Major merger of well-known concrete, asphalt and aggregates plant suppliers

UK: Two of the best known names in the supply, installation and maintenance of concrete plants, asphalt plants and materials processing plants have announced a 50:50 merger to form a new venture offering a ‘one stop shop’ from concept to commissioning.

Berkshire Engineering Supplies (BES) and R&G Cooper (RGC) have joined forces to create Bulldog Plant & Equipment, the only business of its kind in Britain, set to become the number one provider of large-scale production plants in construction materials, engineering and energy sectors.

With long-established reputations among the country’s leading concrete, asphalt and aggregates producers, BES and RGC have worked hand-in-glove for many years to supply and install many of the UK’s biggest and most advanced materials production facilities.

Coming together as Bulldog gives the team unrivalled expertise and capability to deliver complete ‘turnkey’ packages from the earliest stages through to ongoing operations. That includes planning, design and specification; sourcing and supply; fabrication and mechanical engineering; control and instrumentation; groundworks and civils; build and installation; testing and commissioning; operation. continuous improvement and maintenance; refurbishment and relocation.

Bulldog also offers unparalleled access to the world’s leading plant and equipment manufacturers thanks to an array of exclusive import licences and supply agreements.

Heading up the new Bulldog business is Managing Director Steve Millburn, a chartered engineer and well-known industry professional. Steve has a wealth of experience in the sector having worked in operational roles at some of the country’s best known materials producers including Brett, FM Conway, Lafarge and Tarmac. He will report to Bulldog joint chairpersons and shareholders – Ian Griffiths who was Managing Director of BES and Gary Cooper who was Managing Director of RGC.

Steve Millburn said: “We’re bringing together two successful companies with strong reputations to create a new business that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. With Bulldog we now have the capability to solve the most complex engineering challenges in the safest, most cost-effective way to achieve outstanding outcomes for our customers.

“The name Bulldog was chosen because of its association with the ‘best of British’, symbolising courage and determination but also dependability and patience, which is always a useful trait in our industry! Together our experienced and highly-skilled team will add value to any project and give us a platform for future growth in the UK and overseas.”

Ian Griffiths said: “Our two businesses have worked together over many years and our teams complement one another well. This has helped us to deliver results through our collaborative, can-do approach. Looking to the future, and having listened to feedback from customers, we saw a natural opportunity to further develop our businesses through this merger. This allows us to build on our expertise and pool our resources to create a larger, more diverse business offering cradle-to-grave turnkey solutions – nobody else is able to do that in our industry.”

Gary Cooper said: “A lot of blood, sweat and tears – literally – has gone into building our businesses and we appreciate the loyalty our customers have shown us over the years, helping us to become well-established and trusted partners. Through this merger we’re keen to further develop those relationships with customers, and bring a wider range of benefits to their business activities through our extended range of products, services and solutions – from off-the-shelf technologies to bespoke innovations – and deliver exceptional results time after time.”

The transition from BES and RGC into the Bulldog business will take place over the weeks ahead. Representatives from the new company will be in touch with customers and suppliers to explain how the merger will work and to outline the increased scope and capability of the new company.

Bulldog Plant & Engineering Limited now directly employs more than 40 people and will have an annual turnover in excess of £10 million.

Associated Businesses

  • Aldermaston, RG7 8JN