Good progress was made this week with the development of our pervious concrete solution – Permaflo.  Following technology transfer from the CRG, UK specific laboratory development and some initial plant trials, a site trial was conducted with Buckingham Group Contracting. 12m3 of Permaflo was supplied out of Ryall Plant for use in a full drainage system at Bromsgrove Train Station redevelopment.

The trials were a great success with Phil Stewardson of Buckingham Group describing it as ‘a great looking product that looks ideal for the application’.

Following confirmation of permeability through site testing next week, Buckingham Group have confirmed they are ready to place an order.  The Submissions Team have finalised branding for Permaflo and helped enormously with progressing marketing information ready for a full external launch later this year.

Thanks to everyone involved in the trials and marketing, Peter Hember and Cluster 16 for accommodating the trials late in the day following a busy pour; Russell Blair for batching and putting up with us all day; IHCs Andrew Middleton and Adam Hawkins; Gilbert Morgan and John Shrimpton for technical support; and Simon Morris for promoting Permaflo and working closely with the customer to make it all happen. Also thanks to James Fairclough for the continued support with marketing and brand development. Well done all and thanks again.

There will be an internal launch soon with information on the essential characteristics of Permaflo, applications etc. for use in promotion. Until then, should an opportunity arise please feel free to get in touch with Mike Higgins (National Technical Manager, Southam) and we can work through options. A dialogue has also begun with Building Products and the Aggregates business on how we can capture greater value out of these jobs by offering the full materials package.