Forticrete boosts production capacity by factory investment
With construction output set to rise by 3.6% throughout 2016 and by 4.3% in 2017 according to reports, Forticrete has invested close to £1 million to expand capacity at its Thornley factory in Durham and its Anstone factory in Sheffield to ensure customers have access to industry leading concrete construction products as and when they need them.
Following the growth in demand for Cast Stone dressings throughout the housing sector, Forticrete has expanded capacity by adding a new facility at its Thornley factory to manufacture a wide range of Cast Stone products, including the popular Regency Ashlar masonry block as well as detailing components such as heads, cills, string courses, plinths and coping. Anticipated to create up to 20 jobs, the investment comprises several additional moulding and packing stations, state-of-the-art mix batching and dosing equipment, and a new high volume curing chamber.
Forticrete’s Anstone factory has manufactured Reconstructed Walling Stone since the 1960s. However, in a move to meet increasing customer demand Forticrete has boosted capacity and significantly increased production efficiencies. This has seen Forticrete invest in new, advanced parent unit moulding press.
John Lambert, general manager at Forticrete, commented: “The construction recovery which is set to continue throughout 2016 saw a sharp turn in development activity particularly in the housebuilding and commercial sectors. As a result, the demand for high quality, sustainable construction products has reached new heights.
“The significant investment at our Thornley and Anstone factories ensures that not only do housebuilders attempting to address the UK’s chronic housing shortage have increased access to the best concrete materials on the market, but so too do architects looking to ensure their projects enhance the visual appeal of the UK built environment. What’s more, the investment also provides us with the opportunity to expand our skilled workforce in a bid to keep pace with the changing demands of the market.”
Both the Thornley and Anstone factory will be fully operational following Forticrete’s significant investment by March 2016.
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Article supplied by Stein IAS on behalf of:
Forticrete
Tel: 01525 244900
Email: cgodleman@forticrete.com
Web: http://www.forticrete.co.uk