Members’ News

Husqvarna Construction further strengthens its surface preparation offering by introducing shot blasters, steel blasters and related dust collectors under the Husqvarna brand. This is the last step in the integration of the Blastrac offering. As a total solutions provider and partner, with local presence all over the world, Husqvarna Construction now has a solution for any surface preparation job.

“Adding the important shot blasting application under the Husqvarna brand to our existing surface preparation solutions – such as floor grinding, scarifying and scraping – represents an important milestone in our goal to support our customers with any surface preparation challenge they may face,” said Stijn Verherstraeten, Senior Vice President Concrete Surfaces & Floors at Husqvarna Construction.

BROADER THAN CONSTRUCTION

Shot blasting as a method enables effective cleaning and retexturing of concrete and asphalt. The method can be used for removal of coatings, paint, epoxy and removal of markings and rubber from highways. Skid resistance improvement on sidewalks, roads and  runways are also application areas for these versatile shot blasters. The addition of steel blasting solutions considerably enhances the existing Husqvarna surface preparation portfolio. The steel blasting applications go broader than just construction, delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions for paint removal and steel surface remediation on windmills, ship decks and petrochemical
storage vessels.

“We’re committed to support our customers all the way – before, during and after their projects. We have dedicated teams for surface preparation in our key markets and are continuously investing in internal and customer training programs to enhance competence in removing, preparing and refining floors,” said Stijn Verherstraeten.

The complete re-branded offering of shot blasters, steel blasters and related dust collectors from Husqvarna Construction is available for order from May 24, 2023.

Introducing Lauren Watson, our spotlight employee of the day at TPS360! Lauren joined us as an administration assistant in May 2022, reporting to the office manager. Her responsibilities included managing company timesheets, tracking, and maintaining company vehicles, and ensuring accommodations for employees working away from home. She also provided support with day-to-day administrative tasks and the purchase ledger.

You are invited to join the Fosroc complete floor solutions product training at your local Resapol Depot. The training will include classroom and practical demonstrations covering a range of Fosroc flooring products and systems. Morning (10am – 12pm) and afternoon (1pm – 3pm) sessions are available.

Reserve your place today!

Resapol Leigh Depot – 14th June:

Unit D4, Moss Industrial Estate, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 3PT
leigh@resapol.com
01942 609 001

The Preparation Group, a leading mechanical surface preparation equipment manufacturer and contractor, is excited to announce the launch of its newly remodelled Training School. Located in the historic city of Lincoln, the purpose-built facility offers construction industry professionals an ideal space to host training days, product launches, demonstrations, and more.

With over 31 years of experience in the industry, The Preparation Group places a high priority on
quality services, innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer care. However, the company’s
unparalleled dedication to upskilling its workforce and the construction industry as a whole is what
truly sets it apart.

“Our aim is to share our expertise in order to raise awareness and knowledge of mechanical surface
preparation methods and their importance,” said Tracey Glew, Managing Director of The
Preparation Group. “By breaking down the barriers that prevent many people from pursuing a career
in the construction industry, we are helping to build a more skilled workforce that is better equipped
to meet the demands of the industry in the 21st century.”

The company’s virtual training school, set to launch in late 2023, will provide comprehensive
education in equipment operation and maintenance, surface preparation techniques, and industry
best practices. Students will receive a balanced curriculum of independent desk-based and practical
training, equipping them to confidently handle a range of working scenarios. This expansion will also
allow global customers and partners to benefit from The Preparation Group’s expertise and training
services.

“Our in-person training is available for construction industry professionals throughout the UK, and
our virtual expansion will help us reach a wider audience,” added Tracey Glew. “We are proud to
offer accessible, high-quality training and support to our customers across our industry and beyond.”
The new Training School offers a versatile and well-equipped environment in the historic heart of
Lincoln. With over 500m2 of space and a variety of surfaces, including resin systems, terrazzo, and
concrete, the facility provides businesses with an ideal space to host training days, product
launches, demonstrations, and more.

