Season's Greetings And Welcome

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and A Prosperous New Year from the CoGri Group.

Welcome to the second issue of the CoGri Group corporate newsletter, CoGri News. As a valued customer, our free Newsletter offers you information-at-a-glance on CoGri news, new services and products.

We hope that you will find the contents both informative and useful.

Future copies of CoGri News will be published on a quarterly basis.The next issue will be available in March 2008.

Please feel free to forward CoGri News to your associates if you think they may benefit from the Newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive further copies of CoGri News, you un-register from our Newsletter at any time by selecting the relevant options, located at the end of this Newsletter.

Please do contact us should you have any queries or would like further information about our services and products.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. We hope to be working with you again soon.

Contact Us

FACE Opens New Branch In The Middle East

Face Consultants Ltd (FACE) open a new office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

FACE offer Floor Flatness Compliance Testing on industrial concrete floors, providing accurate and rapid results for Defined Movement (narrow aisle) and Free Movement (open area) surveys, to British (TR34), German (DIN), American (Fmin) and other standards. The FACE operation in the Middle East will be known as FACE Middle East Fzc (Free Zone Company).

"FACE has been working in the Middle East for some time now. As the demand for our services continues to grow, it makes business sense that we are also based there, so that we are able to work closely with our clients and operate more efficiently.

We chose Dubai for its strategic location, given all the advantages of a highly developed economy. As a regional trading hub, the location also offers convenient access to businesses in neighbouring countries, of whom we have had dealings with.

Dubai is one of the fastest growing business centres in the Middle East and presents international business with a wide range of opportunities for different activities and operations, including Transport and Distribution", comments Kevin Dare, Managing Director of Face Consultants Ltd.

Malcolm Godbold will be heading the FACE office in Dubai. As the General Manager, his main objective is to act as a Liaison Office for the CoGri Group of Companies, offering the full range of group services.

"The idea is to develop the groups range of services further to allow a 'total package concept' for the customer, by including the Installation of Wire Guidance or Rail Guidance and Magnets in the aisles to complete VNA Flooring Installations.", comments Malcolm.

Malcolm has been working in export sales/sales management for 29 years. He predominantly worked for international manufacturers, selling materials handling equipment through dealership networks in the Middle East, as well as in Africa, and Eastern Europe. These companies included Hyster and Crown Equipment.

Malcolm's diverse work history provides him with detailed knowledge and experience of The Middle East and of VNA applications. Asked about his vision for FACE Middle East, he commented:

"Our aim is to establish international standards in The Middle East for the designing, specifying, testing and measurement of Industrial Superflat Floors.

We want to develop the name of FACE Middle East, as the leading authority in the region, for Superflat Floors.

A further vision is to develop the concept of 'Approved Status' or 'Certification' of local flooring contractors, who have the right equipment, who have been trained, and who have proved that they can achieve the necessary International Standards of flatness when laying floors".

For more information on FACE Middle East Fzc, please contact Malcolm Godbold at:
Tel: +971 4 3944726
Email: Malcolmg@eim.ae

Visit CoGri Group Website

Flood Risk Protection with CoGri And EDS

CoGri Group welcomes Richard Bailey of Environmental Defence Systems Ltd (EDS). The Group recently acquired a 50% share in EDS, an innovative business, set up by entrepreneur, Richard Bailey.

Richard has many years experience in providing specialist rescue equipment to the emergency services and armed forces world-wide.

EDS's core product is the pioneering FloodSax^TM - an alternative to sandbags or flood bags, used as flood damage control.

The semi-porous inner liner contains hundreds of absorbent crystals which absorb water to become taut and puncture-proof within five minutes. Once the water is in there, it stays there and the bags act just like sandbags to keep floods at bay.

FloodSax^TM are lightweight, weighing just 0.2kg each when dry and 20kg when reaching their full absorbent capacity. One bag can hold up to 20litres of water.

FloodSax^TM keep the water inside so when you need to move them, you will not get soaked from them, unlike traditional sandbags.

FloodSax^TM can be rolled up and put down the toilet to block it from filthy water being forced up by the flood water through drains and sewers.

Their size and weight mean that they can be stored in bulk in the home or in large warehouses without taking up too much space, helping individuals and companies to be prepared for flooding immediately. 

FloodSax^TM have a shelf life of up to 5 years and stay expanded for up to 8 weeks. Once used they can be disposed as normal waste.

In addition, FloodSax^TM are environmentally friendly as they replace sand usage and are also biodegradable within 3 months.

