MILBANK CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD
EARLS COLNE BUSINESS PARK
EARLS COLNE
COLCHESTER
ESSEX CO6 2NS
Tel: 01787 223931
Fax: estimating@milbank.co.uk
Suppliers of: Precast Concrete, Flooring, Beams & Blocks, Staircases, Landings, Hollowcore floors, concrete beams
“Delivering quality products through a sustainably conscious supply chain to help you build better”
Milbank Concrete Products is the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-quality precast concrete products. Our trading history spans over 75 years and we are dedicated to helping you succeed.
Our factory, offices and transport hub are located near Colchester on the Essex/Suffolk borders. With the A12, M11 and M25 all nearby, we are well positioned to offer a competitive service to London/Home Counties, East Anglia and the Southeast. For our specialist products including helical stairs, bespoke precast, stadia etc. we extend coverage to most of the UK.
Our team of design experts offer technical support, produce design drawings, and offer innovative design led solutions to your individual challenges. We provide valued engineering input throughout the order process to ensure you have the most efficient and cost-effective solutions available.
Our highly experienced in-house engineers and design staff provide support and advice to homebuilders, contractors, architects and engineers in the specification and design of precast and prestressed concrete products.
Precast concrete is the most commonly used building material in the world, and by manufacturing in a carefully controlled factory environment, our precast concrete is not affected by variable site conditions or the elements. With this in mind, it is a safe, reliable, long lasting and cost-effective product.
Our products are designed and supplied to exact build fit and specification which allow for improved efficiencies throughout the build process, and our range of precast components allow immediate site and finishing access following installation providing a solid footing - meaning no delays and safe access for follow-on trades.
Milbank concrete is always perfectly mixed and offers superior strength and durability in comparison to traditional, wet concrete. It is quicker than in-situ mould construction and pouring and can be made into virtually any shape. It is fireproof and will not melt at high temperatures along with being tough and durable with excellent exposure properties. It is wholly resistant to insect, pests, vermin attacks, fungus, and mildew. It is completely recyclable, and all precast units can be re-used in their entirety at the end of their life.
How we’re making a difference
We have been proactive in adapting our processes to work towards carbon neutrality, introducing both a wood pellet fuelled biomass boiler and electric vehicle charging points for staff and visitors.
On top of this, we have successfully transitioned 100% of our production machinery, including fork trucks, loading shovels, shunters, dumpers, cherry pickers and prestressed concrete manufacturing machines from the use of regular diesel to HVO – a hydro-treated vegetable oil biofuel.
By adopting 100% HVO, greenhouse gas emissions produced by our machinery reduced by up to 90%, with a 35% reduction in particulate mass and a 30% reduction of CO2 company wide.
What we offer:
Milbank Hollowcore floors are prestressed concrete units with tubular voids extending the full length of the slab creating an efficient lightweight unit. This makes the slab much lighter than other floor slabs of equal thickness or strength. Reduced weight lowers transportation costs and saves on the cost of the material. They are typically used in the construction of upper floors in apartments/flats, commercial buildings and larger houses. Milbank hollowcore floors are available in 150mm, 200mm and 250mm deep units.
There are many benefits to using a beam & block flooring system - it is fast, cheap, and simple to install with no special skills required. Our concrete beams come in 155mm and 225mm deep prestressed options and are available in lengths of 1-6m in 50mm increments. By varying the concrete beam centres during construction, this kind of concrete flooring offers a quick and economical solution for a wide range of problems both at ground and upper floor levels.
WarmFloor Pro Insulated Flooring
WarmFloor Pro offers homebuilders a simple and cost-effective solution to quickly construct a thermally insulated ground floor, providing reduced initial construction costs and lowering heating costs, making a compelling alternative to a standard beam and block floor.
The floor is easily assembled using lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks placed between our standard Milbank pre-stressed concrete beams (either 155mm or 225mm deep) in replacement of standard concrete infill blocks and then finished with a structural concrete screed.
A+ green guide-rated and fully certified, it is proven to be a must-have addition to any new, sustainable development, where keeping heating costs low is paramount. WarmFloor Pro has already been successfully installed in thousands of new-build projects across the country, and we are well experienced in both supply only and Supply and fix requirements.
Bespoke Precast Concrete Products
Milbank manufactures a wide variety of bespoke precast concrete components, up to 15 tonnes, in our modern purpose-built factories. We work together with clients from industries including Commercial and Residential Construction, Rail, Health, Energy, Environmental and Public Sector to name but a few. Whatever industry you work in, we’re confident that we can provide the bespoke precast concrete products you need as a solution to many common problems.
