Forterra set to double precast concrete offering
Acquisition of Bison reinforces company’s status as a leading precast manufacturer in the UK
BISON, one of the most recognized names in precast concrete, are now part of Forterra following the recent completion of the £20 million acquisition of Bison’s trade and assets from multinational construction firm Laing O’Rourke.
Swadlincote-based Bison, who were founded by Royal Engineers in 1919 and are responsible for an array of iconic products, from pillboxes in the Second Word War to the terraces of Old Trafford and the new Wembley Stadium, will continue as Bison Precast, part of Forterra.
The Bison Precast brand will also be expanded to include Forterra’s two existing precast concrete facilities at Hoveringham and Somercotes.
Bison Precast’s overall production volume under Forterra is set to effectively double, making them one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in the country, and the biggest in terms of precast flooring.
The expansion means the 195 existing staff at Bison in Swadlincote will join forces and share expertise with the 230 staff at Forterra’s Somercotes and Hoveringham sites.
Matthew Clay, managing director of Forterra’s Bespoke Products Division (which now includes Bison Precast), said: ‘We are proud to be able to continue and build upon the long, distinguished history of Bison, true British innovators in precast concrete for almost a century.’
Forterra’s chief executive, Stephen Harrison, added: ‘The combined manufacturing knowledge, skills and resources of Bison Precast and Forterra makes us bigger, stronger and faster, and reinforces our status as a leading precast manufacturer in the UK.’
