FP McCann extends its presence in precast concrete sector

FP McCann has acquired Buchan Concrete Products, in a bid to strengthen its position in the structural and precast concrete sector.

Renowned for its portfolio of precast modular architectural building solutions, which have previously been used on schools, hotels, apartments, and student accommodation blocks, Buchan is a well-established business in the precast concrete sector.

Over the years, Buchan has had several notable owners: under Amec plc and the Roger Bullivant Group, it has been involved in a number of high-profile projects. By providing precast sandwich panels, complete with brickwork, glazing, and insulation, the company helped a Premier Inn in Manchester to save three months on its build programme, for instance.

FP McCann’s acquisition of Buchan follows the recent buy-out of the Bell and Webster, which was previously part of the Elco group. Based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Bell and Webster specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of unique precast building solutions. Its crosswall construction system is now marketed by FP McCann.

Complementing this previous acquisition, the Buchan Concrete buy-out will serve to extend FP McCann’s presence in the UK. 

Precast concrete operations

Bell and Webster’s Grantham operation specialises in the manufacture of grey concrete panels, which are clad by the main contractor, to provide off-site precast modular building structures. Its portfolio includes internal walls, floors, and ceilings.

The Buchan factory, which is based in Byley, operates in the same market sectors. However, it also produces architectural precast concrete sandwich panels, which can be clad with a brick-facing or acid-etched, according to design specification. 

Other architectural precast concrete products, which complement the sandwich panels, are also manufactured at Byley. These include lintels, columns, facades, soffits, and balconies.

FP McCann’s design teams work closely with clients and contractors to ensure that precast modular room dimensions and build criteria match their specific design requirements. 

Window and door openings are pre-formed in the panels and service conduit channels can be added prior to construction on-site. The modular crosswall system and architectural sandwich panels both offer acoustic and thermal mass properties.

Strategic growth in precast concrete sector

FP McCann was established in the 1950s. Since then, it has grown from a small, family business to a prominent construction materials and civil engineering company. Through a series of strategic buy-outs and acquisitions, the company has made a name for itself in the UK’s precast concrete sector. 

By investing in new machinery at Byley and Grantham, to enable greater production capabilities, the company is pushing itself further to the forefront of the sector.