Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News
AG Announce £5.4m Investment to Meet Soaring Demand

AG Announce £5.4m Investment to Meet Soaring Demand

Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental

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New sustainability leader joins to head net zero drive

New sustainability leader joins to head net zero drive

Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and

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SIKA NAMED AS FINALISTS FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS NFRC UK ROOFING AWARDS 2024

Sika names as finalists for the prestigious NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024

Sika’s Roofing Division is proud to announce its selection as finalists in two categories of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024. The company has been recognised for its impressive contributions in the technology fields of Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing. Judges were impressed by two

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Sovini Trade Supplies Celebrates a Decade of Success and Customer Excellence

Sovini Trade Supplies Celebrates a Decade of Success and Customer Excellence

Sovini Trade Supplies, a Northwest builder’s merchant, is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary servicing the construction industry. The unique offering of Sovini Trade Supplies as part of the Sovini Group’s integrated supply chain, delivers outstanding customer service and value for money without compromising on quality. An ethical business and key

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Three construction specialists launch collaborative offering for GRC Solutions

Three construction specialists launch collaborative offering for GRC Solutions

Henley Stone Specialists, BCM GRC and Smart Crosby International (SCI) have joined forces to launch a single source solution for the full design, manufacture, supply, and installation of GRC wall cladding systems. Construction firm Henley Stone Specialists, the UK’s leading installer of high-grade Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete, BCM GRC Ltd, leading

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New midlands asphalt plant rises to the surface

New midlands asphalt plant rises to the surface

Aggregate Industries has opened a brand new asphalt plant to serve Staffordshire and the surrounding areas as part of a £9m investment. The Cauldon plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands is based next to the company’s existing Cauldon Low Quarry, which will serve the plant with materials. The investment is the

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

AG Announce £5.4m Investment to Meet Soaring Demand

AG Announce £5.4m Investment to Meet Soaring Demand

Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental footprint. Focused on modernising its factories, equipment, and technology with the construction of a new £3 million factory and £2 million wash plant revamp, the firm has announced their latest improvements which include the installation of two state-of-the-art crushers. Integral to both the production and quality of AG’s market leading products, the inclusion of crushers in its manufacturing process enables the company to harness locally sourced materials from both its Pomeroy plant and on-site quarry in Fivemiletown, ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply chain. In alignment with AG’s environmental commitment, which includes its Climate Action Pledge to decrease Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a minimum of 30% by 2030, the new crushers will optimise aggregate production across the company whilst reducing energy consumption. The cutting-edge machinery will match the output of its predecessors whilst consolidating the crushing circuits at the company’s Fivemiletown and Pomeroy sites, yielding significant carbon emission savings for AG. In addition, AG has introduced new product moulds, upgraded packaging machinery and new wrapping processes to improve performance efficiency and mitigate the company’s carbon impact across their four sites. “At AG, we are committed to delivering superior products while prioritising sustainability and innovation,” remarked Stephen Acheson, CEO. “Our latest investments underscore our proactive approach to create products that make construction better, faster and safer. By modernising our machinery infrastructure and embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are poised to meet the soaring demand the business is experiencing across commercial and domestic markets, while championing sustainable practices.” In tandem with its investment initiatives, AG has strengthened its workforce by creating new job opportunities, including the appointment of James Jack as GB Sales Director. This strategic expansion reinforces its commitment to driving sales across the UK & Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New sustainability leader joins to head net zero drive

New sustainability leader joins to head net zero drive

Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Polypipe Building Services to reveal major range expansion at hands-on industry events

Polypipe Building Services to reveal major range expansion at hands-on industry events

Drainage and supply system specialist Polypipe Building Services is hosting two events open exclusively to those working in the building services industry, where it will reveal major additions to its MecFlow Supply System range.  Developed to meet the rigours of commercial construction projects, the expanded MecFlow Supply System range will offer greater choice in design and installation options for those specifying and fitting supply systems.   The two exclusive events, to be held in London and Manchester, will see experts from the Polypipe Building Services team on hand to demonstrate the expanded range of products and show how MecFlow is suitable specifically for all commercial applications.   During the events there will be a chance for visitors to get hands-on with the new products themselves and experience just how robust they are.  (main picture) Ian Crickmore, Technical Director of Polypipe Building Services, explains:  “Supply systems need to meet all manner of tough standards if they’re to be suitable for use in commercial projects. This is the principle on which we first launched MecFlow, with its robust multi-layer construction and award-winning electrofusion jointing.  “Now we’re excited for the next chapter, and at our events in London and Manchester we’ll be revealing first-hand how the expanded MecFlow range will meet an even greater range of applications. Those attending will be able to hear from our industry experts on why this should be their go-to choice for a strong, durable supply system.”  These roadshow events are open to anyone working in the building services sector and are being held at the following city central venues:  Both events will feature ‘live’ demonstrations and presentations on the latest MecFlow products with ‘how-to’ sessions in tooling and jointing, together with a live roundtable discussion between leading industry figures on hot topics including the skills gap and modern methods of construction.   There will also be an opportunity for attendees to gain CPD points with a CIBSE accredited presentation session on the topic of ‘Sustainable Design, Methodology & Building Lifecycle’.  These exclusive London and Manchester events are split into morning and afternoon sessions (9.30am-1pm & 1pm-4.30pm) to provide attendees with maximum access to all the activities taking place.   For more information and to register for your entry ticket visit:  Manchester - https://bit.ly/PBS-MecFlow-Sign-Up-Manchester   London - https://bit.ly/PBS-MecFlow-Sign-Up-London Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ibstock ramps up next stage of investment at Nostell brick slip factory in West Yorkshire

