THOMAS ARMSTRONG (CONCRETE BLOCKS) LTD
Suppliers of: concrete blocks, facing blocks, paving blocks, fairfaced blocks, lightweight concrete blocks
The Thomas Armstrong group of block manufacturing companies have been supplying a comprehensive range of Aerated, Lightweight, Dense aggregate loadbearing concrete blocks from its factories throughout the North of England for over 50 years. We also manufacture a wide range of high quality paving blocks at our factories in Consett, Co Durham and Silloth, Cumbria.
Our concrete blocks manufacturing division consists of a number of long-established, well respected companies producing a wide range of high quality products. As these companies have been acquired by the Thomas Armstrong group, they have been upgraded and invested in continually over the years.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Rowlands Gill, Tyneside
Rowlands Gill, Whinfield Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. NE39 1EH Tel: 01207 544214 Fax: 01207 541800 Email: blocks@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
The first block plant in our group, formed in 1964 and is the divisional headquarters of Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Limited.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Consett, Co Durham
Park Road, Blackhill, Consett, Co Durham. DH8 5SP Tel: 01207 505655 Fax: 01207 592345 Email: blocks@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
In 1991 Consett Block Manufacturing Limited was purchased and now forms the Paving Division of Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Limited.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Catterick, North Yorkshire
Bridge Road, Brompton-on-Swale, Richmond, North Yorks. DL10 7HW Tel: 01748 810204 Fax: 01748 813950 Email: airtecsales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Built and commissioned in 2004, this state of the art facility represents the very latest technology in aerated block production using entirely unique and bespoke techniques resulting in products with unrivalled technical and physical performance.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Pickhill, North Yorkshire
Cross Lane, Pickhill, Thirsk, North Yorkshire. YO7 4JQ Tel: 01845 567282 Fax: 01845 567606 Email: blocks@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Founded in 1981 and acquired in October 1988 Garners Concrete Blocks Limited, a long established and respected local company, was acquired and was merged Into Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Limited.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Leeds, West Yorkshire
Knowsthorpe Gate, Cross Green, Leeds. LS9 0NP Tel: 0113 2320022 Fax: 0113 2870839 Email: leedssales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
We acquired this company in 2007 and represents the highest volume block manufacturing facility in our group.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Silloth, Cumbria
Blackdyke, Silloth, Cumbria. CA7 4PD Tel: 01900 68114 Fax: 01900 66136 Email: cumbriablocksales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Coulthard’s Concrete Blocks (1980) Limited was acquired In 1997 and manufactures an extensive range of building block and paving block products.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Aintree, Merseyside
Heysham Road, Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside. L30 6UF Tel: 0151 5255991 Fax: 0151 5301676 Email: aintreesales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Formed in 1970 and acquired in 1995, this respected and well known local company now operates from 2 sites.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Congleton, Cheshire
Brook Street, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1RH Tel: 01260 273170 Fax: 01260 298150 Email: aintreesales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Founded in 1931, this is the oldest and most well established company in our group. It was acquired In February 1998 and uderwent a series of refurbishments and upgrades to the site and to the production equipment.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Penrith, Cumbria
North Lakes Business Park, Flusco, Penrith, Cumbria. CA11 0JB Tel: 01900 68114 Fax: 01900 66136 Email: cumbriablocksales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Founded in 1989, Lakeland Pavers Limited have become regarded as the leading regional producer of a wide range of high quality and innovative paving producs in addition to providing a range of concrete building block products.
Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd - Great Heck, North Yorkshire
Long lane, Great Heck, North Yorkshire. DN14 0BT Tel: 01977 661631 Fax: 01977 622155 Email: gthecksales@thomasarmstrong.co.uk
Founded in 1962, Sellite Blocks Limited became part of the Thomas Armstrong Group of companies in 2018 and has underwent a series of upgrades and capacity increases across the site.
Throughout these facilities we provide a vast range of concrete products, Our products include:
Lightweight & Dense Concrete Blocks:
- ULTRALITE These lightweight aggregate blocks are designed to offer the builder a low weight, load-bearing block with enhanced thermal properties suitable for a wide range of applications.
