenance company, Wright Maintenance Ltd, serving homeowners and property managers across London. The company was voted one of the UK’s Top Ten Specialist Contractors to Work For in the 2016 Construction Enquirer Awards and was a finalist in three categories in the 2018 H&V News Awards.
Architectural cladding specialist Vivalda Group has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019. Despite the current economic uncertainly and the impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy on the industry, Vivalda has continued to push for greater transparency and leadership within the cladding sector by maintaining its policy of supplying only non-combustible facades to high rise buildings. The £34m turnover company was founded in 1999 and has a strong track record of investment in both people and equipment. Working closely with building contractors and architects across the UK and Ireland, Vivalda has campaigned for a more robust, evidence-based test regime for cladding systems. A celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), the Stock Exchange award further confirms Vivalda’s enviable reputation as the UK’s largest independent supplier of high-performance cladding to buildings across the UK, Scotland and Ireland. With offices in nine locations, the business has pioneered the use of off-site fabrication within the construction supply chain – providing modular housing manufacturers with complete cladding solutions. Peter Johnson, chairman of Vivalda, said: “Our policy of supplying only certified, non-combustible claddings to high rise buildings has given our customers peace of mind by simplifying what was previously a complicated specification process. This has given us credibility, positioning us in the market to provide non-combustible cladding to the 400 high rise buildings that still require remediation work.” “Industry experts estimate that the total repair bill will be as high as £2bn as landlords strip off inferior cladding and replace with fully tested materials, providing long-overdue peace of mind to their anxious residents,” concluded Johnson. The business currently boasts an annual turnover of £34m and continues to outgrow construction industry norms, based on its uncompromising focus on product safety combined with added value services to both architects & contractors. Group chairman, Peter Johnson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have had our efforts noticed by the LSE for a third year running. This recognition is a real feather in our cap and is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by Vivalda’s people up and down the country. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile for customers, supplying cut-to-size, fully prepared cladding that is both safe and aesthetically pleasing. “All of our fabrication facilities are equipped with the latest CNC cutting machines, dust extraction systems and our new delivery fleet conforms to the latest emissions standards – we believe that sustained profits only follow planned and long-term investment in people, skills and equipment.” To be selected for the list, businesses had to demonstrate not only positive revenue growth over the last three years but also outperform their sector peers. The result is a unique and varied list of the UK’s most dynamic companies. More details on the Companies to Inspire reports and methodology can be found online at www.1000companies.com. David Schwimmer, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group, said: “Congratulations to all the companies selected for inclusion in the sixth edition of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report, which identifies the UK’s most dynamic SMEs. SMEs drive growth, innovation and job creation and are the lifeblood of the British economy. We believe that supporting the growth of these businesses is critical to the UK economy and the creation of a society that works for everyone.” A full searchable database of all of the companies along with a downloadable pdf of the publication can be found online at www.1000companies.com
Low & Bonar has officially sold its division for high-performance construction fibres with the brand name Adfil to a new owner as from 1 July 2019. The “concrete lab” of the international concern can now carry on independently. With the same name and at the same location, but above all with a new, daring road map. “We want to significantly increase profitability within the first year,” say CEO Tom Winters and COO Ives Swennen, exuding ambition. It has long been a public secret that the international concern Low & Bonar wanted to cash in by selling its business unit for Adfil construction fibres in order to invest that money in divisions that would yield greater returns. Adfil stands for Anglo Danish Fibres Industry Limited, originally an English-Danish company with headquarters in Hull that produced patented microfibers. This was acquired by Low & Bonar in 2005 and subsequently integrated into its site at Zele Belgium. THE ABILITY TO FEND FOR ONESELF Since 2014, Low & Bonar have invested significant sums of money in new macro fibre capacities and a brand new concrete lab in Zele, East Flanders. This has resulted in the production of patented fibres which will ensure Adfil remain at the forefront of producing world class products. Due to other pressures on the business the international group decided to embark of selling Adfil resulting in the business having come under new control from 1st July 2019. The new owner is a private investor who has repeatedly invested successfully in companies in the past and who thinks in the long term. The daily management will be in the hands of CEO Tom Winters and COO Ives Swennen, who will both also become directors. The brand name Adfil will also become the name of the new entity, which, will remain in Zele. Apart from that, there is also a sales office in the United Kingdom, employing six technical sales staff. Tom Winters: “When we used to need money, we could ask for it within the group. Now we will have to fend for ourselves and provide for our own money. Our first major goal? To demonstrate improved profitability within one year. We also want to offer more service and, as an independent company, we will now be able to make more conscious choices about that.” MARKET IS RIPE FOR MACRO FIBRES Micro and macro synthetic fibres are increasingly being used to reinforce concrete, as a sustainable alternative and/or supplement for steel reinforcement or steel fibre concrete reinforcement. Adding synthetic fibres in the correct proportions makes steel mesh or steel fibres superfluous in many applications, such as in concrete interior and exterior hard standings. Until a few years ago, the construction sector was not at all tuned in to the enormous technical sophistication and potential of these polymer fibres. But gradually the market seems to be ripening for it. Winters: “Increasing numbers of concrete producers, engineering firms and contractors prefer synthetic fibres to conventional steel reinforcement. Those are also the three groups we are hoping to convince. Since the middle of last year, Adfil has become very active in Belgium, thanks in part to its having obtained so-called ATG certification. “We needed two years to carry out testing. Those tests were done using the worst possible concrete, in other words the worst case scenario. The ease of working with and the homogeneity of the concrete were thus proven under the most extreme conditions. Thanks to the certification, Belgian companies are now no longer forced to exclusively use steel for reinforcement. In Belgium, approximately 12 million cubic metres of concrete are poured each year, 95% of which is reinforced using steel mesh, so there is still a lot of potential for a better way to carry out reinforcement.” Meanwhile, Adfil has been working together with Interbeton, one of the bigger players in Belgium. NEW PRODUCTS, NEW APPLICATIONS Adfil now has a turnover of 15 million euros – the volumes are increasing month by month – and supplies its fibres directly to concrete plants or via preferred partners. The latter are commercial players who are co-investing in advance and are pushing their brand fully into the market. As many as 90% of Adfil’s customers are located outside of Belgium, but gradually the concrete plants in the Benelux are becoming attracted to its fibres. Synthetic fibre reinforcement still has a particularly large margin for growth, precisely because so many markets are still unexplored. The dosage (kilograms per cubic metre) is getting lower all the time, from 12 kg to the current 3 kg. Ives Swennen: “We try to innovate in every facet of the fibre: in colour, in bonding the fibre into the concrete and in all the mechanical properties such as impact resistance, tensile strength and stiffness. We want to distinguish ourselves by putting a product on the market that is not based purely on the properties of the fibres, but rather on their actual performance within concrete. In this way, after many external tests, we are now able to test the exact composition of concrete using our fibres for customers and thus to know exactly how it will perform.” The new owner recently decided to invest in additional sales staff who have both technical and commercial knowledge. In the future, Adfil also wants to reinvest more of its profits into the company. “Because we are now finally standing on our own two feet, we will not only grow step by step, but we also want to make our people happier. We are in the process of becoming a small but very flexible player, in which our employees will also combine various roles. That is why we really want to dedicate ourselves to job satisfaction, because we consider the person behind the employee to be of paramount importance”, they both conclude.