In January 2023, Professional Builders covered the launch of ‘fibo Collect’ in the UK. Since then, the innovative click-and-collect service has been expanding.
In the UK and Ireland professional builders, landscapers, and groundworkers face significant challenges when sourcing small amounts (under 1m3) of concrete, mortar, or screed. On-site mixing is time-consuming and costly, whilst ready-mix plants designed for large-scale production means there’s high minimum order costs and unpredictable delivery schedule delays.
fibo Collect comprises an automated batching plant, equipped with self-cleaning technology and a touch screen terminal, enabling its users to easily order varying amounts of concrete, mortar, or screed with just a simple push of a button from as little as 0.2m3. The concept is now live across 12 locations in the UK and Ireland, with more installations planned for 2025.
It’s not just the volume of machines that have increased in the past two years. Danish manufacturers fibo intercon have worked hard over the past two years to enhance an already impressive line-up of benefits for the service’s end-users.
The Mortar offering:
A standout feature of the fibo Collect service is the variety of its mortar mixes, with 1:6, 1:4 and 1:3, and more ratios available. Mortar mix ratios vary based on the task at hand, whether that be bricklaying, pointing, rendering, or masonry. What’s most important is consistency. A typical problem contractors face with traditional mixing methods is inconsistent mixes, which can dry at different times and lead to potential cracking.
The fibo Collect machines ensure you get the precise consistency with every mix. This is due to the advanced weight measurement technology that measures and dispenses raw materials (cement, sand, water, and admixtures) in exact proportions. What’s more, this allows the system to offer Air Entrained or Retarded options, with 1-3 day mortars available.
This technology also reduces production waste. Each batch is precisely calculated, no excess or shortage, helping users avoid waste and unnecessary costs while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Concrete and Mortar? How?
What’s unique about fibo Collect is its ability to produce mortar, concrete and screed mixes in the same pan. It usually wouldn’t be possible without contaminating each mix, but fibo Collect’s automatic cleaning system ensures consistent, top quality, uncontaminated mixes every time.
The integrated cleaning system requires minimal labour from the guys in charge. The machine can be automated to clean the inside of the mixer at either time intervals or based on recipes. This ensures minimal waiting time for customers, even if there’s a queue!
Case study
Sean Colley, of SC Building primarily deals with extensions, new builds and refurbishments, and made the switch to using fibo Collect as soon as the option became available.
“I use fibo Collect because it’s time saving. It means I haven’t got someone on-site knocking up compo. I can pick a cube (1m3), in four tubs, which can go in my truck all in one go. This will roughly lay about 1,000 bricks which would usually be ten mixes. It’s versatile as well, if I just have a few hundred bricks to lay then I can just pick up one tub, so there’s zero wastage which is saving money. I can be in and out of here and back to site in half an hour, the bricklayer would still be laying in that time.
“The traditional way I’d have to mix mortar would involve getting a mixer, getting electric for the mixer and more labour. For me as a business, the service has made things so much easier now. That’s the way I’ll be doing things in the future”.
You can watch the full Youtube video at Carvers Fibo Collect.
Self-service
The fibo Collect process was already quick and efficient, but recent improvements to the payment technology have elevated the service. Some locations have now adopted a fully self-service model, allowing customers to collect their mixes with just three steps:
- Drive in and position your van or tub under the conveyor belt, adjusting the belt height if needed.
- Select your mix from the recipe list on the touch-screen terminal.
- Pay directly at the terminal with a card, kick off the mixing process, and drive away when your order is ready.
UK expansion
Originally tailored for builder merchants, the fibo Collect system has broadened its reach. Over the past year, it’s been adopted by two aggregate suppliers, allowing even more SME contractors to access the innovative solution.
The batching plants are now operational across north Wales, south Wales, Yorkshire, Scotland, the midlands, and the north and south west of England.
To find your nearest location, you can visit https://linktr.ee/fibocollectnearme