- INSULITE Insulite blocks are the perfect versatile, all-round building blocks. These medium density concrete blocks consist of up to 40% recycled raw materials, making them among the most environmentally friendly and sustainable building blocks available. Insulite blocks are available in a standard finish or a ‘Premier’ paint-grade finish.
- DENSE CONCRETE Solid Dense Concrete Blocks with a ‘Standard’ finish provide an excellent surface for mortars, renders and plasters. They are the most durable and resilient block in our product range, making them perfect for higher strength, acoustic and highly resilient applications. Also available in a paint-grade finish.
- MIDI A small format concrete blocks are available in both Standard or Paint-Grade finish. ‘Standard’ texture finish is for general background applications whereas ’Paint-grade’ finish is available for internal painted applications.
- CELLULAR Offer a lower weight alternative to Solid Dense Concrete Blocks with an improved thermal performance. These Dense Concrete Blocks are manufactured to BS EN 771-3 using high quality class 2 aggregates.
- HOLLOW Hollow Dense concrete blocks are ideal for applications where a durable, lower-weight and high strength wall is required, either above or below damp-proof course (DPC). They are available in ‘Standard’ or ‘Paint-grade’ finishes.
- ARMSTART FOUNDATION These are medium density aggregate foundation blocks Widely used by major housebuilders, Armstart offers an efficient, simple and cost-effective method of block construction below damp proofing course (DPC) saving on labour and mortar.
- INSULITE BRICKS Are coursing units designed to be used in conjunction with Thomas Armstrong’s Insulite Concrete blocks range, in order to maintain material continuity throughout the wall and reduce the need to cut down whole blocks.
- CONCRETE COMMONS Also known as ‘frogged bricks’ are coursing bricks which are designed to work in conjunction with Thomas Armstrong’s Dense Concrete Blocks for applications above and below damp-proof course (DPC).
- CONCRETE SLIP BLOCKS Designed to maintain coursing heights and aid installation of block and beam flooring Concrete slip blocks are available in a range of various sizes.
- ROCKFACED BLOCKS A highly decorative, close textured and extremely durable solid dense concrete blocks. They are a light-coloured facing block whose rippled rock appearance on one face makes them an attractive option for exterior facing applications.
Airtec Aerated Blocks:
- AIRTEC XL Our lowest weight and thermally best performing wall blocks in our entire Airtec block range, possessing a thermal conductivity value of only 0.09 W/mK
- AIRTEC STANDARD The perfect all-round residential aerated concrete blocks giving you a combination of medium strength and high thermal performance in one block.
- AIRTEC PARTY WALL These blocks are specifically designed to retain the excellent thermal properties and technical performance of Airtec aerated blocks but with a specification suitable for acoustic party / separating walls.
- AIRTEC SEVEN Airtec Seven blocks possess high load-bearing capacity and excellent thermal performance. Perfect for higher-rise applications where thermal insulation and durability are required.
- AIRTEC LARGE WALL BLOCKS Are designed to provide significantly improved thermal insultation and air-tightness for internal and external walls by reducing the proportion of mortar joints in a wall.
- AIRTEC LARGE FLOOR BLOCKS Airtec Large Aerated Concrete Floor Blocks are designed for use in beam and block floors to provide significantly improved thermal insulation of ground floors and quick, easy installation.
- FOUNDATION 140 Our 140mm Airtec Foundation blocks are designed as a lightweight, easy to lay, speedy and cost-effective alternative to traditional cavity foundation walls. A solid Airtec Foundation wall of 140mm high blocks built two courses high means a faster build, shallower trenches, less waste material, no need for wall ties, less mortar and zero chance of collapsed cavities.
- FOUNDATION 215 The 215mm height block is offered as an alternative to our 140mm high type for builders wishing to use conventional coursing height blocks. Hand-holds are also provided at the ends of the blocks for easier, safe manual handling.
- AIRTEC BRICKETTES Our Airtec Brickettes are designed to offer brick-sized Airtec Concrete blocks for use as infill around doors and windows, to close cavities and maintain exact coursing height.
The Armstrong Block Paving Range:
- ARMSTRONG ARMPAVE A high-quality rectangular pavers suitable for any driveway, path or patios. These block paving bricks are 200mm x 100mm in size and available in a wide range of colours and thicknesses, depending on purpose.
