Royal Visit Marks Opening Of Flowcrete’s New HQ

Global flooring company Flowcrete has reinforced its commitment to manufacturing in the UK with the opening of new state-of-the-art headquarters in Cheshire.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester was welcomed by Flowcrete staff to officially open the new building at a celebratory event attended by guests including civic dignitaries, as well as business and community representatives.

The Duke - an architect with a special interest in the built environment, as well as environmental issues – saw first hand the latest ‘green’ construction techniques introduced at the new multi-million pound development, which has been built on Flowcrete’s existing site in Sandbach.

Mark Greaves, managing director of Flowcrete, said: “The new office has been developed to reflect Flowcrete’s position as a global leader in its field, with a commitment to a low carbon future.

“It reinforces our commitment to manufacturing in the UK and our confidence in the North West economy.”

Flowcrete’s sustainable resin flooring products have been installed at high profile locations across the globe, including Beijing Olympic Stadium, the new Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, Dubai International Airport and Médiacité in Brussels.

Within the UK, Flowcrete products have been applied at locations including Manchester International Airport, Wembley Stadium and the luxury retail centre, Westfield White City in London.

The Sandbach site is home to Flowcrete’s international headquarters – from where the company’s operations – which span the globe with 29 sales offices and eight manufacturing centres - are co-ordinated. The company won the Queen’s Award For Enterprise, in the International Trade category, in 2009.

Flowcrete’s technical services director Peter Dolby has overseen the new office project - a mix of new build and the refurbishment of an existing building on the site - working with building company Manchester & Cheshire Construction and architects Hulme Upright. Dryvit Custom Brick wall finish is being used to refurbish brickwork on existing buildings at the site and a green roof, with waterproofing, has been provided by Tremco.

Peter said: “As a specialist manufacturer of sustainable seamless flooring for the industrial and commercial market places, we wanted our new offices to reflect our commitment to the environment.

“The office has also been developed as a showcase for our floor finishes, within a bright, airy space that provides an optimum working environment.

“Features include a thermally efficient glazed wall, framed with sustainable oak.

“The green roof comprises of a living carpet of succulent plants, which absorbs carbon dioxide, adds thermal insulation and provides an environment for native birds, insects and other wildlife.

“This green roof will also absorb and use rainwater – a solution to the problem of draining water, which can result in flash flooding in increasingly unpredictable weather. The roof will now retain and absorb up to 75 per cent of rainfall.

“Heating is provided by Flowcrete’s energy efficient Isowarm system, with hot water from an air source heat pump eliminating the use of boilers and keeping costs and environmental impact to a minimum.

“There is no air conditioning, but a cool environment is created in hot weather by reversing the underfloor heating system to absorb heat from the building and provide cooling.

“This is supported by wind catching technology, solar powered vents and opening window lights to create natural ventilation. Finally, internal lights react to natural daylight levels to minimise energy use.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Flowcrete UK Ltd, part of Flowcrete Group Ltd, is a world leader in the manufacture of seamless industrial and commercial flooring with international  manufacturing facilities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.

Flowcrete supplies world-class seamless flooring solutions to transform environments across the globe including; decorative seamless resins, waterproof car park deck coating systems, seamless resin terrazzo, durable antimicrobial flooring, corrosion protection, self leveling Isocrete screed underlayments, underfloor heating and sound-proofing acoustic insulation.

Flowcrete’s ambitious and dedicated team is inspired by excellence in people, products and service as well as continual innovation and sustainable growth.

Flowcrete continues to use its global expertise to introduce environmentally friendly, hygienic and aesthetically attractive floors to create a better and more sustainable world.

For further information please contact ukweb@flowcrete.com

Or visit us on the web at www.flowcrete.co.uk