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.
Social Media: Facebook / Twitter / Linkedin / Instagram / YouTube
Further technical information, image galleries and product specifications are available through the Milbank Precast Concrete website or via the BPi Download Library.
Milbank Concrete - Day in the Life: Phoebe Johnson – Assistant Planner
Welcome to the first instalment of our Day in the Life series here at Milbank Concrete Products, where we’ll be introducing you to the talented team members who help drive our company forward every day. Through this series, we aim to provide an inside look at the various roles across our business, sharing the experiences, insights, and motivations of our staff.
Our first feature showcases Phoebe Johnson, Assistant Planner in our precast concrete manufacturing facility. Phoebe joined us in October 2020 as a production planner apprentice and recently achieved a high commendation at the CONSTRUCT Day Awards 2024.
What does your day-to-day look like?
The primary focus of my day is planning the hollowcore and beam production for our PS1 factory. I review the planning sheet to ensure that all jobs are scheduled on time for delivery. The factory typically casts between 8 to 10 moulds per day, and I put together the schedules for each, which I then hand over to the factory so they have a clear production roadmap.
It’s a busy role, which I enjoy because there’s always something new to tackle!
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love the constant activity – it’s never boring, and there’s always a new task waiting to be done! Another huge positive is the team; I get on really well with the people I work with, and that camaraderie makes everything more enjoyable.
What is the first task you usually tackle in the morning?
The first thing I do each morning is update our system to reflect the previous day’s production. This gives us an accurate view of what has been completed and what remains, allowing me to move forward with planning the next day’s production based on real-time information.
What is the biggest learning you have taken from your role?
Before joining Milbank, I had never held a full-time job, so I’ve learned a lot since then! The biggest takeaway has probably been self-confidence. When I started, I was 19 and barely spoke to anyone; I had little confidence in my knowledge and was hesitant to communicate, especially over the phone. Over the past four years, I’ve gained a lot of confidence, not just in my job but in my daily life as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
While I’m very happy in my role now and enjoy working at Milbank, five years is a long time, and I know how important progression is. I hope to work my way up the ranks at Milbank – whether in the same role or in a different one. I like a challenge!
Do you often get out on-site, or are you usually office-based?
I’m primarily office-based, but I’ve had the chance to visit some local sites a few times. Going out to see the whole process in person has been helpful, giving me a greater understanding of how my work in planning fits into the larger production process. It’s always rewarding to see how my role contributes to the final result.
Phoebe’s dedication to ensuring our production schedules are met on time, combined with her proactive approach to learning and growth, exemplifies the commitment of Milbank Concrete Products’ team members.
We’re proud to have her as part of our team and are excited to continue spotlighting more of our talented staff in future Day in the Life features. Stay tuned!
Her journey is one of dedication and growth: she has not only completed her NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration with Distinction but has also made a remarkable impact on our production planning processes. With over 553,000 square meters of hollowcore and 1.3 million linear meters of concrete beams scheduled for production, Phoebe’s contributions have been essential to the smooth running of our operations.
Milbank Concrete Products Inspires Future Construction Leaders at Chelmer Valley High
In order to support and inspire the next generation of construction professionals, Milbank Concrete Products visited Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford on Wednesday 23 October 2024 to engage with students studying construction. As part of this visit, the leading precast concrete company which is based in Earls Colne, presented the students with branded aprons and tools to enhance their learning experience. The aprons and tools were purchased by the school thanks to a generous donation of £1,000 from Milbank Concrete Products.
Philip Maxwell, Production Director at Milbank Concrete Products, led the session, offering students valuable insights into the company’s operations, its sustainability initiatives, and the future of the construction industry. During his talk, Max focused on the critical role the next generation plays in addressing the skills gap within the sector.
“We’re passionate about supporting young people in their journey towards a career in construction,” said Philip. “At Milbank Concrete Products, we’re committed to future-proofing the industry by not only investing in sustainable innovations but also by encouraging the next wave of talent. Engaging with these students is a reminder of the enthusiasm and potential that exists within the younger generation. It’s vital for the industry’s future that we nurture and guide them.”
As part of Milbank Concrete Products efforts to help plug the growing skills gap in construction, the company is actively involved in promoting careers in the industry through school partnerships, internships, and apprenticeships. The visit to Chelmer Valley High School aligns with company’s commitment to both education and sustainability.
The session also highlighted Milbank Concrete Products focus on reducing its environmental impact through investments in sustainable practices, including the use of low-carbon concrete, solar panel installation, the use of HVO fuel and energy-efficient production processes. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the construction industry is not only prepared for future challenges but also actively contributing to a greener future.
Jack Groves Deputy Head at Chelmer Valley High School, commented on the success of the event: “At Chelmer Valley High School, we are extremely grateful for the financial support and collaboration from Milbank Concrete Products. The equipment they have provided allows our students to experience a realistic construction environment within the classroom, bridging the gap between education and industry. The talk to our Construction learners was particularly insightful, and we are fortunate to have Milbank’s support. We hope that this ongoing partnership will inspire our students to pursue careers in the construction and technology sectors, equipping them with the skills and experiences they need for their future success.”
The visit forms part of Milbank Concrete Products’ broader mission to support the development of the construction industry and address the pressing need for skilled professionals. By encouraging students to consider careers in construction and emphasising the importance of sustainable innovation, the company is paving the way for a stronger, greener future for the sector.
