Business and Energy Minister visits piping manufacturer

A British piping systems manufacturer played host to a visit from the Minister of State for Business and Energy yesterday (March 28).

The Rt. Hon Michael Fallon, MP for Sevenoaks, toured Polypipe’s Aylesford facilities, with the tour hosted by Polypipe’s CEO and Commercial Director.

Organised by the Construction Products Association, the visit gave Mr Fallon an insight into British manufacturing and its commitment to innovation and quality standards in order to deliver sustainable and carbon efficient buildings and water management solutions which meet and exceed legislation.

The visit, hosted by Polypipe Group’s CEO David Hall and Commercial Director Adam Turk, began in the 14-acre site’s Centre of Excellence training facility where products were demonstrated and the company’s hydraulic tower was explored.

Hall then led a factory tour where he explained how the business’ technical support function, combined with a £100 million investment in equipment across its nine manufacturing sites in recent years, had played a key factor in the company’s resilience and organic growth.

The resulting success includes contracts to supply plastic piping systems to many of the UK’s most prestigious construction projects, including London 2012.

After the visit Fallon said: “Industry figures show the UK construction products sector has an annual turnover of £40 billion, and employs 300,000 people in more than 20,000 companies. It provides materials to build everything from factories and offices to schools and hospitals - essential for both the economy and society at large.

"The Government is working with industry on an industrial strategy for construction that will set out a long term approach to give confidence to business for investment and growth. It also looks at how we can increase exports of construction products, particularly amongst small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

"Polypipe are already exporting to Africa and the Middle East and I want to help more companies emulate their success in rapidly growing markets. As a local MP it gives me immense pride to see such an outward looking company based here in Kent."

Polypipe CEO David Hall added: “Polypipe has a long and proud tradition of British innovation and manufacturing and we are very grateful to Mr Fallon for the time and interest he has shown in our business. The market is extremely challenging but we remain as committed as ever to harnessing our expertise and investing in new product development to supply and support construction projects around the world.”

Construction Products Association Chief Executive Diana Montgomery said: “We were pleased to welcome the Minister to the Polypipe site to show him first-hand an example of the economic impact, innovation and sustainable product development our industry is delivering on a daily basis. His support in championing UK construction product manufacturers and suppliers helps to underline the essential role which companies like Polypipe will play in sustaining the economic recovery.”