BES and RGC merge to form Bulldog

Berkshire Engineering Supplies merge with R&G Cooper to form Bulldog Plant & Equipment

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 Ltd, which is said to be the only business of its kind in Britain and is set to become the number one provider of large-scale production plants in the 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.

The two firms say coming together as Bulldog will give the team unrivalled expertise and capability to deliver complete ‘turnkey’ packages from the earliest stages through to ongoing operations.

This will include 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; and refurbishment and relocation.

Bulldog will also offer ‘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 chartered engineer and well-known industry professional Steve Millburn, who 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. As managing director, 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.

Mr 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’, symbolizing 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 added: ‘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 contact 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 Ltd now directly employ more than 40 people and will have an annual turnover in excess of £10 million.