LBS has become the latest UK builders’ merchant business, and the first in South Wales, to offer its customers an automated batching plant service for concrete, mortar and screed, supplied by fibo Collect.
Established in 1931, LBS is a defining presence in Welsh construction and timber supply. With a lineage of family stewardship, the company continues to win National awards based on its dedication to the industry as it further develops its services and branch network.
For example, LBS has recently completed the acquisition of DG Heath Timber Products – a timber merchant in Pontarddulais, Carmarthenshire – in a deal which sees the company become the 51st branch in its growing network.
And the business has also become the latest merchant install an automated batching plant for concrete, mortar and screed from fibo Collect. Following visits arranged by fibo Collect UK’s Alex Atkinson and Stuart Cranfield to Thorncliffe BS in North Wales and Carvers BS in Wolverhampton to witness the technology in action, LBS Director of Operations Dai Thomas was convinced of its potential and the wheels set in motion for the project to launch in February at the merchant’s depot in Ammanford.
Supported by the supplier’s Danish manufacturing team, a fully tailored solution was installed at the branch allowing LBS customers to order small to large quantities of concrete, mortar or screed at the touch of a button. For most small loads, the entire process can be completed in under five minutes, ensuring customers can swiftly move on to the job in hand.
Dai said: “Fibo has some great people in the UK with Stuart and Alex leading. They are both good at explaining the concept and there’s clearly a big opportunity.
“As members of the Fortis buying group, we work alongside other like-minded merchants who will no doubt be very interested in seeing how the concept works at our branch. We are also looking for opportunities to expand the concept in the future. This is a game changer for us.”
Special requirements for LBS Ammanford
Maximising limited space and ensuring that fibo Collect can handle aggregates and sand in bulk bags was a top priority for LBS, and the supplier worked to reconfigure the system layout and fit all necessary equipment within a 12 x 12m branch area. An innovative bulk bag unloader system was also designed, allowing for safe and efficient unloading of aggregates, marking a first in the UK market.
fibo Collect UK’s Alex Atkinson commented: “In our assessment of the UK market, we identified local builders’ merchants as the ideal setting for the technology. Our partnership with LBS, driven by Dai and his team has further validated our belief in the potential of this collaboration. LBS also share similar family values to our own, which is very important.
“As we expand our platform nationwide, our shared vision is to innovate and look at how this technology can be developed to help build a more sustainable construction model that minimises our carbon footprint.”
The fibo Collect machine is an automated batching plant with self-cleaning technology that allows customers to order small to large quantities of concrete, mortar or screed at the touch of a button. Processing orders of as little as 0.25m3, the new on-site service is designed to help customers navigate the same common challenges when it comes to mixing small loads: the time-consuming hassle of mixing it on site, facing minimum 1m3 order charges from local suppliers or simply having to wait for a long time at a local ready mix plant.
LBS customers will be able to access the collection service following a simple three-step method in the branch:
1: Place an order at the counter and collect your barcode.
2: Position your vehicle or tub under the conveyor belt.
3: Scan your barcode at the fibo Collect touch screen terminal to start mixing.
Further benefits are said to include:
Cost-effective solution: Customers will only need to pay for what they use.
Time-saving solution: There will be no need to wait around at LBS; just turn up and collect no need to book.
Convenience: Collect when you’re coming to pick up other products and order from as little as 0.25m3 or as much as you like.
Dynamic mix: Options include various concrete, mortar or screed recipes.
Automated mixing technology: Cutting-edge control panel ensures all recipes are high quality and consistent, whilst effective Additive Control allows cutomers to specify the workability and setting time of material
First introduced to the UK market in early 2023, the fibo Collect concept has been pioneered by five future thinking independents who have launched in six UK locations: Thorncliffe’s branches in Ewloe and Dyserth, Carvers BS in Wolverhampton, Cartmore BS in Lochgelly, Palmers Landscapes in Leeds and, most recently, the Ammanford branch of LBS in South Wales.
Video demonstartions of the installations and service in action can be viewed here.