Ibstock ramps up next stage of investment at Nostell brick slip factory in West Yorkshire

Ibstock Plc (“Ibstock” or the “Group”) is embarking on the next stage of its major investment programme at its Nostell factory in West Yorkshire. Once fully operational, Ibstock will have the UK’s first fully automated brick slip manufacturing centre at the Nostell site, producing around 50 million brick slips per year. As the leading brick manufacturer in the UK and with over 200 years of industry knowledge and expertise, the Group are increasing their presence in the fast-growing markets for brick slips, façades, and walling system solutions, as they continue work towards maximising the full potential of more modern methods of construction in the UK. The new brick slips centre at Nostell is progressing in two key phases. Phase one is nearing completion and focuses on driving pace and scale of brick slips through automation using the first of its kind technology here in the UK. Phase two focuses on even more advanced technology which will significantly expand the brick slips product range and offering from 2025 onwards. The latter phase is a fundamental step in Ibstock’s journey to net zero.  The investment and innovation into the brick slips centre will not only continue to provide customers with a traditional authentic brick finish, but also enable a more modern installation approach. This will help meet the growing customer demand in mid-to-high rise new build and other key markets such as retrofit and the low rise modular offsite sector.  The Group will also continue to collaborate closely with developers and contractors on other new construction systems which will bring even more modern solutions and more carbon efficient building products to the supply chain, as well as influencing the design for manufacturing and assembly from early stages of conception. Adam Foster, Project and Operations Director at Ibstock commented: “We are incredibly excited by what the development of our brick slips manufacturing centre at Nostell means for Ibstock as a whole – unleashing speed, scale, flexibility and precision in fast growing markets. The investment will increase our overall brick slip capacity by ten times more than what it is today, which is testament to our commitment to innovate for the construction industry.’’ “Not only do brick slips provide an authentic brick finish that will support planning applications, but also enable a more efficient installation for the targeted markets. Its light weight, promoting easier installation, manual handling, less waste in construction, as well as time efficiencies on construction sites.’’  ‘‘The new manufacturing technology at Nostell also allows for more agile operations, with fast response times and lower minimum order quantities compared to current imported alternatives. Furthermore, the high precision and new process results in brick slips having a tighter tolerance for systems such as precast. The slips will be incredibly durable and safe from a combustibility perspective, meaning they can be specified with confidence across multiple system holders.’’ “For mid to high rise buildings, retrofit and low rise modular, using Ibstock brick slips can significantly streamline the specification process. We use a variety of materials to match regional styles nationwide, ensuring our slips can perfectly complement existing, handset bricks. “Furthermore, the slips are available in a range of bespoke thicknesses, from 15mm and above, meaning they suit a wide variety of applications. The high precision manufacturing and rigorous quality process allows us to achieve unparalleled precision on dimensions for manufactured systems requiring a very tight tolerance.“By scaling production capacity of our brick slips, we are enabling more key markets to take advantage of the inherent benefits they can deliver.’’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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British Gypsum partners with The Pallet LOOP to reduce pallet waste in UK construction

British Gypsum partners with The Pallet LOOP to reduce pallet waste in UK construction