- ARMSTRONG BEAMISH COBBLE The Beamish Cobble typifies the re-creation of ‘olde worlde’ style period paving. This inherently high quality, good-looking cobble block paving is of a design of ‘yesteryear’ and will be at home with any period style property.
- ARMSTRONG COLLEGE SETTS A unique product range can transform your driveway with period style pavior effects. Using three separate paver lengths it offers a pleasant tasteful range of distinctive designs.
- ARMSTRONG DURHAM SETTS Offers an undulating distressed looking surface effect. These high-quality driveway block paving are available in 50mm thickness.
Manufactured in three distinctive colours Moorland Grey, Sunset and Autumn. The Durham Setts uses three separate lengths (240m, 150mm and 130mm) of paviour to create distinctive designs in your garden or driveway.
- ARMSTRONG KIELDER SETTS Offer a modern look to driveways and patio areas. Manufactured in four modern colours and using two separate lengths of paviours to create distinctive designs for your driveway or garden.
The Lakeland Block Paving Range:
- LAKELAND CONISTON the new addition to our Lakeland Block Paving range. This exciting permeable dual block paver has a rustic and rumbled texture but all the characteristic of our most popular Lakeland Derwentstone® block paviour.
- LAKELAND DRIVEWAY Part of our traditional range this smooth textured block paviour gives a practical solution whilst allowing for distinctive design patterns.
- LAKELAND KENDALSTONE part of our Desirable range and offers a distinctive, classy aesthetic for any driveway or patio. The smooth textured surface allows for smooth running surface along with a neat finish, making it ideal for wheelchairs, prams, trolleys and children’s push toys.
- LAKELAND WINDERMERE RIVEN Part of the new Natural range, Lakeland Windermere Riven is an block paviour features a riven surface reflecting the realistic texture of splitting natural stone. This block paving offers a hardwearing, cost effective solution whilst still maintaining a realistic and natural appearance for any driveway or patio.
- LAKELAND DERWENTSTONE® Part of our Elegant range and is a multi-sized paver with a rumbled texture providing an attractive and timeless option that will enhance any property. As a multi-sized paver, you can create either irregular or standard patterns, giving you the ability produce a unique design.
- LAKELAND INGLESTONE Part of Permeable range, this permeable block paving allows water to pass through the paved area and sub base to outflow pipes or infiltration to ground. Suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
- LAKELAND COBBLE The Lakeland Cobble can be used in conjunction with the Lakeland Derwentstone® or Lakeland Kendalstone block paving ranges to add a third size brick to your design giving you more laying pattern options.
- KERBS & ACCESSORIES Our range of accessories are designed to help give the finishing touches to your paving project. Choose from Lakeland Q-Kerb, B-Kerb and Corners, Lakeland Radial Kerbs and Lakeland Channels.
All our paviors are manufactured to the highest quality and carry a guarantee for their strength.
All of our concrete blocks and paving products are manufactured to European Standards and as such have all been UKCA Marked. To view our UKCA Certificates please click here.
Useful resources:
Building Information Modelling (BIM) components: Click Here and view our product BIM files.
We pride ourselves on our Environmental & Sustainability programme in line with the requirements of ISO 14001:2004. As well as ensuring that our products are sustainable and the constituent materials are responsibly sourced, we are continually monitoring our generation of greenhouse gases and look for ways to further reduce this. To find out more about our environmental & sustainability programme click here.
Thomas Armstrong Group Celebrates 20 Years of Production at Consett Site
Thomas Armstrong Group is celebrating a significant milestone: 20 years of continuous concrete block production at their Consett site.
Thomas Armstrong Group is celebrating a significant milestone: 20 years of continuous concrete block production at their Consett site. The journey began in 2005 with the installation of a state-of-the-art KVM concrete block plant, which has since become a vital asset in supplying high-quality concrete products to customers across the UK.
Over the past two decades, the KVM plant has produced thousands of tonnes of concrete products, playing a crucial role in supporting both local communities and broader customer projects nationwide. The success of this operation is attributed to the robust and reliable KVM equipment, coupled with exceptional support from KVM’s UK offices in Derby, which recently celebrated 40 years of operation, and their engineering team in Denmark.
