Customer service award for Brett Concrete

Kent-based firm picks up MPA BRMCA 2011 ‘Excellence in Customer Service Award’

BRETT Concrete have won the MPA British Ready-mixed Concrete Association’s (MPA BRMCA) 2011 ‘Excellence in Customer Service Award’, in recognition of the provision of a high-quality, efficient and professional service.

Brett Concrete won first prize for the supply of concrete to the joint-venture operation of VolkerFitzpatrick and Hochtief for the East Kent Access Phase 2 improvement works, which will connect the ports of Dover and Ramsgate and Kent International Airport and will complete improvements to the A299 Thanet Way and A256 that were started in the 1980s.

The contract called for the supply of over 27,000 cubic metres of concrete and included a requirement to complete six large roof-deck sections, each comprising 1,000 cubic metres of concrete, to form a 126m long underpass.

For these large pours, the concrete was delivered at rates in excess of 90 cubic metres per hour with all the pours being completed over an eight-month period from December 2010. Subtle changes made to the mix to ensure consistent performance over a range of winter and summer temperatures.

Given the need for the six separate structures to be precast on site and jacked into position in line and on a critical path, Brett had to ensure there were no problems in terms of concrete quality or delivery.

The complex project demanded a high level of co-ordination and management but thanks to the close working relationship between the joint venture and Brett, the logistical challenges were successfully met.

In addition to the delivery of 6,000 cubic metres of concrete for the underpass, Brett co-ordinated the supply of a further 21,000 cubic metres to six different sections of the project.

Throughout the work, Brett were said to have provided an outstanding level of service that was much appreciated by the client joint venture. Commenting on Brett’s award, the judges said: ‘Brett provided an exemplary ‘can do’ level of service given the scope and complexity of the project, particularly the critical nature of the pours.’

The MPA BRMCA awards also saw two companies being highly commended: Lafarge Readymix for the supply of 40,000 cubic metres of concrete for Phase 2 of the Whitelees wind farm project; and Tarmac Ltd for the supply of concrete for a bridge-stitch pour to join the north and south carriageways of the Wolvercote viaduct carrying the A34 over the river Thames.

Praising all three companies for demonstrating a consistent high-quality service, the judges commented: ‘Good customer service should be integral to a business. These companies have delivered a level of service that is not only good, but is exemplary in the provision of collaboration, efficiency or professionalism.’