In the UK,
Miller Construction, one of the UK’s largest national providers of end-to-end property solutions, has chosen Hope to supply the concrete for all the building schemes that will make up the expansive Stephenson Quarter, a three-year, £200 million (€145.5 million) project, which is set to be completed in 2015. The highest value construction project in the north-east, it will see the regeneration of a 10-acre (4.5 hectares) site next to Newcastle’s central train station. It will feature a hotel, residential and commercial properties, retail space and other mixed use developments.
The umbrella deal, believed to be the first of its kind in the construction industry, will see Hope’s ready-mixed concrete specified in tenders for all Miller Construction’s sub-contractors. This approach, which has already brought long-term gains in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, will reduce traffic on site, decrease complexity and increase the efficiency of the large-scale project.
Antony Steele, national accounts manager at Hope Construction Materials, says the partnership marks a bold move for both parties, but believes it will serve as a template for major construction projects in the future.
“The move is a brave step for both parties, who have gone against the industry norm to strike a ground-breaking agreement, which reflects the innovation and dynamism of both companies,” he says.
“We have an enterprising focus and we were keen to talk to Miller Construction not only about what we can supply but how we can add value to the overall project: we feel this agreement delivers value for both parties.
“The partnership enables Miller Construction to focus on getting the build complete while we concentrate on getting them the right materials at the right time. We hope this will be a stepping stone to a broader, long-term relationship with high-quality business partner.
“Hope has three concrete plants in Newcastle upon Tyne and one will be dedicated to supplying the project for the next two years. We’re convinced that the efficiency gains the partnership will offer will see this type of agreement becoming increasingly commonplace win the construction industry.”
Ian Jubb, regional managing director, North, Miller Construction, added: “We are pleased to have formed this innovative supply arrangement with Hope Construction Materials on the prestigious Stephenson Quarter project. Specifying the supply of high quality concrete that will be delivered efficiently to this busy city centre location will greatly support the overall delivery of this major project.”
