M O’Brien Group Of companies Acquires LB Silica Sand LTD

In a deal that has been kept under wraps for the past few months, details have now been finalised on the deal that will see the M O’Brien Group take over LB Silica Sand LTD including the companies quarry operation in Heath and Reach.

LB Silica sand is an international supplier and is very fortunate that the sand has a high-grade silica content which provides a consistent quality at all times. The silica sand is both distributed and supplied from the company owned quarry in the Heath and Reach and can cater for all sectors, including industrial, construction and agricultural as well as more recreational areas including leisure and equestrian surfaces. They have been mining since the 1950s, giving the team years of experience and extensive knowledge within this industry and providing a variety of forms of sand for a range of uses.

The acquisition of LB Silica sand and its quarry is a major boost to the Haulage arm of the group, Ashvale Haulage, Which has gone from strength to strength since its conception in 2001. Ashvale now runs a fleet of 40 Tipper Lorries, Hi-abs, and Plant transport vehicles. The company will be boosted by the new requirement for the delivery of sand, and the transport of material for restoration of the quarry. 

Ashvale Haulage operations Director Richard Callanan will take on the Role of quarry manager from retiring manager Richard Walpole, having a wealth of knowledge and previous experience with Quarries and landfills, his involvement will put the operation in safe hands.

The productivity of the sand processing has already been bolstered and seen the benefit of M O'Brien Plant Hire's extensive fleet of earth moving equipment. Over 2 million pounds of equipment has been invested into the site in the first week to bring the project up to tier 3b emission standards, whilst also increasing the speed of sand processing with new sandvik screeners.

“I have been very excited about this deal for a very long time, and am so glad that it has all finally come together, this purchase will be a great boost to our material and aggregate supply activities and also to our haulage firm Ashvale. We have a great team around us and with the help of our new personnel being welcomed to the M O’Brien group I am very confident for a successful future with LB Silica Sand. I want to Thank the Walpole and Banwell families for their help and involvement in putting this deal together in such a timely and efficient way.” Said Michael O’Brien 

Safety Alert - Safe use of Mobile Phones at work

Safety Alert - Safe Use of Mobile Phones at Work

Using a mobile phone whilst driving you’re four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing yourself or others.

As of 01/12/2003 it came into force that it is illegal to use mobile phones or hand held devices (other than a two way radio) whilst driving. From February 27, 2007 the penalty for using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving increased to £100 - £150 fine and 3-6 penalty points added to the drivers’ licences for HGV drivers breaking this law.

Not only is it the law also but also Company Policy that you must be stationary before using any hand held mobile devices.

All vehicles have Bluetooth technology – PLEASE USE IT!!

In recent times a HGV driver has been arrested, for four accounts of death by dangerous driving on the A34 – he was changing music on his phone when the accident happened. Not only is he facing up to 9 years in prison, but he will probably never forgive himself. – Always stop and think of the consequences before picking up a phone or mobile device.

 NO phone call is that important that it can’t wait until you stop – If you suspect that you have an important call coming in, STOP at your earliest convenience to return the call.