British Gypsum is to become the first building materials manufacturer in the UK to form a strategic partnership with circular economy pallet supplier The Pallet LOOP in a bid to significantly reduce pallet waste. The manufacturer uses approximately 1.6 million white timber pallets every year but its switch to a circular pallet re-use scheme is set to radically reduce the avoidable waste that can result from pallets being disposed of unsustainably.  The landmark move supports British Gypsum’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2050, and the initiative is one of many set out in British Gypsum’s sustainability roadmap, which aims to minimise waste, re-use materials and tackle emissions to reduce environmental impact at every stage of build. British Gypsum hopes its partnership with The Pallet LOOP, using its reusable pallets and service-led collection model, will also enable it to work with its customers to support their own reductions in waste and net zero targets. Dean O’Sullivan, Managing Director at British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with The Pallet LOOP as we aim to radically cut unnecessary waste. “Pallets left behind after products have been removed have for a long time created a challenge, with many being unsustainably disposed of at a heavy environmental cost. By joining forces with The Pallet LOOP, we aim to significantly reduce this practice.” British Gypsum will roll out The Pallet LOOP scheme in two stages, with the instantly identifiable, green-coloured LOOP pallets scheduled to be in circulation from May for its bagged plaster and accessories. From July, its plasterboard range, based on pallet size, will begin to transition over, resulting in 70% of their products delivered on reusable pallets once the scheme is fully operational. It is hoped the remaining 30% will move across during a later phase of the project. The Pallet LOOP founder Paul Lewis said: “At LOOP, our mission is to transform the way building materials move and we are incredibly excited that British Gypsum, as a market leader, is partnering with us to promote a culture of pallet reuse. “Using our service, merchants, distributors, principal contractors, and housebuilding companies will be able to book pallet collections, which can take place from as little as 72 hours later. There will also be a PayBack of up to £4 available for every green coloured pallet they put back in the LOOP.  Our service is a real step change that is set to deliver substantial benefits across the UK construction supply chain.  We can’t wait to get our LOOP pallets into circulation and look forward to other building material manufacturers following British Gypsum in adopting our circular pallet reuse model.” For further information, or to register, visit The Pallet LOOP website at: www.thepalletloop.com or, email setmeup@thepalletloop.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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“Brick from a Stone” Installation at Clerkenwell Design Week 21-23rd May 2024

“Brick from a Stone” Installation at Clerkenwell Design Week 21-23rd May 2024

Championing an age-old, low-carbon material in a new form British stone suppliers Albion Stone and Hutton Stone have commissioned architecture practice Artefact to design a 3m tall stone brick installation called Brick from a Stone which will appear at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week (21-23 May). The installation will showcase stone bricks which both companies are launching this year. These bricks have remarkable environmental credentials, with carbon intensity reductions of about 75% when compared to clay-fired bricks – they only have about a quarter of the carbon footprint of traditional bricks. Heritage Portland Stone Brick from Albion Stone           Darney Heritage Natural Brick from Hutton Stone Both companies have invested in state-of-the-art machinery and technology to turn ‘unloved stone’ (blocks and slabs that do not readily conform to sanitized ranges that have become the norm for stone today) into a sustainable building material. These bricks meet the growing appetite for more environmentally friendly buildings and the aesthetic specifications of planners across the UK who often prefer new buildings to be constructed or clad with bricks to suit the local vernacular. Stone is increasingly recognised as a stronger, more durable, more recyclable, and lower-carbon alternative to the steel and concrete that has become synonymous with the built environment in the 20th and 21st centuries. The manufacture and transportation of steel and concrete involve enormous amounts of energy which largely comes from fossil fuels. Stone starts as zero carbon as it doesn’t need to be manufactured, although energy is needed to extract it from the ground, cut it into blocks and carve it if needed. The final product has a low factor of embodied carbon. When local stone is used for local construction projects, the carbon footprint associated with transportation is negligible. As we move towards electric machinery and transportation powered by renewable energy, the embodied carbon of natural stone will continue to reduce. Brick from a Stone Brick from a Stone will be installed between two iconic red London telephone boxes on Clerkenwell Green from 21-23 May. The installation will consist of a colonnade of six columns constructed from stone bricks in two rows with a roof to provide shelter. The plinths that support the three slender columns to the rear will reflect the production process from stone boulders at the base, to slabs, strips, blocks and finally bricks. The three more substantial columns at the front looking out over Clerkenwell Green will showcase the beauty and finishes of the bricks. Designs are being developed for a brick table or bench beside the colonnade to encourage dwell time and there are plans to incorporate a dog water bowl into one of the plinths to reference the historic water trough for horses next to the installation on Clerkenwell Green. “Our installation Brick from a Stone celebrates the variety of natural stone that lies in abundance beneath our feet, showcasing stone brick, a beautiful ‘new’ product that will help to decarbonise our buildings and provide an alternative to clay-fired brickwork. Our piece hints at the potential to create a new low-carbon vernacular for masonry buildings in the UK that marries the enduring qualities of natural stone with the hand-made qualities of brick,” said Daniel Marmot, Director of Artefact. “Situated in Clerkenwell Green, the installation picks up on the history of the site, referencing the nearby horse trough with a drinking bowl for local dog walkers, a roof for shelter, benches and a table to place drinks from the pub next door. While the front columns are smooth and finished, the rear columns emerge from a rough-edged boulder, celebrating the production process,” added fellow director Benedetta Rogers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SIKA NAMED AS FINALISTS FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS NFRC UK ROOFING AWARDS 2024