In addition to its training and upskilling efforts, The Preparation Group continues to innovate and
develop new technologies and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of its services. Its
range of specialised equipment is designed to be versatile and adaptable, allowing the company to
tackle a wide range of surface preparation tasks. From shotblasters to hand grinders and a huge
range of accessories, its equipment is designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

The Preparation Group also endeavours to maximise sustainability, choosing methods that minimise
its environmental impact where possible, while ensuring that its clients receive the most sustainable
and cost-effective solutions for their surface preparation needs.

“At The Preparation Group, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results while also making a
positive impact on our industry and beyond,” said Tracey Glew. “With our investment in upskilling
and training, our innovative approach to surface preparation services and equipment manufacturing,
we continue to build a more skilled and sustainable construction industry that is equipped for the
future.”

To learn more about The Preparation Group and its newly remodelled Training School, or to enquire
about training and using the space, please visit www.thepreparationgroup.com or contact +44
(0)1522 561 460 to speak to a member of the team directly.

Lee has enjoyed a stellar career in both Rugby Union and Rugby League. He started his career playing rugby union for Bridgend Athletic RFC and Tondu RFC as a full-back or wing, and after being spotted playing rugby league for Bridgend Blue Bulls, was signed for the Llanelli Scarlets – his international career began shortly after when he was called up for the international squad when he made his debut against the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium, going on to win 46 Welsh caps. During his illustrious career Lee also represented the Ospreys, Clermont Auvergne and Newport Gwent Dragons.

Lee is a seasoned professional, not only the pinnacle of international Rugby having been capped by the British Lions, but also in developing business revenue opportunities. He’s an expert in initiating and developing strategic partnerships and ensuring projects have the required support throughout the duration.

In his new role as Business Development Executive with TPS360, Lee will be responsible for identifying and ‘converting’ new opportunities in the business core industrial and commercial sector markets, providing a best-in-class experience bespoke to the individual client’s business and brand.

Leicestershire-based Abacus Flooring Solutions has made history by inventing a way to use waste plastic, that would otherwise go to landfill, in industrial resin flooring. 

The ground-breaking invention, named Abaplas, is set to transform the flooring industry as well as providing an eco-friendly method for replacing harmful bulking materials in other products such as tile adhesives. Nick Megson, managing director of Abacus Flooring and the brains behind the pioneering Abaplas system, has already proven his idea after carrying out a painstaking series of tests over several years. Having arrived at the perfect formula, which performs even better than traditional resin flooring, his world-beating patent for Abaplas has now been approved. 

Resin flooring, along with many other industrial products, has traditionally been manufactured using silica sand, which is a dangerous and potentially carcinogenic substance when inhaled. Abaplas instead contains non-harmful recycled plastic which is ground down to a white powder. The process will vastly reduce the volume of waste plastic ending up in landfill or the world’s oceans. 

Nick said: “We carried out so many tests that it seemed as if it would never happen. We conducted tests using numerous grades and types of plastic before we finally achieved the fantastic result we have today. “

“On our first ever project using this product, the installation guys said it was the best self-smoothing resin system they had used. Further research uncovered many other uses for our 100 per cent recycled plastic, in things like our primer coats, scratch coats, self-smoothing screeds, repair compounds – and even things like tile adhesives. It could turn the plastics recycling industry completely on its head and really make major strides in helping to save the planet.” 

The world’s first resin flooring using 100 per cent recycled plastic was installed by Abacus in the enormous VIP Visitor Centre auditorium at JCB’s global headquarters in Staffordshire, UK.  The company has since gone on to install Abaplas flooring in warehouses, medical facilities and football stadiums throughout the UK. Nick has established a new firm, Abaplas Recycling Limited, to handle all the plastic recycling for Abacus as well as beginning the sales of treated plastic for use by other product manufacturers. 