Milbank offers a range of precast concrete balcony types to suit your project requirements. All our balconies are designed by our in-house design team and manufactured, delivered and installed to the highest standards. When designing the precast concrete floors for a project, Milbank will take into consideration the design of the balconies, providing a complete package solution.
Spiral, Curved & Helical Stairs by Kallisto
As part of Milbank Concrete Products, Kallisto Stairs expertise has been commissioned for staircase installations in some of the most prestigious venues in the UK. Working with architects, engineers, and designers, we have achieved stunning, durable, precast spiral staircase installations. Today, the versatility of precast concrete, together with innovative engineering and finishing processes, allow us to create bespoke spiral staircases that are both visually pleasing and exceptionally resilient. Utilising leading Northern European manufacturing technology, our palletised formwork and precast shuttering system ensures the finish is of the highest quality.
Milbank are specialists in precast concrete stair and landing design, manufacture, and installation. With an experienced team and a dedicated production facility, we produce both simple and standard flights as well as complex bespoke units to meet your exact requirements. We take great pride in offering full-package solutions that save time, reduce costs and increase the build time of your project.
Milbank Ground Beams provide a great alternative to traditional foundations, and we manufacture specific ground beams for a number of leading contractors. Ground beams are designed to support brick or block work and steel frames and can be used to form a permanent shutter to the edge of an in-situ concrete floor slab. They are generally square or rectangular in section however, notches, sloping faces, and end details can also be incorporated.
Most modern stadia are constructed using steel structures with precast concrete elements to form the terracing, walling, stairs, and circulation areas. Concrete frame structures comprising beams, columns, walls, floors, stairs, and terracing can be used for a wide variety of applications including multi-storey car parks, retail and leisure developments, offices, schools, hospitals, cinemas, theatres etc. These structures can be built entirely from precast concrete but more commonly will be of hybrid construction comprising in-situ concrete or steel elements together with precast components.
Our coastline is valuable for both economic and social reasons, but it is a varying environment that naturally evolves through coastal erosion and flooding processes. Whether the requirement is complete wave walls or copings to refurbish existing defences, Milbank provide high-quality precast concrete blocks to resist natural processes such as wave action and sediment movement. We also work closely with the Environment Agency in supplying Canewdon blocks which are often laid in grid formation at the toe of the sea wall.
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Further technical information, image galleries and product specifications are available through the Milbank Precast Concrete website or via the BPi Download Library.
Milbank Steps Up for Mental Health with 1,500km Charity Walk
At Milbank Concrete Products, we know that mental health is just as important as physical safety – especially in the construction industry, where long hours, high-pressure environments, and physically demanding roles can take their toll.
That’s why we’ve launched the Milbank Charity Walk, a company-wide initiative supporting Mates in Mind, a leading UK charity dedicated to improving mental health across the construction sector.
Walking Towards Change
From Monday 19th May to Thursday 10th October, which marks World Mental Health Day, we’re challenging our entire team to walk a combined total of 1,500km in support of better mental health. That’s roughly the distance from our Essex office to Rome – or the equivalent of walking the length of our precast concrete beds over 15,000 times!
Whether it’s a short stroll on lunch break or a weekend hike, every step we take is a step toward raising awareness, reducing stigma, and showing our support for those affected by mental health challenges in our industry and beyond.
Why Mates in Mind?
We’re proud to be supporting Mates in Mind, a charity that works to break the silence around mental health in construction. Through education, resources, and ongoing support, Mates in Mind empowers businesses and individuals to create safer, more supportive working environments.
As a company operating in the construction and manufacturing sectors, this mission aligns perfectly with our values. We’re not just walking – we’re walking with purpose.
There’s no pressure to walk a certain amount – it’s all about participation, connection, and supporting a cause that matters.
Every Step Counts – And You Can Help
Want to support our efforts? We’ve set up a JustGiving page where friends, family, and supporters can donate to this fantastic cause. All proceeds go directly to Mates in Mind to support their work across the UK.
Milbank Concrete - Our Guide to Beam and Block Flooring
Beam and block flooring is one of the most widely used flooring solutions in modern construction, offering strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. As the UK continues to push for increased housebuilding and infrastructure development, finding reliable, efficient, and sustainable construction methods is more important than ever.
According to the UK government, the country needs to build 300,000 new homes annually to meet demand, driving the need for fast, effective, and long-lasting building solutions. Beam and block flooring plays a crucial role in this effort by offering a cost-efficient, easy-to-install, and highly durable flooring system that supports the rapid expansion of housing and commercial developments. Its adaptability to different ground conditions and superior load-bearing capabilities make it an ideal solution for both small-scale residential builds and large multi-storey developments.
