HEAVYSIDE
an energy saving of up to 30 per cent in comparison.
“Customers may also be interested to know that the thinner leading-edge roof tile, such as the Russell Roof Tiles Lothian Tile, can also be instrumental in providing a sustainable roofing solution. The tile uses 15 per cent less raw materials than a standard concrete roof tile and the product
has a low-profile leading edge. This means that around 20 per cent more tiles can be packed onto a pallet which then equates to a much lower carbon footprint when transporting them.”
Manufacturers have recognised a growing need to enhance their services drastically and utilise technology to offer better support to merchants and their customers.
With in-person purchasing still the best way to get product support and advice, Russell Roof Tiles also uses technology to support distributors.
“Merchants can now take advantage of fast, user-friendly online systems that offer instant access to information and technical advice, streamlining the buying and specifying process,” he adds. BMJ
Space invaders meet ready-mixed material challenge F
ielden Factors, a west-Yorkshire based builders’ merchant, has officially launched Todmorden’s first automated station for concrete, mortar, and screed. The innovative solution transforms an underutilised corner of their site into a state-of-the-art, self-service area, enabling customers to collect small volumes of ready-mixed materials in under five minutes.
Limited space
The installation at Fielden Factors demonstrates a highly efficient use of limited space. Tom Whitehead, owner of Fielden Factors said “At first I struggled to work out what I was going to sacrifice to fit the fibo Collect system on our site.”
“Then we came up with the idea using an underutilised corner at the side of our main warehouse. It originally housed a skip for general waste on the site, It’d be safe to say that that corner down there didn’t have much use. However, we were not sure if it’d be accessible for such a large system” Faced with the challenge of working within these limited parameters, the Fielden team partnered with fibo Collect UK to develop a solution without compromising other aspects of its business operations.
The custom FS1200 setup includes a bulk bag silo optimised for dry building sand and a compact vertical cement silo to adhere to the site’s height restrictions.
Fielden Factors’ fibo Collect station is set to improve how local businesses operate by offering convenience and flexibility for collecting smaller volumes of materials. “A good chunk of our business comes from general builders, small teams, people who work not only on small housebuilding projects, but also repairs, extensions, renewals, landscapers,”
“Running a setup like this, where things
can be collected or delivered in small quantities, is certainly going to help them with the jobs they’ve got on.” The fibo Collect station at Todmorden also opens up new business avenues for Fielden Factors. “We can tap into some new opportunities with some of the local civil contractors, possibly some of the farming community,” says Whitehead.
The fibo Collect station addresses some of the key difficulties faced by builders and tradespeople handling smaller projects. Traditional methods, such as on-site mixing are time consuming, deliveries aren’t cost efficient, and waiting at ready-mix collection plants often lacks flexibility. By automating the collection process, Fielden Factors’ customers can now save significant time and labour while reducing expenses.
How it will work
Tradespeople can now leverage the fibo Collect system at Fielden Factors’ Todmorden branch, which is already well-stocked with timber, aggregates, and other building materials.
Here’s how the process will work: 1. Place your order at the trade counter and receive a barcode.
2. Position your vehicle or mixing tub under the conveyor belt.
3. Scan your barcode at the kiosk and lower April 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net the belt to the desired height.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the mixing process.
The entire operation, from ordering to material collection, is completed in under five minutes, offering a quick, efficient solution for building professionals.
Fielden Factors’ new fibo Collect station exemplifies the company’s vision for innovation and customer-centric services. Initial interest from regular customers has already garnered positive feedback, and the station’s public debut in May is anticipated to attract a wide range of trade professionals. Whitehead reflects on the launch with optimism, noting that the fibo Collect system “sets us apart from our competition.” By providing quicker, smarter, and more convenient access to essential building materials, Fielden Factors is solidifying its reputation as a forward- thinking builders merchant. BMJ
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