As the residential construction sector is a fundamentally important channel for Baggeridge with more than 50 per cent of its production capacity targeted at this market, it should come as no surprise that the manufacturer has not only refined its business practices for the benefit of developers, but has ploughed thousands of pounds into the research and development of four new brick types.

Despite having to deal with issues associated with attracting young people into the construction industry, in excess of 185,000-190,000 homes are built in the UK every year, the majority of which, to the obvious delight of Baggeridge, are constructed in brick.

Paul Hodgkinson, Baggeridge’s national development sales manager for house builders comments: “Of course we are aware that there are products out there to rival brick, but when all is said and done, this material just has far too many benefits to ignore. Our customers want brick and this is why we work hard to develop our product range and refining what we offer our clients in terms of service.”

You get the impression that Baggeridge is committed in making construction as easy as possible for their clients and the company’s latest campaign – Making Specials Easy - aims to take the hard work out of calculating brick quantities from its ‘Specials’ range.

Specials are used for detailing and decorative purposes and whilst there is no denying their use enhances kerb appeal, calculating the type and how many are needed for a particular project can be a timely process for both buyers and architects alike.

Enter Baggeridge’s Design Services team and a new computerised management system which works out plot-by-plot, the best product for the job and precise quantities required. Paul continues: “We understand the extreme pressures buyers and architects are under and I believe this new complimentary service will prove extremely beneficial for them and specifiers alike.

“In addition to calculating quantities, we are also able to organise packaging with first items needed on top which helps speed up the construction process and also reduces handling which in turn cuts down on wastage. Combine this with the fact that we can also deliver plot-by-plot, meaning developers are able to keep their stockpile holding to a minimum and it’s easy to see just how useful this service is.”

Meanwhile, the company’s ongoing product development pledge has resulted in the launch of four new brick ranges which have been manufactured at the company’s Waresley, Hartlebury and Kingsbury factories. The Trinity Cream Gilt and Trinity Cream Multi Gilt lends itself to residential developments in the East and South East of the country, the Light Russet Sovereign Stock has been manufactured for UK-wide residential development, specification and refurbishment projects while the Ochill Greystone Smooth has been developed primarily for architectural work.

Paul concludes: “What sets Baggeridge apart from its competitors is its aptitude for spotting gaps and opportunities within the market, whether it’s through industry analysis or consulting key customers, the speed at which it can develop products and its competence at delivering high levels of customer service.”

September 2006