New Portsmouth wharf open for business
Brett Aggregates new deep-water facility hits 75% capacity after only eight weeks in operation
BRETT Aggregates’ new deep-water marine aggregates facility in Portsmouth, which is equipped with new a new washing plant that can feed, screen, wash, and stockpile aggregate material, has hit 75% capacity after only eight weeks in operation.
The new waterfront site will process and distribute marine aggregates around parts of the South East for use by local contractors and builders’ merchants, even reaching projects as far afield as London.
Being a deep-water wharf, the new Portsmouth site does not depend on tides to receive deliveries, making it possible for ships such as Britannia Aggregates’ dredging vessel, the Britannia Beaver, to continuously supply material to the wharf and helping Brett Aggregates provide constant supply of material to the local area and beyond.
Ensuring the site was ready for opening came was not without its challenges. New equipment such as the vehicle washdown systems needed to be positioned correctly to ensure wastewater could be properly drained and recycled. The site also neighbours His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth, which means Brett Aggregates have to allow for security checks for vehicles coming into the area.
Area production manager Dave Isham said: ‘Setting up the site was like a blank canvas and we worked hard to figure out the best placement for machinery, walkways, loading bays, and signage throughout the site.
‘The team also had a lot of input into health and safety and site access through on-site discussions and traffic-management plans, which helped maintain a steady throughput of vehicles even with the additional checks.
‘All their hard work resulted in the site passing its first Construction Products Certification audit – which looks at the quality, environment, and health and safety aspects of a site – with flying colours. It’s been exciting to work on Portsmouth from the start, and it’s been great to see the entire team come together in setting it all up.’
Ayana Ollerhead, sales manager for Brett Aggregates, added: ‘It’s always been important for us to have great relationships with our customers, so it was good to hear that local builders’ merchants and contractors in Portsmouth already knew of Brett and what we do, and we are really pleased to now be able to supply material for their projects from this location.’
