Colton Concrete Limited
Project Summary
The Director of Colton Concrete Ltd identified a gap in the market when realising that in order to fully satisfy the customer demand the business was having to purchase complementary products from other suppliers. The aim of the business was to be able to manufacture new products at a more competitive price using crushed rock fines which were readily available to the business at cost price.
Funding was sought under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme via the Rural Business Investment Scheme towards the purchase of new moulds and pallets that would allow the business to expand their product portfolio by being able to manufacture additional kerb types and paving slabs.
Project Information
Colton Concrete Ltd which started trading in 2005, is an established manufacturing company based in Clanabogan, Omagh, Co Tyrone. The business was created to manufacture a wide range of precast concrete products including lintels, kerbs, posts and decorative pillar caps to private and trade clients throughout the UK and the Island of Ireland.
Realising a gap in the market, the company that employs seven full time employees, wished to expand its capability by increasing production capacity and building innovation to meet the demands of a diversifying sector. Furthermore, they identified that the purchase of new equipment would allow the business to meet anticipated demand, take on full cycle projects and increase volume production and foster continuing export links.
Activities
Colton Concrete Ltd was awarded £50,000.00 to purchase new moulds and pallets which allows the business to expand their product portfolio by being able to manufacture additional kerb types and paving slabs.
Benefits
Having now completed the project Colton Concrete Ltd are now able to manufacture products which they couldn’t provide previously or had to outsource elements from other firms. As a result of this investment at least one full time position will be created within the company and they have been able to expand their already established export market in the Republic of Ireland, increase their market share and further explore exporting their materials into the UK.
Lessons
Mark Colton, Director of Colton Concrete Ltd advised, this project was an education as we embraced new technology into the company. You plan so much but there are so many unforeseen issues but we took it in our stride and have come out the other side better for it. There were important questions I should have asked before the machine actually arrived which I didn’t and this lead to a longer commissioning period. I have learned that in future to communicate more with suppliers on such large projects and probably get to see a machine in production so commissioning would be easier. I am very happy with the new technology and will keep striving to ensure we meet its full potential. In the future with our added experience we will have no issue embracing new technology for further growth.
