ONE of the region's MPs was among the first to check out a UK-first at a popular local building supplies firm.
Thorncliffe Building Supplies has launched its Fibo Collect facility, first fully automated, self-service, at the Alltami site.
Already becoming popular in Europe, the Danish technology is essentially a drive-thru station where builders can instantly pick up a small to medium load of concrete, mortar or screed with just a wave of their bank card.
The teams at Thorncliffe and Fibo hope that their system will help customers to tackle the 'small-loads' challenge.
Last week, Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, was given a demonstration of the new equipment by Thorncliffe director Adam Harper, and Stuart Cranfield of Bell Meadow Bespoke Home Builders.
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Mr Tami said: "When builders need a small batch of concrete or mortar, mixing it themselves is time-consuming and going to a conventional concrete supplier can mean big queues. Deliveries are subject to minimum quantities, so this is an ideal solution.
"I was really impressed with the set-up here at Thorncliffe and it should complement and expand their already thriving business."
Mr Harper said: "We were initially drawn to the flexibility and ease of the set up and what it could offer our customers. The Fibo Collect machine is state-of-the-art mixing technology that produces a quality and consistent product every time.
"This will help so many of our customers, including bricklayers, landscapers, builders and groundworkers."
Customers will be able to access the collection service following a simple four-step method in the branch: order at the till, collect your barcode, position your vehicle or tub under the conveyor belt, scan your barcode at the Fibo Collect touch screen terminal to start mixing.
For a small load of concrete under 0.8m3 the entire mixing and pouring process can be complete in under five minutes, and is cost effective, only paying for what you use.
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