SigmaRoc, the AIM quoted buy-and-build construction materials group, says Ronez, its Channel Islands business and the largest producer of heavy building materials in Jersey and Guernsey, will open its new ready-mixed concrete plant in Jersey on Wednesday 13 February 2019.
The new plant, which will be officially unveiled at a ceremony attended by investors, customers, management and employees, is a bespoke design specified to meet the requirements of the island and incorporating state-of-the-art technology. The increased capacity, consistent high quality, product innovation and improved customer experience, are expected to result in increased sales, as part of SigmaRoc’s strategy of continual improvement.
The cutting-edge Ronez facility is conveniently located near to the main entrance of Ronez’s Jersey quarry in St John, on La Route du Nord, meaning that collecting customers will no longer need to descend into the quarry, resulting in a much reduced turnaround time and as well as improved efficiency for the firm’s delivery clients. Having six direct feed aggregates bays, a high capacity Teka planetary mixer, and the capability to load two vehicles side by side, the plant will be able to rapidly serve customers, achieving outputs of up to 80m³ of concrete/hour. Plant control systems from
SigmaRoc believes the capability of the plant and quality of the product will ensure that the island has the required concrete production to serve future infrastructure projects, social and private housing developments and “Grade A” commercial premises.
There is an encouraging pipeline of major construction projects in Jersey, including continuing to supply materials for the construction of the new Les Quennevais School and the proposed re-developments of the Jersey General Hospital and Airport. SigmaRoc says Ronez should be well placed to meet the ongoing needs of the Jersey construction community as a result of this investment.
David Barrett, chairman of SigmaRoc, said: “This investment underlines our commitment to ensuring our customers are well served by our businesses over the long-term. The new ready mix plant at St John will offer greater convenience and service and ensure the island is able to construct the buildings and infrastructure that it needs. I look forward to welcoming our valued customers, investment partners and employees to the St John’s Quarry for the opening."
Max Vermorken, SigmaRoc CEO, said: "Before we purchased Ronez, we identified the drive to the bottom of the quarry as an inefficiency to our delivery service and an inconvenience to our customers who came to pick up their concrete. This investment will resolve these issues and shows our willingness to take decisions, including significant investment, to continually improve our business."