Abaplas has already led to Abacus winning a number of awards, including a Green World Award – a global environmental campaign that rewards the world’s greenest countries, communities and companies. With more than three decades of experience working with resin flooring, Nick has been the industry’s ambassador for sustainability and recycling since 2005. Abacus is also a member of the Resin Flooring Association (FeFRA), of which Nick sits on the board of directors to help maintain industry standards. He founded Abacus Flooring Solutions with his wife Amanda during lockdown three years ago. The company now turns over more than £1m per year and manages an ever-expanding order book at its manufacturing headquarters in Coalville, Leicestershire.  

For more information, visit www.abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk

A leading surface protection company, Ancorite Group, announces investment in its UK business with the Steuler Group acquiring 75% of Ancorite Holdings Limited (and its subsidiaries) in three stages completing in 2024.

Steuler Group, who are headquartered in Hoehr-Grenzhausen near Frankfurt in Germany, are one of the largest designers, manufacturers, and installers of anti-corrosive surface protection products globally. It employs over 2700 employees with revenue of around 440 million Euros.

For more information on the company’s combined service offering, visit the following websites:

www.ancorite.co.uk
www.linings.steuler.de/en/home

Warrington, UK: Kemtile, one of the UK’s leading specifiers, manufacturers and installers of hygiene flooring and specialist drainage solutions, will be exhibiting at Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, the UK’s premier trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries.

From 24-26th April 2023 at NEC Birmingham, on stand G49, Kemtile will showcase their ‘single-source’ flooring and drainage solutions designed to meet today’s stringent Food and Beverage (F&B) requirements.

With over four decades of experience in the industry, Kemtile will offer individual advice on flooring and drainage systems focusing on fit-for-purpose solutions providing the quality, durability and longevity required in busy F&B processing environments.

As a division of Stonhard, Kemtile offers an even more extensive portfolio of products, many of which have HACCP certifications. Kemtile’s expertise has been called upon by industry brands such as Greggs, ingredients giants Blends, and Scotland’s newest distillery Glen Mhor in Aberdeenshire.

Jamie Cook, Director of Kemtile, commented: “Foodex is a key event for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet our existing customers and new ones, championing the benefits of working as part of the Europe-wide Stonhard Group with access to many bespoke flooring solutions.”

“The three-day event will also allow us to demonstrate our experience of an increasing number of turnkey projects for leading brands in the industry.”

On the Kemtile stand, attendees will be able to see a range of high-quality products from Kemtile’s partner companies such as Polysto, the leading manufacturer of composite HACCP designed kerb systems, which are exclusive to Kemtile in the UK, and the German-engineered Wiedemann Technik stainless steel drainage systems.

Jamie added: “We are looking forward to getting back to this important food and beverage show after a number of years away and using it as a platform to start new conversations with customers across the UK around hygienic flooring and drainage requirements.”

John Lord Flooring, the UK’s leading specialist industrial and commercial flooring company are delighted to welcome two new apprentices to the flooring team. Natasha Brierley and Owen Sidlow joined us in January and will be working alongside our commercial flooring team gaining hands-on, practical experience with our experienced fitters.

John Edwards, Commercial Manager at John Lord commented ‘Due to the continued growth of the business, and our commitment to a fully employed workforce, we have started 2023 with a bang, taking on two new apprentices for our commercial flooring team.’

‘John Lord fitters are some of the best in the industry and understand the value of passing on those skills to the next generation. We are looking forward to helping Natasha and Owen kick-start their flooring career to reach their full potential.’

Commenting on her apprenticeship, Natasha said: ‘Being an apprentice here means gaining skills for life. The fitting team have been supportive, and I feel a great sense of pride breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry like this.’

Owen said, ‘I’m really excited to be joining the John Lord team. I love that no day is ever the same – one day I could be working in a residential property and the next in a luxury retail building or education setting. I’m looking forward to building up my skills and moving my career on with John Lord.’

Where it all began

Managing Director Peter Robinson started Robex in 1981 working from his parents’ home. These days, Robex trades from extensive warehouse and office facilities in Hitchin, with sales engineers and resin flooring installation teams throughout the UK. In addition Robex have sold and installed their products across the world including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the Caribbean, Kenya and Ireland.