To ensure the plant’s continued efficiency and to meet evolving production demands, KVM recently installed a new packing handling line at the Consett site, enhancing its capabilities and aligning it with the latest industry standards. Moreover, site staff from Consett have travelled to KVM’s headquarters in Denmark to receive advanced training, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximise the plant’s potential.
A cornerstone of this successful partnership is the strong collaboration between the Thomas Armstrong Group site staff and KVM. This relationship has fostered a seamless supply of moulds and spare parts, ensuring uninterrupted production and consistent quality.
Anthony Denham, Managing Director of Thomas Armstrong (Concrete Blocks) Ltd, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “The KVM equipment has proven to be reliable and efficient, and we find working with both the UK office and service engineers to be easy and supportive to keeping our operation running.”
This 20-year milestone underscores Thomas Armstrong Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with key partners like KVM. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in the concrete block production industry.
Introducing Britain’s First Foamed Glass Aggregate Manufacturing Facility
The Thomas Armstrong Ltd group is proud to announce the opening of Britain’s first-ever, and the world’s largest, foamed glass aggregate manufacturing facility in North Yorkshire – Foamed Glass UK Limited.
This is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable building materials that are both eco-friendly and versatile. This state-of-the-art facility is set to transform the construction industry by offering a superior, sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates, all while helping to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a circular economy. Widely used across the world for many decades with a proven history of success, this is a significant and exciting step forward for Britain’s construction sector.
What is Foamed Glass Aggregate?
Foamed glass aggregate is made from recycled container glass, offering a sustainable solution for the construction sector. By recycling waste glass, we can produce an extremely lightweight, clean, durable and thermally superior aggregate in a range of sizes for use in foundations, drainage systems, green roofs and as an insulating material for buildings. Glass cullet is cleaned, finely-milled and expanded to form a clean, low-weight and highly insulating material perfect for a wide range of construction applications.
Key Benefits of Foamed Glass Aggregate:
Sustainable: Made from 100% recycled glass, contributing to a circular economy.
Energy Efficient: Highly insulating, helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
Durability: Fire-resistant and resilient against weathering, chemicals and pests.
Lightweight: Significantly lighter than traditional aggregates, reduces transportation costs and the environmental impact of heavy materials.
Non-Toxic: Safe to handle, free of harmful substances, and doesn’t leach into the environment.
Applications for Foamed Glass Aggregate:
Infrastructure: Very low weight, easily compactible, stable, minimal ground pressure and high unconfined angle of repose up to 54o; unmatched by any other aggregate.
Building Foundations: Lightweight, highly insulating, easy to install and provides a capillary break against moisture rising from the ground.
Drainage Systems: Ideal for sustainable drainage systems, offering excellent permeability through the foamed glass aggregate layer.
Landfill Remediation: A lightweight, eco-friendly and versatile fill material.
Roofs: Contributes to energy savings in both residential and commercial properties.
Horticultural: A perfect solution for lightweight aggregate in gardens and parks.
Building Products: An angular, clean, stable and consistent lightweight aggregate.
Odour Barrier: Can be floated on liquid tanks to provide an easy and effective barrier.
Why Choose Our Facility?
Cutting-Edge Technology: Our facility, the world’s largest, employs the latest innovations in foamed glass manufacturing, ensuring superior product quality.
Local Manufacturing: We are bringing jobs and industry-leading technology to our communities reducing our reliance on costly and unreliable imports.
Commitment to Sustainability: Our process reduces waste, cuts emissions and conserves natural resources, making us a true partner in environmental stewardship.
Versatile: We can supply to small jobs or to large civil and infrastructure projects. We can grade our material to suit and supply in bulk tippers or various size big bags.
Get in Touch
Ready to build a sustainable future? Join us in creating a greener world by choosing foamed glass aggregates for your next project. Whether you are in construction, landscaping, or any other industry, we offer scalable solutions to meet your needs.
For enquiries, product samples, and more information, contact us today:
T: 01977 661631
E: enquiries@foamed-glass.uk
W: www.foamed-glass.uk
