RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT GOES UNDERGROUND
Naylor Drainage has spent a lot on redeveloping its Cawthorne site, and tells BMJ what it’s done and why.
Y
orkshire-based drainage manufacturer Naylor Drainage has spent much of the last year developing its Cawthorne site, with
the aim of finishing this stage of investment towards the end of 2024.
Managing director Richard Edwards says: “In reality, our ongoing programme of investment is never complete as we are always looking to invest in product development, manufacturing capacity and capability; site infrastructure, and most importantly our people.
“We are a forward-thinking company so we have plans that go beyond the next two-year horizon and we will continue to invest in our future success.”
The investment means the company will be able to add Class 1 Electrical Ducting to its offering in both Twin Wall polypropylene and single wall PVC variants to support the country’s investment in the Power and EV Networks.
“In drainage, we have launched a low carbon version of our flagship product ‘MetroDrain’ which will be very attractive for National Highways activities and other asset owners concerned with the sustainability of their projects,” Edwards says, adding that a new range of sewer products suitable for use in what used to be called ‘Sewers for Adoption’ systems will be launched in the summer. Further ahead, Naylor’s Aquavoid attenuation tank range will be extended to include products
for lighter duty applications, and will improve its easy-to-access merchant offer.
“We like to think we are easy to deal with. Naylor Drainage has deliberately taken a decision to focus on core ranges rather than try to be everything to everyone,” he says. “We provide consistency and value, and we strive to offer our merchants the best opportunity of making the highest margins in the long term. Our investment will support this approach.” Edwards says there is some confidence returning to the drainage market, with the expectation that interest rates will start to fall, thus boosting housebuilding activity. “It’s been a decent start to 2024, considering the low activity in quarter four of last year. As a drainage provider, our products are the first on site so we get to experience both recession and growth before other parts of the market. Housing tends to be the chosen barometer for construction activity so if this starts to return then confidence grows in other sectors.” Edwards says he remains optimistic about the sector, with possibilities for growth open through society’s need to be better prepared for storms and flooding.
Approach to business “Our approach to business does not require us to make short term decisions based on the need to create shareholder value and dividends. We take a much broader view of what is happening and a more agile approach to our activity, and
our style of business. Naylor Drainage was originally known for its clay drainage systems, and this year, we will close our last pipe kiln. “Whilst this could be seen as a negative and sad end to an old, established activity, it is actually a very positive move which will allow us to redevelop space on the site for our fast- growing plastics business and enable us to focus our attention on future products.” Naylor has always embraced its local community, Edwards explains, being an important local employer, that’s been on the Cawthorne site for over 100 years. “Our links with the local area have also enabled us to invest in apprenticeships and to have close ties with local schools and universities.
“To ensure our workplace meets the necessary environmental requirements, we test water in the local streams and generally act as a good neighbour, whilst also looking after our community. Our social value activities extend to looking at investment through the lens of climate change and to using other social value partners to support business operations.” BMJ
April 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
35
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