Leader in innovation

UK and Ireland's largest manufacturer of prestressed concrete elements invests in new machinery as well as advances

Creagh, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of concrete products, is investing in new machinery from Echo Precast Engineering, a Progress Group company, and thus in its own progress. As the largest manufacturer of prestressed concrete elements in the UK, Creagh is always at the forefront of innovation. In response to market demand, it needs higher production levels for its plant in Scotland and has therefore decided to purchase two new X-Liner extruders to improve production, increase quality, reduce waste and improve health and safety conditions.

Same roots - same drive for innovation

Founded in 1974 by the McKeague family, Creagh has grown from its humble beginnings producing concrete blocks into a major manufacturer of precast and prestressed products delivered throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Progress Group, of which Echo Precast Engineering is a part, has a similar history with the family business starting as a brick manufacturer in the 1960s. The two business groups further share the same ongoing drive to innovate their products. This is evident at Creagh, for example, in products such as Spantherm, a thermally efficient floor system, and Rapidres, an offsite rapid construction system. As a leading manufacturer of pre-stressed concrete elements, Creagh is committed to quality and excellence and continually invests in innovation. Like Creagh, Progress Group is one of the leading companies in its industry and strives to develop the most appropriate, state-of-the-art machinery and software for the precast industry.  

Automation for progress 

Creagh operates within a wide range of markets, including projects for educational and custodial institutions, residential and commercial construction. With three quarries, the company produces its own aggregates, which are used to produce concrete units. The prestressed concrete units produced are used for many diverse projects, from residential construction to larger commercial jobs such as apartments and schools. With a production capacity of over 600,000 m2, Creagh is the largest manufacturer of prestressed concrete elements in the UK and Ireland. The production of prestressed concrete elements began in the 1990s, when the company purchased a large site with a sliding formwork machine installed by the previous owner. Then the company met Echo in Belgium and bought another slide formwork machine to be able to produce high-quality prestressed hollow-core slabs. She then returned to Echo, manufacturer of machines for prestressed concrete elements, for more equipment to expand her plant in the following years, making the production process much more efficient.

The new machines - saving time, money and waste

The reliability of the extruder machines is even better than slide formwork machines, the curing time is shorter and there is less risk of delamination. "The X-Liner® extruder routinely produces very good floor elements," says Joan Belton, Manager of Sales & Marketing at Creagh. "We have observed a significant reduction in waste, which is good for the environment and a cost savings."

Semi-automated production reduced labor costs by 10%. The prestressed concrete elements produced are 30 kg/m2 lighter, leading to another 10% savings in transportation costs. These are significant savings, while the product is of superior quality. In terms of health and safety, there is less noise and lower risk of slippage, creating a safer environment. "We chose Echo because we have a long-standing relationship with this company. We know they offer the best customer service and high-quality machines," said Ms. Belton. "We recommend Echo's machines to any prestressed concrete element manufacturer. The benefits in terms of cost savings, quality, efficiency and health & safety for our company are great."