Tarmac Innovation Challenge celebrates supplier collaboration

Five suppliers in line to secure financial investment and see their innovative ideas brought to fruition

DRONE technology, cutting-edge pumping systems and state-of-the-art data-monitoring software are among the exciting innovations set to be taken forward by Tarmac as part of their 2018 Innovation Challenge, an initiative designed to deliver added value and greater efficiency to further improve customer experience.

The company’s Procurement and Innovation teams came together to host the inaugural Innovation Challenge event. Suppliers were invited to develop and share innovative proposals and ideas that can deliver better outcomes for clients and customers across the wider industry.

From a pool of nearly 200 entries, a group of 14 finalists were invited to present their ideas to a panel of judges from Tarmac’s senior-management team.

Hosted at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry and supported by science-based technology company 3M and the University of Nottingham, the event was focused on driving industry best practice, collaboration and supply chain engagement.

The winning entry was submitted by Chesterfield-based Atlantic Pumps for a new cutting-edge communication system that provides users with unparalleled transparency and control over their pump assets. Tarmac have committed to working with the company to refine and develop the idea before rolling it out across their sites.

Four other companies are also in line to secure financial investment and see their ideas brought to fruition, including:

• Geodime Ltd’s proposals for adopting drone technology to deliver advances in health and safety and security benefits
• A revolutionary range of conveyor belt cleaning system developed by ProSpare Ltd
• A groundbreaking new pump, designed by Hayley Group Ltd, which recycles exhausting air
• EPC-UK plc’s state-of-the-art monitoring software for drilling and blasting sites.

Commenting on the initiative, Jeremy Greenwood, Tarmac’s managing director of construction solutions, said: ‘We were overwhelmed to receive almost 200 ideas for our first Innovation Challenge and would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry and took part.

‘Tarmac have always been committed to working collaboratively with their suppliers and it’s been incredibly inspiring to see the fantastic ideas that have been put forward.’

Jonathan Harry, procurement director at Tarmac, added: ‘The Innovation Challenge has been a great way for us to hear new ideas and we’re looking forward to developing the best of these in conjunction with our suppliers.

‘There is much more to come from closer collaboration and we hope to make this an annual event as we continue to build and develop strong supply chain relationships.’