providing cost effective composite material solutions to the building & construction, automotive, telecomms & marine industries
Another brick in the wall to save planet
February 1, 2007
from Jonathan Rennie of the Evening Times
A PAISLEY manufacturer is set to become the keystone in the construction of environmentally friendly homes in Britain.
GRP, which makes energy efficient and less environmentally harmful alternatives to traditional building materials, has just bought out its biggest rival in England.
The company already supplies Bellway Homes' and Robertson Homes' Scottish developments but the deal gives it a factory in Bolton, a total of 48 staff, and makes it one of the biggest players in a £75million market.
It will also allow GRP to develop a new range of materials and boost its £2million-a- year turnover.
"Composite materials are more durable than natural materials, requiring less maintenance. They are also more cost-effective to manufacture and can be installed in a fraction of the time.
"The increasing pressure on construction companies to build homes that are more energy efficient will mean more and more composite materials being used.
"In addition to the house builders we also supply the automotive, telecoms, marine and leisure markets for the same reasons."
Composite materials are made from two or more components, and are normally strong and light, but have traditionally been made from synthetic materials such as carbon fibre and polyester.
In recent years there has been research into creating composites from renewable resources - at the Eden Project in Cornwall, surfers were given surfboards made from biodegradable composites made from balsa and hemp.
In construction, firms have experimented with wood- based roof tiles and CO2 neutral insulation blocks, and in food manufacturing there is biodegradable packaging.
This has become extremely important for big businesses with the Government's drive to make the country more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Marks and Spencer recently announced a £200million five-year plan to become a carbon neutral, sustainable-sourcing business.
GRP managing mirector Bob Davy said: "We are working on the next generation of materials that can be used in an ever increasing number ways to make every new home as green as possible."
Mick McHugh, of Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire which helped GRP expand, said: "Development of new techniques can pay dividends for all businesses."
Production manager Rod Wilson said: "The range of applications for this type of material is growing and we are currently expanding our research and development arm to take advantage of this.Publication date 31/01/07
