PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
WREKIN ADDS BREADTH TO GEOGRID SYSTEMS
W
rekin Products has introduced a brand-new two-in-one solution in answer to merchant demand for a more
efficient and robust composite geogrid. he SX Composite 3030 consists of a nonwoven geotextile thermally bonded to their existing SX geogrid. The solution will help save time when acquiring materials and achieve quicker installations, thanks to the multi-purpose
product performing as both a geogrid and a geotextile solution combined. Developed with customer feedback in mind – it combines the functions of reinforcement, separation and filtration into one single product, rather than having to use two separate solutions. The SX Composite 3030 has been designed with housing, infrastructure, renewable energy and rail projects in mind. Its versatility is demonstrated through a variety of applications, including on haul roads, compounds, working platforms and permanent roads. Later this year, Wrekin aims to add to the new range of composite geogrids with the higher strength SX Composite 4040
David Fisher, commercial and technical manager of the geosynthetic division at Wrekin
Products, says: “Our aim is and always has been to make our customers’ lives easier, and this product is no less an extension of that ethos. The new composite geogrid combines our filtration technologies with reinforcement measures to provide a single solution to both requirements in one fell swoop. By incorporating multiple uses into one offering, that’s one less thing contractors now have to worry about, and an added benefit for merchant teams when recommending solutions.
“Like all our products, this new composite geogrid has been developed using premium and high-quality materials to ensure that, even after being subjected to harsh abrasions, it will remain strong.” BMJ
10 MINUTES WITH... ADAM ECCLES, managing director, Eccles (UK Foundries) Ltd
Who are Eccles?
Eccles (UK Foundries) Ltd has been a family business for three generations, and I’ve been the managing director for over six years now. I am committed to driving the growth, innovation and success of the company to even greater heights.
How did you get started in this industry? I began at 16, working as a humble yard sweeper, happy to get my hands dirty, working alongside the lads in the warehouse. Over the years, I steadily climbed through the ranks, gaining experience across all facets of the business and learning how the wider industry operates. At times this took me all across the globe, visiting manufacturing sites and foundries, giving me new perspectives on the complexities of the global business landscape.
What does your role entail? As managing director, I am responsible for charting the company's course, driving business development and implementing strategic plans to allow the business to grow and flourish. Financial management is a key aspect of my job, such as budgeting, forecasting and undertaking economic analysis to ensure the company's financial health. Other responsibilities include the management of operations and production, people and talent, compliance and risk management. I work closely with teams across various departments
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to foster a positive work environment and I like to stay close to our customers and supply chain, nurturing relationships with stakeholders and keeping ahead of industry trends.
A three-generation family business – is there more pressure to succeed?
My grandfather, Alan Eccles, founded Eccles as a company in the 1950s (known back then as Eccles Hill Top Garage) engineering cast iron manhole covers and drainage solutions. His son Roger (my father) then took over. And now, 65 years later, it’s my turn at the helm! Whilst on occasion there are elements of pressure in protecting the family legacy, mostly I feel a great sense of privilege and pride being able to make my own mark on this wonderful business. During my tenure I’ve had to modernise the business somewhat, adapting to the challenges of the times whilst maintaining the culture of hard work, innovation and respect that has made us so successful. Luckily I’ve had great teachers along the way and learnt so much from my family including strong values that remain at the core of the business.
What has been the highlight so far? My overarching ambition as managing director is to establish Eccles as a sustainable and innovative company that places high value on its people, customers and community. We’ve made great strides in recent years, fostering a culture of collaboration and communication in
the workplace, providing
opportunities for personal development and investing in potential, recruiting and supporting young people from the local area, taking steps towards carbon off-setting and introducing more environmentally-friendly processes and procedures. Eccles is on an exciting journey at the moment and I’m proud to be at the forefront of this innovation and change.
What do you see as the main issues for the construction industry at the moment? Currently, builders merchants and the construction industry face several big challenges that impact their efficiency and time effectiveness, including supply chain disruption, rising material costs, skilled labour shortages, sustainability concerns, and the need to streamline processes and adopt more efficient systems and software.
Furthermore, builders merchants understand the importance of delivering top-quality service to their customers so there is an even great emphasis these days on offering personalised assistance and expert advice whilst delivering value-added services and exemplary order fulfilment processes. Merchants want to build strong relationships and establish loyalty with clients by understanding their requirements and providing tailored solutions in turn. This is what Eccles strives to do as well, we hope that our innovative drainage solutions and top-quality service helps set us apart. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2023
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