Whether you’re a developer, architect, builder, or contractor, this guide will help you understand why beam and block flooring is an ideal choice.
What is Beam and Block Flooring?
Beam and block flooring is a construction system that consists of precast concrete beams laid across supporting walls, with concrete blocks filling the gaps in between. This creates a solid, stable floor that is quick and easy to install.
It is widely used in residential and commercial buildings due to its strength and ability to span large distances without requiring additional support. The system is particularly effective for ground floors and upper floors (supply only) in multi-storey buildings.
Close up of concrete beams lined up together
Benefits of Beam and Block Flooring
Beam and block flooring offers several advantages over alternative flooring systems. It is fast and easy to install, thanks to its modular nature, allowing for quick assembly on-site. The precast concrete beams provide excellent structural integrity, ensuring a high load-bearing capacity. Additionally, this system contributes to better thermal and acoustic insulation, improving energy efficiency while reducing noise transfer.
Unlike traditional in-situ concrete floors, beam and block flooring requires minimal site preparation, making it a practical option for a range of building projects. It is also highly durable, resistant to rot, damp, and insect infestation, making it a low-maintenance flooring choice.
Typical Applications
Beam and block flooring is widely used across various sectors. In residential buildings, it is ideal for ground floors, extensions, and renovations. It is also commonly used in commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial units. Additionally, this flooring system performs well in challenging ground conditions, such as sloping or poor load-bearing terrain, where other flooring solutions may struggle.
How to Install Beam and Block Flooring
The installation process follows a few key steps. First, the site must be prepared by ensuring that foundations and support walls are in place. Then, the precast concrete beams are positioned at appropriate intervals. Once the beams are in place, the infill blocks are laid between them to create a complete floor. Finally, a dry sand and cement mix is brushed over the floor to consolidate the structure, ensuring a secure and stable finish.
Because it’s a dry process, once installed, the flooring is immediately ready for further construction work, reducing downtime on site.
Beam and Block Flooring vs Other Flooring Systems
Compared to other flooring systems, beam and block offers distinct advantages. When contrasted with concrete slabs, it requires less site preparation and provides better load distribution, whereas concrete slabs may be preferable for large open-plan areas without internal walls.
When compared to suspended timber floors, beam and block flooring eliminates issues such as rot, insect damage, and creaking, offering a more durable alternative. Timber flooring, while lighter and easier to modify, lacks the longevity and strength of concrete.
Additionally, beam and block flooring provides an immediate load-bearing capability, unlike screed systems, which require curing time before they can be used.
Cost of Beam and Block Flooring
Several factors influence the cost of a beam and block floor, including the size of the project, material and labour costs, and any customisation needs such as specialised beam sizes or reinforced designs.
On average, beam and block flooring costs approx £35 per square metre, but it’s best to get a tailored quote based on your project’s specifications.
Sustainability Benefits of Milbank Beam and Block Flooring
At Milbank Concrete Products, we are committed to sustainability. Our beam and block flooring is designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining superior performance.
We have introduced a cutting-edge cement replacement in our concrete mixes, reducing cement content by up to 21% without compromising strength. This innovation significantly lowers CO2 emissions, contributing to greener construction.
Concrete flooring also has a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. At the end of its life cycle, it can be recycled and repurposed, minimising landfill waste. Additionally, the thermal mass of concrete helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling demands, while the insulation properties of beam and block flooring further improve energy efficiency.
Why Choose Milbank for Your Beam and Block Flooring?
With over 75 years of experience, Milbank Concrete Products is a trusted leader in precast concrete solutions. Our beam and block flooring systems are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring durability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Milbank offers high-quality precast concrete beams in multiple sizes (155mm and 225mm depths, available in 50mm increments from 1-6m). Our standard 100mm deep concrete blocks span gaps during installation, ensuring structural integrity. We also provide expert support and advice to help you achieve the most cost-effective solution for your project.
We are committed to sustainability, leading the way in reducing cement use and carbon emissions, making our flooring solutions both eco-friendly and high-performing.
Beam and block flooring is a proven, cost-effective, and sustainable choice for modern construction. Its strength, versatility, and ease of installation make it ideal for a wide range of projects, from residential homes to large commercial buildings.
If you’re considering beam and block flooring for your next project, contact Milbank Concrete Products today for expert advice and competitive pricing – estimating@milbank.co.uk / 01787 223931.
