Smallest Perfect Production Line Is Being Expanded

A Manhole System Revolutionizes UK Civil Engineering

Fig. 1 Perfect surfaces create optimal hydraulic conditions in the manhole base.

Fig. 2 A complex channel
layout – a feature typical of manholes in the UK.

Fig. 3 The EPS cutting area for the negative channels is located in the adjacent building.

Fig. 4 Sales Manager Steve Callow explains the channel end pieces, which are typical of his market.

Fig. 5 Negative channels in the mold – ready for casting.

Fig. 6 At CPM Leek, a skirt plate is used during concrete placement.

Fig. 7 CPM has recently doubled its production capacity of Perfect Manhole Bases. Abb. 7 Vor kurzem verdoppelte CPM seine Fertigungskapazität von Perfect Schachtunterteilen.

Fig. 8 View of the production building with freshly cast
chamber rings. Abb. 8 Blick in Produktionshalle mit frisch betonierten Schachtringen.

Fig. 9 The brand-new Züblin MAB cage welding machine for the production of pipes has been installed just a few weeks ago.

Fig. 10 One of the ground-breaking, innovative products of CPM Group: the Redi-Rock^TM system suitable for slope
stabilization and retention purposes.

 The management of CPM decided to pursue an unconventional, revolutionary approach for their plant located at Leek in County Staffordshire, Midlands. Unlike all other manhole construction methods common in civil engineering in the UK, this facility is producing monolithic manhole bases. This business decision paved the way to the company’s success.

In summer 2010, BFT editorial staff was invited to visit the CPM production site in Leek – exactly on the day when the new molds arrived at the plant that enables the expansion of the Perfect system.

The UK civil engineering industry is among the sectors that were hardest hit by the economic downturn – in some sectors, the market has declined by up to 40%. Also, civil engineering is always among the first sectors to feel the weakening of the economy. For instance, the private residential building market had seen a serious drop but is now gradually recovering, showing a slight upward trend.