Plymcrete News

ARTICLE FOR SOUTH WEST BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE JANUARY 2008

The year 2008 sees the launch of new Plymouth-based ready mixed concrete company, Plymcrete.
Owned by local brothers, Andrew and Sam Pridham, Plymcrete will be the first Plymouth-based company to supply ready mixed concrete with volumetric concrete mixers.

The customer friendly and product quality focused concept of volumetric mixers has rapidly grown in popularity across the UK.

Basically, these are truck-mounted batching plants with each truck being able to carry ingredients to produce eight cubic metres of concrete. The truck will mix the concrete at the delivery site and can produce one cubic metre of concrete per minute.

The volumetric mixers have the ability to produce any type of concrete mix design and can supply more than one mix design during a delivery. A variety of mixes can be produced in the same delivery by adding admixtures such as plasticisers, retarders, waterproofing or accelerator, so this truly is the most flexible way of delivering the material, quickly and cost effectively. Wet to dry and back again is simple.

Because the concrete is being mixed on site, when the customer has the exact amount of concrete they require the mixer can be simply turned off and the customer only pays for the amount of concrete they have received. This eliminates the possibility of any over- or under-ordering, any waste and unnecessary cost.

Sam said: ‘Having bought concrete in the past and paid for concrete I didn't even use has given me the belief that the service that we offer will be welcomed by many who work with concrete.
‘Miscalculations can happen and people sometimes tend to over-order concrete slightly as under-ordering can be costly for another delivery. But we can give our customer exactly the amount they need and that is all they pay for - no part-load charges or additional costs to dispose of
leftover concrete. 

‘We have a very customer-focused approach and want Plymcrete to be known to be professional, reliable and hassle-free.

‘The volumetric mixers have many benefits apart from just the cost savings. The flexibility of the service will hopefully make the whole process of buying concrete a lot easier for customers.’
The company will look to supply a large range of customers from the DIY/small builder all the way up to large building contractors. Basically, if you're in the market to buy concrete, Plymcrete can help you get the job done efficiently.

Andrew and Sam have both worked in the construction industry for many years. Andrew said: ‘We have a good blend between us of experience and knowledge of the construction industry which will hopefully make Plymcrete a success and give customers what they want in terms of service in the ready mixed concrete market.

‘We are on hand to answer customers’ enquiries and to help with advice from specifying the correct concrete for the job through to placing and laying.’

Plymcrete will be testing its concrete regularly for strength and will calibrate equipment to ensure it is producing a quality product in the correct quantities.

The business will use premium grade aggregate and the highest grade of cement to further back its claim that it produces the best possible concrete.

Sam said: ‘Customers really like the mixers and say the concrete is easier to use as it is fresh (seven seconds old) when it reaches them. And having the ability to place concrete seven metres from the truck is also a bonus.’

Andrew and Sam would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people and companies who have helped them to bring this new and exciting concept to the market. All their effort, hard work and expertise is very much appreciated.

They said: ‘May we wish you all continued success in your particular fields and hope we can be of service to you in the future.’

For more details, contact Plymcrete Ltd, Eton Business Park, Thornbury Road, Estover, Plymouth. Tel 01752 581495. E-mail: Office@plymcrete.co.uk
Web: www.plymcrete.co.uk