LBS Builders Merchant takes on fibo Collect’s drive through concrete, mortar & screed solution in South Wales
Watch a short video on how the process works here:
fibo Collect | UK Builders Merchant | Customer Collection | Short Overview (youtube.com)
LBS Builders Merchant, established in 1931, is a defining presence in Welsh construction and timber supply. The company continues to win National awards based on its service and dedication to the industry. The LBS Group has grown rapidly since the early days and continues to thrive, with ten brands, fifty-one outlets, 470 local employees, and a fleet of over 200 vehicles which includes 101 commercial. The recent strategic acquisition of D G Heath Timber Products is primed to integrate 30 new members into the company, a testament to ongoing expansion. Anchored by the latest generation of family leadership, LBS remains dedicated to the enduring principles and quality that have been its hallmark for nearly a century.
LBS Builders Merchant’s adoption of fibo Collect was inspired by a chance encounter. When Mark Davies, LBS’s Chairman, stumbled upon an online article in a renowned builder’s merchant magazine, featuring fibo Collect, he prompted Dai Thomas (Director of Operations) to investigate it further. Dai reached out to Alex Atkinson of fibo Collect UK ltd, arranging site visits to Thorncliffe BS (North Wales) and Carvers BS (Wolverhampton) to witness the technology in action. Convinced of its potential, the team enthusiastically embraced the innovation and set the wheels in motion for an impactful new project which launches this month.
fibo Collect launch at LBS Builders Merchant
Landscapers, Builders and DIY enthusiasts across South Wales face the same common challenges when it comes to mixing small loads of concrete, mortar and screed : the time-consuming hassle of mixing it on site v minimum 1m3 order charges from local suppliers v waiting for a long time at a local ready mix plant.
fibo Collect 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. With orders from 0.25m3 LBS Builders Merchant is revolutionizing convenience, their new on-site service will allow customers to instantly mix, pour & dispense small volumes of concrete so they can start their projects in a matter of minutes not hours.
Watch this video here to see how much time can be saved using fibo Collect:
How it works
LBS customers will be able to access the collection service following a simple 3-step method in the branch:
- Place an order at the counter and collect your barcode
- Position your vehicle or tub under the conveyor belt
- Scan your barcode at the fibo Collect touch screen terminal to start mixing
For most small loads of concrete, the entire mixing and pouring process can be completed in under 5 minutes. Customers will be able to collect their concrete, mortar or screed on the back of a trailer, a flatbed truck or pour directly into a mortar tub which can be loaded onto their vehicle at the branch.
Location: LBS AMMANFORD, Maesquarre Road, SA18 2LF
Benefits to the local community in Ammanford
This new acquisition is set to bring about many benefits to members of the local community in Ammanford (South Wales). Here are just some of them :
- 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
- Hassle-free – just turn up and collect no need to book
- Convenience – collect when you’re coming to pick up other products. Kill two birds with one stone
- Order from as little as 0.25m3 or as much as you like.
- Dynamic mix – options include various concrete, mortar or screed recipes
- Adaptable – Collect on the back of your van or using a mortar tub.
- Automated mixing technology – cutting-edge control panel ensures all recipes are high quality and consistent
- Additive control – control the workability and setting time of material
You can watch this video to see what local customers think of the Thorncliffe BS site:
fibo Collect | UK Builders Merchant | Thorncliffe BS | What Do Customers Think? (youtube.com)
Benefits to the environment
The rising CO2 impact of cement waste and heavy environmental tax on delivering small quantities around South Wales can be addressed with this Drive Through alternative. Here are some ways the concept can support the environment:
- Waste Reduction: The Drive Through system can minimize production waste through precise material weighing, in contrast to traditional ‘self-mixing on site’ practices that often lead to over-ordering.
- Transport Efficiency: The convenient location of the Ammanford branch means customers can cut down on the transport miles required and it reduces the need for larger delivery vehicles to be on the road.
- Water Sustainability: fibo Collect’s water recycling and self-cleaning technologies promote a more sustainable manufacturing process.
Special requirements for the Ammanford Branch
Maximizing limited space and ensuring that fibo Collect can handle aggregates and sand in bulk bags has always been a top priority for LBS. Working with fibo Collect UK, Dai Thomas from LBS collaborated with Alex Atkinson & Stuart Cranfield from fibo Collect UK, supported by the Danish manufacturing team, to reconfigure the system layout and fit all necessary equipment within a 12x12m 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. ‘The company have been flexible, tailoring solutions to our site needs’ says Dai Thomas of LBS.
Thoughts from Dai Thomas | Director of Operations
Dai Thomas is the current Director of Operations but his LBS journey started when he was just 19 years old on a summer vacation job. Dai has worked alongside three generations of the Davies family, supported by an excellent team to help the company expand from its new head office in Ammanford.
Since Dai has been the champion of this project at LBS we thought it would be good to get his thoughts on their fibo Collect experience so far. Here’s what he had to say :
“Fibo have 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.” (Dai Thomas, LBS)
