Page 80 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 86

Material Handlers
FM Conway invest in a 100 tonne Sennebogen 865E Fully Electric Hybrid recovery tracked material handler
FM Conway is a familiar sight across London and beyond. Their fleet of modern tippers are a regular sight across the City’s roads as are their utilities, civil engineering, and surfacing gangs.
Whilst many people see their outward facing persona, behind the scenes, the business is a self-sufficient, forward-thinking contractor with an entire supply chain established to streamline their business.
Established in 1961 by Francis (Frank) Michael Conway, the business originally commenced operations when Frank traded his family car for a tipper truck! Frank’s single-minded determination prevailed to establish a great company with a great ethos and a passion for people. A sentiment continued by Frank’s son, Michael Conway MBE, who took over the company in 1981. Michael’s commitment to succeed was palpable, increasing company turnover to £1,000,000 in just four years. Michael’s forward-thinking views on the industry helped to change attitudes and deliver growth. His self- delivery philosophy was unique and his creativity for using recycled materials was unprecedented within the industry at this time. It is these visions that have developed and driven the company forward, whilst maintaining a striving family business.
As the business developed and subsequently expanded, the company opened depots as far north as Coventry and as far west as Hampshire along with a huge coverage across London and towards the south coast. This expansion saw the development of a state-of-the-art asphalt plant on the side of the Thames at Erith. Not only did this plant allow the company to manufacture their own asphalt, but it also took a huge step in allowing the company to self-deliver projects instead of relying on outside suppliers. Along with the development of the plant, the location of the site also gave the company access to a dedicated wharf allowing them to import material in bulk. The drive towards a self-sustainable business also saw the company develop and bring online their own bitumen
plant just a few miles down the river at Gravesend. Area Manager Jim Gibb takes up the story, “We have long held the belief that being a master
of your own destiny is by far the best for the business. We can keep our material stocks
high which allows us to produce material 24-7, without any reliance on road transport putting pressure on our increasingly busy road network. Over
the course of seven days, we will receive five vessels ranging in capacity from 1500t barges to 5000t coasters carrying a
variety of material covering 6mm, 10mm, 14mm, 16mm and 20mm
stone.”
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www.hub-4.com May/June - Issue 86