Peter Robinson shares his story:

“My first love is sport and football in particular. At 17, I was on the books of Luton Town having previously been with Millwall. Back then, Luton were in division one (the Premiership) but when they were relegated that year, I was released and joined St Albans City as a semi-professional. Following a nasty knee injury, I had to abandon my dream and found myself with no real direction. A chance opportunity with a company in North Yorkshire selling maintenance and repair products changed everything and after three successful years, I moved back to Hertfordshire and Robex was born. From my parents’ house, we moved to rented premises in Welwyn Garden City and in 1983 purchased Planned Maintenance Ltd from England Hughes and Bell in Manchester, which opened the door to manufacturing our own products. In 1989, Robex moved to our current location in Hitchin and by now, we were employing a team of sales engineers covering every corner of the UK, many of whom are still with us. Indeed, our Sales Director Alan Chamberlain joined us as a 21 year old back in 1984!

The flooring team

Robex has a dedicated team of resin flooring installers with many years’ experience who have been crucial to our story and our successes. Steven Gould, our Senior Project Manager joined shortly after Alan and Parris Robinson (Peter’s son) after military service joined in 2015. Ian Troilett and Shaun Tickle our Contract Managers, have been installing resin floors for as long as we can remember!

The future

A lot has changed since 1981 but as a group, we’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed the past 42 years.  Parris, the next generation of Robex along with Alan both have their hands firmly on the wheel and are helping to steer the business in the direction of continued success.

The whole team at Robex is committed to offering customers an outstanding level of service. Whether you are a small independent business, a multinational conglomerate, new customer or an existing one, we strive to make you happy.

Finally, a huge thank you to each and every one of our customers for your continued business and support!

VI Distribution Limited is proud to announce the addition of Allan Brown to their team as the new Business Development Manager. With over 20 years of experience, Allan brings the know-how and leadership skills necessary to help drive the success of the company.

As the new Business Development Manager, Allan will focus on developing and maintaining strategic business relationships with clients, customers, and partners. This will help ensure customer satisfaction and excite growth opportunities for the company.

Prior to joining VI Distribution Limited, Allan Brown served in a variety of sales roles to the construction industry. He has a long history of experience in business development and customer service, which allows him to forge strong relationships.

“I am excited to join VI and am looking forward to building on the success that the team has already established. My experience in business development and sales to the construction industry will be invaluable in helping the company reach its goals,” said Allan Brown. Iain Wilson, Managing Director of VI Distribution Limited, commented “We are pleased to have Allan join our team and take on this new role. His knowledge and enthusiasm will undoubtedly be an exceptional asset to our business development and customer relations department.”

Floor and Wall Ltd were proud of being part of Sir Robert McApline’s new development “Victoria Gate”. The FeRFA member contractor secured the multi million pound package to install numerous flooring products throughout the build. One major part of the development was to install over 25,000sqm of a specialist car park surface system on the Red & Blue car park.

Sales Director Nigel Croad introduces the project:

Abacus Flooring Solutions Limited continue to grow with further expansion planned. We are committed to researching and employing new staff.

Since Hanna, the Operations Manager, joined the business last year, Martin Chinn joined Contracts team mainly working onsite. David Richardson also recently joined the business to operate alongside the contracts team. Both Martin and David are already making a difference.

Abacus Flooring Solutions place Health and Safety and staff training at the top of its agenda. Training is incredibly important to the success of our future. To this end, both Martin and David are signed on the FeRFA Training Scheme.

As Abacus Flooring Solutions continue to plan the future, we proudly have an order book into March 2023. We operate our projects with fully employed staff, complimented with specially selected sub-contractors who are also FeRFA trained.

Abacus Flooring Solutions Limited are a award winning business who operate on a national base. For more information, visit www.abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk or telephone 01530 432790 / email admin@abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk

The man who helped to build Britain’s leading hygienic flooring installation company Kemtile has received deserved recognition as a modern trailblazer in the sector – scooping the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual prize ceremony hosted by the national Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA).