FloodSax^TM allow everyone to be prepared for flooding, from an elderly lady living alone to giant corporations.

"We were told about EDS by a mutual colleague. EDS needed financial support and commercial expertise to boost its business development. We looked into the idea and were impressed with the unique features and benefits of FloodSax^TM .

Although, EDS is operating in a completely different industry to CoGri, that is, in industrial flooring, diversification has always been on our agenda.

We have had experience of flooding ourselves, so this product hit home and was really welcomed. Combining Richard's business acumen and enthusiasm, we were confident that this partnership would work well. Two months on, EDS is exceeding expectations and we are all very excited about the future of EDS", comments Kevin Dare, Managing Director of CoGri Group.

The EDS registered office will be based from the CoGri office at Dene House, Huddersfield.

Asked about his innovative product, Richard said, " FloodSax^TM are designed to control flood damage. Depending on the severity of the flooding, FloodSax^TM are not intended to stop the flooding but they will certainly buy the time you need to move your loved ones and valuable possessions to safety. FloodSax^TM give some control back to the people in flood risked areas.With respect to their use, the only limitation is your imagination".

For Further information, please visit our website at: http://www.edslimited.co.uk/Products/FloodSax

Watch the FloodSaxTM in action

CG Flooring Systems Approved By Constructionline.

CG Flooring Systems Ltd (CGFS) have successfully completed their registration with Constructionline, the Government's national database of assessed contractors and consultants.

Constructionline is owned and endorsed by the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI). They gather and assess pre-qualification information on behalf of public and private sector procurers. This service is free of charge to procurers.

The pre-qualification process requires the submission of various company information, including references for each of the work categories CGFS list under.

CGFS's decision to join Constructionline was due to the mutual benefits for both client and CGFS, both in terms of time and cost savings. For example by freeing up staff for other work, and saving on resources by reducing the number of Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) forms.

Most importantly, CGFS's aim is to gain national recognition and credibility, which strengthens their already reputable status within the industry.

CGFS specialises in the refurbishment of warehouse, industrial and commercial floor surfaces.

Read more about CGFS and their team in this newsletter or visit our website for further information.

Visit CG Flooring Website

Laser Grinder� Development

The Laser Grinder® is constantly being developed and upgraded.

A new high performance bearing material, Tufnol, is being installed within the cutting heads, in the inner cutting boxes, to reduce metal friction.

The material is made from a synthetic fibre fabric, bonded together with a specially formulated thermosetting resin. The material is hard wearing, provides good mechanical strength, low friction, is easily machined and resistant to a wide range of working environments.

The material will enhance surface area contact, reduce vibration, and make it easier to set up between inner and outer box, therefore improving precision.

We are also testing new fans to help reduce noise levels. Unlike the old model, the new fan has wide sickle shaped profiles which ensures stable pressure curves, high efficiency and low absorbed power. It is hoped that the fan will reduce noise by 2 to 4 dBA.

An Axel Tilt System is also being developed and the prototype is ready to be installed.

More Information On The Laser Grinder®

Face Consultants At The SEMA Conference

Face Consultants Ltd (FACE) attended and exhibited at the Safety In The Storage Industry Conference held by the Storage Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA), on Thursday 1st November. The conference, entitled "Be Safe, Be Compliant!", was held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham.

Delegates included manufacturers, distributors, installers and users of all types of storage equipment.

Duane Scarfe, General Manager of FACE, commented, "The event was  informative and incorporated a spectrum of subjects, including Health & Safety. We recognise the importance of safety in an operational warehouse, in particular, floor flatness standards required for very narrow aisle (VNA) storage systems. For this reason, we felt that our presence at the show was pertinent."

FACE are an independent UKAS accredited testing organization, specialists in the measurement and control of floor profiles.

FACE uses the latest in digital measuring equipment, designed and built in-house, to check both defined and free movement floors.

Visit Face Consultants Website

Meet The CG Flooring Systems Team

CG Flooring Systems Ltd (CGFS) specialise in the upgrading and the refurbishment of warehouse, distribution and industrial floor slabs, as well as commercial and retail floors.

Alan Yuill, General Manager for CGFS, joined the company after serving 24 years in the Royal Navy, including time as communications manager on the fleet flagship, HMS Invincible, on HMS York and on HMS Coventry. He has also worked with UK, NATO and civilian agencies on various working parties and user groups.

Alan's experience in the Royal Navy provides him with a deep understanding and importance of duty, commitment, and belief in his own ability and that of his team.

