Our Latest News

At Thomas Armstrong we are take pride in the work we undertake every day. This section highlights the work we successfully complete as well as recognising our achievements, awards and community work. Click on the 'Read More' link to view and read the article in full.

June 14, 2023
Aggregates
Company Invests in State-of-the Art Long Reach Excavator

Thomas Armstrong (Aggregates) Ltd has recently purchased a state-of-the-art long reach excavator and system to support the business at their own Cardewmires Sand Gravel Quarry in Dalston, Carlisle.

Acquired in 2014, the large, long-established quarry has been producing high quality sand gravel since the early 1980s. The new Hitachi 520 360 long reach excavator, which sits on a pontoon, is designed to extract the gravel from underneath the water using a controlled plotting system. This gravel is then loaded onto a barge and returned to the shoreline, which is then tipped into the dock.

Thomas Armstrong Group continues to expand and invest in the latest manufacturing processes, machinery, and people to remain competitive and to ensure we keep in line with the latest technological advances. This recent investment will ensure the company can continue to meet the customer’s demands and therefore it’s future success.

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May 23, 2023
Aggregates
New Truck dedicated to Aggregates Director

Thomas Armstrong (Aggregates) Ltd, have recently added a new DAF XF106 heavy haulage tractor unit to their already privately owned large fleet of 70 modern heavy goods vehicles.

Supplied by Solway DAF, the new DAF XF106 is a heavy-duty truck designed for use on a low loader to carry a crusher which is used as part of the aggregate’s operation, other than this the truck will be utilised in the delivery of aggregates and blocks for the company. The artwork on the truck is a one off design to high light the special significance of the tribute to Mr Harkness.

Frank Harkness was the previous Aggregates Director, but sadly passed away in November 2021. As a tribute, the company decided to feature a memorial on the rear of the new DAF truck to honour Frank and in recognition of his dedication of 42 years to the company.

Frank Harkness joined the company as an HGV mechanic in 1972 when the business was based in Cockermouth. After a few months he was promoted to the workshop foreman. In 1986, when the company moved to Flimby, Frank became Group Transport Manager and was invited to become Director of Thomas Armstrong Aggregates which he held until his retirement in 2014.

Frank will be sadly missed.

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May 9, 2023
Washington Homes Ltd
Washington Homes Ltd development wins prestigious construction award

A NEW Washington Homes development in Bothel has been named among a shortlist of sites in England and Wales to win an award for high standards of construction and site management.

Chapel Meadows, being built by Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd (part of the Thomas Armstrong Group), has been awarded The Bricks Site Recognition Award by LABC Warranty, for its standards of workmanship and overall management of the site, including health and safety matters and general tidiness.

The Bricks Site Recognition Award winners are chosen every month and are then further shortlisted at the end of the year, where only the best of those sites will be rewarded with The Bricks annual award trophy, one of the construction industry’s most prestigious awards given to outstanding sites from England and Wales.

LABC Warranty is one of the largest providers of structural warranties in the UK. Working in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), its combined team of more than 3,700 surveyors work with house builders, contractors and housing associations.

Sites are scored by LABC Warranty risk management surveyors during their inspection visits, which take place regularly through construction.

Those sites that score consistently high for general co-operation with inspectors, health and safety, site tidiness, standard of site management and standard of workmanship are nominated for a Site Recognition Award.

Chapel Meadows enjoys a lovely setting within Bothel, a village ideally located for enjoying all the area has to offer, whether it be for work, family life, or for the great outdoors. The village lies just outside the Lake District National Park, 7 miles away from Cockermouth, an attractive market town designated as one of just 51 Gem towns in the country.

Chapel Meadows by Washington Homes is an exciting development of 26 high-quality brand-new homes, setting a striking approach to contemporary living. The development includes anything from two to five bedrooms and options of houses, bungalows, semi-detached and detached designs.

David Hill, Development Director from Washington Homes Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to receive The Bricks Site Recognition Award from LABC Warranty. I’m especially pleased for our staff working on the site as this reward is a recognition of their hard work, professionalism and expertise.”

Sarah Sheppard, Technical Director at LABC Warranty, said: “It takes skill, commitment and a dedication to quality of construction for a site to receive The Bricks Site Recognition Award. Nothing pleases my team and I more than to see developments meet and maintain such high standards.”

For more information about the awards, visit: www.labcwarranty.co.uk/awards

Photo caption: Dale Taylor, Site Manager, Washington Homes Ltd receives The Bricks Site Recognition Award certificate.

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March 27, 2023
Construction
Work Begins on Refurbishing Building for New Primary Health Care Service

Today Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd start works to alter and refurbish 4 Wavell Drive in Carlisle for new Client Cumbria Health On Call (CHoC).

Works include:

  • Internal refurbishment and fit outs
  • External envelope works including replacement windows and roof lights, improved insulation, and general maintenance to the roof.
  • External upgrade work to the existing car park and installation of new vehicle access barrier with intercom and installation of new external terrace areas.
  • M&E works.
  • Drainage alterations.

They are looking forward to delivering this project for Cumbria Health On Call (CHoC); alongside Architects Plus, Donleys & Pettit Singleton Associates.

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November 11, 2022
Construction
Site Manager scoops Regional Site Manager Highly Commended Award

Mark Cain, Site Manager at Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd., has received the Regional Site Manager Highly Commended 2022 award for his site at Chapel Meadows, Bothel.

This award recognises the dedication and commitment it takes to deliver quality in construction, and every year site managers across the country are recognised for their exceptional contribution to home building with regional and national Site Manager Awards from LABC Warranty.

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