Stephen Westley was hand-picked by judges after more than 30 years of service in the flooring world – helping transform Kemtile from a six-figure firm into an award-winning, £14 million business so renowned it was snapped up by US-based multinational Stonhard.

Stephen stepped back from the firm in 2020, but helped to lay the crucial foundations for an exciting future – with former business partner Jamie Cook taking the reins for what is already turning out to be a successful new era.

Regarded as a key figure in raising standards of resin flooring installations nationwide, Stephen has also been credited with helping to enhance the profile of the industry overall – particularly within the food and pharma sectors.

Throughout his career, Stephen revolutionised flooring work by championing the use of heavy-duty polyurethanes as a component of a complete flooring solution – staging trade exhibitions and CPD seminars to promote the use and benefits of resin flooring. These activities increased sales for manufacturers of polyurethane products, with an emphasis on quality and providing the right product for the job.

Stephen began his journey by studying for his Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Surveying in the 1970s whilst working at Ab Chem – one of the country’s largest industrial flooring contractors at the time.

Stephen worked closely with director Maurice Williamson during his stint at Ab Chem, and the duo would later go on to Williamson Corrosion Control sponsored by Trafford Park – proceeding to acquire Corrosion Engineering Services with the help of David Catell.

The business was bought out by KCH Gmbh in 1994, and Stephen opted to team up with Jamie Cook to purchase Kemtile in 1998 – spearheading a wide range of huge industrial flooring and drainage projects including the installation of 20000m2 of Ucrete at Arla Foods in Leeds.

Kemtile was also handed FeRFA’s Contractor of the Year award in 2009 for work completed at Greencore in Corby.

Stephen stated: “Over the years, Jamie and I have been lucky to build up an excellent team in the office, on site and in the warehouse. We’ve all worked hard and had many laughs over the years.

“We’ve been fortunate to build long-lasting trading relationships with many clients who have become good friends.

“Finally, many thanks and much love to my wife Carol for her continued support and expert financial skills and hard work since the early days at Corrosion Engineering service.”

Jamie Cook is now taking Kemtile forwards, stating: “Stephen and I took over Kemtile in the nineties and we’re proud of becoming one of the industry’s major players – setting new standards for flooring installation and working on some brilliant projects.

“Stephen’s contribution to the business and the wider sector in general cannot be underestimated – it was an honour working with him and this accolade is well deserved.

“Everyone learned a lot from Stephen’s contributions and stewardship. Kemtile continues to thrive and we are excited for the future.”

www.kemtile.co.uk

Since 2005 we have been looking at what we do, how we do it and if we can change and improve any element. 

In July 2020, we started the research into using alternative materials for the use in Resin Flooring. We researched many materials to ensure once the material was sourced, we could maintain a supply. 

Not only did we find a material, but it also ticked so many boxes, being plastic was a major plus. The plastic we use is white which ensures it does not change the colour of the base resin option. 

Our plastics are made up from various plastic components such as light switches, conduit, and toilet seats to name a few. The plastics we processed to use the materials in processes, however, we use the finer grades otherwise destined for landfill. 

We use the Abaplas recycled white plastic filler for various applications, from a scratch coat to a filler for a resin screed when repairing a floor. We have also used it as a 1mm-2mm self-smoother when applying a resin coating as the final coat. We were the first company in the World to use an alternative material in resin flooring. We welcome enquires through our Abaplas Recycling Limited. 

We will continue to research and develop the use of alternative materials within many applications such as tile adhesive, flooring screeds, cement-based levelling screeds to name a few. 

Proudly winning 2 awards at the FeRFA Awards does prove to us that we are making a difference. We proudly won a Gold Award at the Environmental Awards at the Houses of Parliament. 

If you want to look into an alternative to aggregates, please contact us on 01530 432790 or you can email: nick@abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk or admin@abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk 

Visit our website for more information about our services.