"There is a good blend of experience amongst the team members. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and demonstrate commitment and drive to move the company forward. Our people make our company who we are today", comments Alan.

Managing Director of CGFS, Kevin Dare adds, "CGFS was set up in response to clients' requirements. Our services already encompasses consultancy work and Superflat floor technology in commercial warehouses, however, our expertise extends to a wider area of issues concerned with the overall maintenance of concrete floor slabs in all industrial properties. Creating CGFS means that we can concentrate our efforts and competence to suit specific requirements, as well as being able to offer a complete package solution as a Group".

CGFS team includes Contracts Manager, Michael Taylor, Team Leader, John Birkin and four site technicians, Peter Garside, Bill Herbert, Robert Taylor and Aaron Bentham. Accumulatively, the team has over 20 years industry experience. David Johnys recently joined the CoGri Group as their Technical Sales Consultant. Some of the team members are featured in the photo. Unfortunately, Aaron and Bill were out on a project.

CGFS aim to be their clients' preferred supplier by delivering a high standard of service and quality, as well as providing impartial professional advice on the most suitable and cost effective options to flooring problems.

Where floor surface renewal is recommended, CGFS can offer their environmentally friendly, pump-applied, heavy duty (Industrial) cementitious floor screed system, Fastfloor-IT, with application rates of up to 1000sq.m (10,000sq.ft) per day and curing rates as low as 4-6 hours. Downtime is minimised to days rather than weeks.

CGFS AREAS OF PARTICULAR EXPERTISE INCLUDE:
� Surface Grinding
� Pumped Cementitious Screed
� Self-Smoothing Resin Topping
� Pumped Anhydride Over Screed
� Joint Repair Expansion/Contraction
� Surface Repair Delamination/Impact
� Paint Demarcation Line Removal
� Tyre Mark Removal
� Oil/Grease Mark Removal

CGFS has also been recently approved by Constructionline, UK register of pre-qualified construction services. See CGFS article in this newsletter for more details.

For further information, please visit our website. To discuss your flooring requirements or to request a site visit, please contact 01484 600085 or email:info@cg-flooring.com

Visit CG Flooring Website

Construct-A-Slab Alliance

Four major players in the concrete flooring industry have formed an alliance to promote best practice in the design and construction of concrete slabs. These include Face Consultants Ltd, Somero Enterprises, Permaban and Multi-Quip.

The floor is arguably the most important part of the building. It is the table on which all operations take place. Not only is it part of the structure, but is also an integrated part of the materials handling system.

There are many variables in concrete slab construction and Construct-A-Slab aims to promote:

� Best practice in the construction of concrete industrial floors.
� Performance based specification based on industry acknowledged standards.
� Measurement and adherence to specification.

Alliance members have experience and expertise in specification, design, materials, placing, screeding, finishing and compliance testing.

The Construct-A-Slab alliance exists to promote the building of quality concrete floors, fit-for-purpose which are right first time.

Please visit Construct-A-Slab website or contact us for more information.

Visit Construct-A-Slab Website

Update from Concrete Grinding Ltd

Concrete Grinding Ltd (CG) recently won a major contract in Greece for an international home furniture company.

The project requires Laser Screed & Laser Grinder® method, which is CG's recommended fast track combination method to a Superflat floor.

The warehouse will require 3 Wheel Track Grinding, along 40 aisles, totaling 3,680 linear metres of grinding to DIN 15185 specification.

Work commences in December.

Visit Concrete Grinding Website

New Appointments

The CoGri Group welcomes two new recruits, Daniel Goacher and Michael Judd.

Daniel joins Concrete Grinding Ltd (CG) as Contract Assistant. Daniel will be assisting CGs Contracts Manager, Keith Burkinshaw. Daniel previously worked at a flooring company as an Estimator/Contract Assistant, based in Brighouse.

Michael has taken the role of Site Engineer for Face Consultants Ltd (FACE). Michael will be working closely with Tony Hulett, FACE Technical Director, assisting him in report work, with particular focus on Total Quality Management (TQM) Service and overseeing the day to day running of TQM. Michael recently graduated with BSc Honours in Construction Management.

Upcoming Trade Shows - Sheds Show 2008

Sheds Show 2008

Wednesday 6th - Thursday 7th February, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales.

Construct-A-Slab will be hosting a stand at the show. Come and meet us there.

To register to attend, please visit the Shed Show website.

Visit Shed Show Website