Sika names as finalists for the prestigious NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024

Sika’s Roofing Division is proud to announce its selection as finalists in two categories of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2024. The company has been recognised for its impressive contributions in the technology fields of Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing. Judges were impressed by two exemplary projects that showcase the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in roofing solutions.  In the Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing category, Sika has been shortlisted for its involvement on a project at Rhodes House, part of the University of Oxford and home to the scholarship team. As part of a large refurbishment plan, large subterranean spaces were excavated beneath the building to create lecture theatres and new pavilions were created.  The project required large volumes of concrete to be waterproofed and installed at zero-degree falls. Roofing contractor, Fenland Flat Roofing successfully installed a high penetration primer, before the SikaShield® hot melt structural waterproofing system. Fenland Flat Roofing was able to overcome multiple challenges such as tight workspaces, close proximity to other trades and the aesthetic requirements needed to keep the building in line with its impressive history.   For the Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing category, Sika submitted its large-scale residential project, Burnt Mills in Harlow, Essex. Once home to a series of garages and workshops, it has been redeveloped into 173 homes over 15 storeys, forming one of the tallest buildings in Harlow. Roofing contractors, Contour Roofing used Sikalastic 625N PU Liquid in Grey for the project. The product’s exceptional quality and ease of installation helped Contour Roofing overcome numerous obstacles, such as roof penetrations, to allow for services, and roof plant housing. Mark Gatrell, Business Unit Manager at Sika expressed their excitement at being shortlisted for the awards: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for two NFRC UK Roofing Awards. This acknowledgement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality roofing solutions, and we are proud of our team’s dedication and expertise, working alongside high quality roofing contractors, which has directly contributed to us reaching this achievement.” Sika’s Roofing Division looks forward to the opportunity to showcase its projects and expertise at the finalists’ ceremony, taking place on Friday 10th May at InterContinental London – The O2.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sovini Trade Supplies Celebrates a Decade of Success and Customer Excellence

Sovini Trade Supplies Celebrates a Decade of Success and Customer Excellence

Sovini Trade Supplies, a Northwest builder’s merchant, is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary servicing the construction industry. The unique offering of Sovini Trade Supplies as part of the Sovini Group’s integrated supply chain, delivers outstanding customer service and value for money without compromising on quality. An ethical business and key contributor to the development and future growth of the region, the organisation is committed to creating opportunities and changing lives for customers, colleagues and communities. Since its inception in 2014, Sovini Trade Supplies has become a trusted name in the industry. From humble beginnings at its Liverpool Aintree site, the company now serves a diverse range of clientele, expanding its reach from its four branches across the Northwest of England. “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone,” said Alan Evans, Director of Operations at Sovini Trade Supplies. “Our journey over the past decade has been filled with triumphs and challenges, and we are grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated colleagues, and supportive partners who have been instrumental to our success.” Sovini Trade Supplies opened its flagship branch on Heysham Road in February 2021 and on the same day, joined the National Buying Group. Both have been significant in attracting new business opportunities and further enriching the local community. They currently employ x local people across their branches and have facilitated over x apprentices through the Groups apprenticeship program. Committed to delivering social value, Sovini Trade Supplies aims to do everything with a sense of purpose. With a vision of creating a better future, the organisation has supported numerous charitable organisations and initiatives over the years, positively impacting communities across the Northwest. Their sustainability and environmental goals range from the introduction of zero emission deliveries across the Liverpool City Region, LED lighting replacement scheme, the procurement of environmentally friendly materials, and supporting customers in their local programmes, which contributes to a more sustainable future for the construction industry. As Sovini Trade Supplies looks ahead to the next ten years, and beyond, it remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With a strong foundation built over the past decade, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Sovini Trade Supplies will be hosting a series of events and promotions throughout the year, culminating in an anniversary celebration with employees, customers, and partners. For more information about Sovini Trade Supplies, please visit www.sovinitradesupplies.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Three construction specialists launch collaborative offering for GRC Solutions

