FP MCCANN’S PRECAST CONCRETE FENCING DIVISION – PRIMED FOR ACTION

The result of significant investment in manufacturing capability at its centrally based Cadeby factory means that FP McCann is now entering the main 2025 season with a fully stocked yard.

Alongside this, there is an added commitment to customers of a delivery lead time of just 3 days on all precast concrete fencing products. Providing quality precast concrete fencing products straight from stock at a competitive price has been key to the continuing growth of FP McCann’s fencing business.

Having completed the second major capital spending programme at the Leicestershire site, the family-run business, which has seen continued growth across all its precast concrete divisions, has further invested to not only meet the ever-growing demands of the precast concrete fencing market but also to bolster the company’s drive to reduce its environmental impact. Adding solar panels to the factory and powering the energy requirements are examples of how FP McCann leads the industry in its drive for zero carbon emissions.

Recent major capital expenditure projects include:

• A brand-new building housing three modern semi-automated dry cast fencing post and gravel board lines.
• An extension to the on-site stocking capability due to an additional 22 acres acquired for hard standing.

Jack Wheldon, FP McCann’s Fencing and Building Products National Sales Manager, says:
*”This extended hard-standing product yard together with the capital investment has enabled us to build our stock levels through the quieter winter period, giving us the confidence to now meet the busy season head-on and service customer requirements with the promise of shorter lead times.

“We have also strengthened our national sales team to ensure we provide our customers with a service that matches our ongoing commitment to being a ‘Supplier of Choice’.

“We have recently appointed Mike Liptrot to cover the north, joining Area Sales Managers Lisa Mackett (southeast) and Julie Leigh (southwest). The team has a wealth of experience and a strong track record of working in the fencing and building products sectors.”*

Two of the three new lines effortlessly switch between producing and handling concrete gravel boards and slotted posts, achieving flexibility in the manufacturing process. The third line is completely dedicated to the manufacture of precast slotted posts. It is unique in that it casts 20 nine-foot slotted posts at a time—the first of its kind in the UK for this level of slotted post-production.

The handling and stacking of the finished product are fully automated, carried out by either a specialised grab in the handling machine or by a robotic arm coupled with a specially designed vacuum head system capable of switching seamlessly between a 6” gravel board and a 12” gravel board.

Plain and recessed hedgehog-friendly gravel boards are a new addition to the concrete fencing family. Gravel boards with holes purposely cast in allow hedgehogs and small mammals to move freely between properties. Jack adds:
“This is another of the many ticks against FP McCann’s ever-growing environment-friendly credentials!”

For more information, visit www.fpmccann.co.uk