Lafarge Cement UK’s Cauldon Works is making preparations for the launch of the company’s latest innovation - the first mainstream cement to be packed in plastic. Lafarge has adopted new technology to enable it to bring together two of its most popular innovations of recent years - Blue Circle Mastercrete Original cement which is made at Cauldon, and plastic, weather-resistant packaging. Until now only specialised cements and ready-to-use products have been available in plastic packaging. The new packaging provides great advantages for all builders and DIY enthusiasts.
Cauldon Works manager Ian Mycock said: "We are really proud that Cauldon has been chosen as the first Lafarge cement works in the world to produce a mainstream cement in plastic packaging. "These really are exciting times for the plant, as this latest move comes only a few weeks after we announced the company’s quality and support laboratory is to be based here too."
Lafarge has invested more than five years to develop this innovation, with the new equipment being installed in secret at its Cauldon site over the past six months. "We are investing in the best technology available. It is yet another tribute to our highly skilled workforce here at Cauldon who are undertaking an extensive training programme to operate the new technology and help to maintain our competitive edge in the market place," continued Ian. The first loads of plastic packed Mastercrete Original are due to be delivered to builders’ merchants and DIY stores from early June.
Mike Lomax, Lafarge Cement’s marketing communications manager, explained more about the move: "Our unique plastic packaging has been a revelation to our customers. It’s weatherproof so you can store products outside and not worry about them being damaged by damp conditions. "Plastic is also far tougher than traditional paper bags, meaning it reduces product wastage through bags being accidentally ripped. Combine that with superior results from our Mastercrete Original cement and you have a winning combination for builders everywhere."
Blue Circle Mastercrete Original - one of Lafarge Cement UK’s best-selling products - is an enhanced Portland cement which has a number of benefits compared with ordinary Portland cement: enhanced resistance to freeze/thaw attack; lower water demand; a more cohesive mix and less tendency for water to segregate and bleed. These benefits make Mastercrete Original a high-quality product ideal for use in concretes, mortars, renders and screeds.
"We are confident that the introduction of plastic packaging to Mastercrete Original will provide a real boon to builders - a perfect combination of two of our most popular innovations. The regional launch in the Cauldon market will act as a precursor for the nationwide launch of plastic packed Mastercrete Original in due course," concluded Mike.