Three construction specialists launch collaborative offering for GRC Solutions

Henley Stone Specialists, BCM GRC and Smart Crosby International (SCI) have joined forces to launch a single source solution for the full design, manufacture, supply, and installation of GRC wall cladding systems. Construction firm Henley Stone Specialists, the UK’s leading installer of high-grade Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete, BCM GRC Ltd, leading UK GRC manufacturer, and top engineering design specialists Smart Crosby International (SCI), have launched a comprehensive single source solution for the design, manufacture, and installation of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC). This collaboration signifies a landmark moment for the UK GRC market, making the entire process more time-efficient and cost-effective for the end client. With over 90 years of combined experience within the UK GRC market and as long-standing members of the GRCA, this formidable trio already have a comprehensive track record of successfully and collaboratively delivering high-volume, top-quality, prestigious GRC cladding projects from design through to installation. With all aspects of the process provided by UK factories and offices, each company is an expert in their discipline aiming to offer clients an unrivaled package for GRC cladding requirements. The benefits of the collaboration are significant, providing more durability and minimal project maintenance, alongside a reduced construction phase and efficient delivery programme. In addition to this, GRC is a more sustainable solution for the environment, by significantly reducing carbon footprint due to a streamlined process. Shaun Henley, Founder and Managing Director of Henley Stone Specialists, commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside our partners BCM and SCI, this collaboration could be a landmark moment in the UK GRC construction sector. It is the first time a single-point solution for GRC has been offered to the UK market. With Henley Construction Management Group having recently launched our HZS stainless steel division the timing of the new venture is perfect. Our new division gives us the capability to produce our own, in-house stainless-steel brackets and fixings for all GRC projects. With our manufacturing capabilities and expertise in GRC installation, this joint venture will be sure to create more efficiencies and accuracy for our valued clients.” Darin Ballington, Director at BCM GRC Ltd added: “We’ve got a long-standing history of collaborating on projects with Henley Stone Specialists, so it seemed a natural fit to formally launch a new collaborative offering to the market – we’re excited to see what the future brings and to work on the highest of quality projects together.” John Dunthorne, Managing Director at SCI said: “We’re proud to be part of this new offering and the benefits it will bring clients across the industry. We will, of course, continue to work with other partners across the industry, but this collaboration will allow us to streamline specific joint projects and make them more cost-effective and efficient.”  Significant collaboration projects between Henley Construction Management Group, BCM, and SCI include the supply, design, and installation of GRC on the Halo Project – a 7-story 116,000 sq ft Grade A office in Bristol that received a BREEAM Outstanding rating, in addition to The Charterhouse, a 206,000sq ft office and retail development in Farringdon, and Brentford Block D, a mixed-use project which provided 102 new homes in central Brentford. For more information on this comprehensive solution for GRC and to view a full list of services, benefits, and case studies, call Henley Group on 01924 472277 or email info@henleystone.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New midlands asphalt plant rises to the surface

New midlands asphalt plant rises to the surface

Aggregate Industries has opened a brand new asphalt plant to serve Staffordshire and the surrounding areas as part of a £9m investment. The Cauldon plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands is based next to the company’s existing Cauldon Low Quarry, which will serve the plant with materials. The investment is the first new asphalt plant to be built by the company since 2013 and it will provide asphalt for ongoing road maintenance and infrastructure projects across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and the M6 corridor. Specialist plant supplier Ammann was commissioned to install its Ammann ABP 240 Universal Asphalt-Mixing Plant which can produce 240 tonnes of asphalt an hour. It is hoped once at full capacity the plant will be capable of producing more than 250,000 tonnes a year. As well as the mixing plant and control room, the site has four bitumen tanks and a range of open and covered materials storage bays with a direct feed into the plant via conveyors. An on-site laboratory is under construction and will provide technical support and testing facilities for products. The new plant also has the ability to accommodate high volumes of RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) which can be reused into new products and supply of stone from the adjacent quarry will reduce lorry movements and carbon emissions. Importantly, the inbuilt systems and processes are highly energy efficient resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions when compared to a traditional asphalt plant, and the latest technology is in place to reduce noise, dust and odours. Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for Aggregate Industries’ Surfacing Solutions division, said: “We’re really proud to be investing in this brand new facility to serve our customers with a range of base, binder and surface course products across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. “It will be a real asset to the many projects in that region whether they be National Highways or local authority led. “The benefits of a new plant and state-of-the-art equipment are immediately evident and very much centred on reliability and efficiency. From surety of supply from our adjacent quarry, which also means less incoming deliveries, to reduced carbon emissions due to the technology utilised and the high volume of RAP we can accommodate going forward, it all adds up to a more efficient and effective operation which will benefit our customers. “We are also looking forward to being part of the wider community and have a number of projects we will be contributing towards to support local good causes.” The facility has completed its final testing and commissioning phase and is now fully open for business. For more information on Aggregate Industries visit: www.aggregate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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