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.

January 13, 2025
Foamed Glass UK
Introducing Britain’s First Foamed Glass Aggregate Manufacturing Facility

This is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable building materials that are both eco-friendly and versatile. This state-of-the-art facility is set to transform the construction industry by offering a superior, sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates, all while helping to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a circular economy. Widely used across the world for many decades with a proven history of success, this is a significant and exciting step forward for Britain’s construction sector.

What is Foamed Glass Aggregate? 

Foamed glass aggregate is made from recycled container glass, offering a sustainable solution for the construction sector. By recycling waste glass, we can produce an extremely lightweight, clean, durable and thermally superior aggregate in a range of sizes for use in foundations, drainage systems, green roofs and as an insulating material for buildings. Glass cullet is cleaned, finely-milled and expanded to form a clean, low-weight and highly insulating material perfect for a wide range of construction applications.

Key Benefits of Foamed Glass Aggregate: 

  • Sustainable: Made from 100% recycled glass, contributing to a circular economy. 
  • Energy Efficient: Highly insulating, helps reduce heating and cooling costs. 
  • Durability: Fire-resistant and resilient against weathering, chemicals and pests. 
  • Lightweight: Significantly lighter than traditional aggregates, reduces transportation costs and the environmental impact of heavy materials.
  • Non-Toxic: Safe to handle, free of harmful substances, and doesn’t leach into the environment.

Applications for Foamed Glass Aggregate:

  • Infrastructure: Very low weight, easily compactible, stable, minimal ground pressure and high unconfined angle of repose up to 54o; unmatched by any other aggregate.
  • Building Foundations: Lightweight, highly insulating, easy to install and provides a capillary break against moisture rising from the ground.
  • Drainage Systems: Ideal for sustainable drainage systems, offering excellent permeability through the foamed glass aggregate layer.
  • Landfill Remediation: A lightweight, eco-friendly and versatile fill material. 
  • Roofs: Contributes to energy savings in both residential and commercial properties. 
  • Horticultural: A perfect solution for lightweight aggregate in gardens and parks.
  • Building Products: An angular, clean, stable and consistent lightweight aggregate. 
  • Odour Barrier: Can be floated on liquid tanks to provide an easy and effective barrier.

Why Choose Our Facility?

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Our facility, the world’s largest, employs the latest innovations in foamed glass manufacturing, ensuring superior product quality.
  • Local Manufacturing: We are bringing jobs and industry-leading technology to our communities reducing our reliance on costly and unreliable imports. 
  • Commitment to Sustainability: Our process reduces waste, cuts emissions and conserves natural resources, making us a true partner in environmental stewardship. 
  • Versatile: We can supply to small jobs or to large civil and infrastructure projects. We can grade our material to suit and supply in bulk tippers or various size big bags. 

Get in Touch

Ready to build a sustainable future? Join us in creating a greener world by choosing foamed glass aggregates for your next project. Whether you are in construction, landscaping, or any other industry, we offer scalable solutions to meet your needs. 

For enquiries, product samples, and more information, contact us today: 

T: 01977 661631

E: enquiries@foamed-glass.uk

W: www.foamed-glass.uk

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November 27, 2024
Foamed Glass UK
Thomas Armstrong Launches New Sustainable Building Solutions - Foamed Glass UK

The Thomas Armstrong Group, with nearly 200 years of experience in construction, has taken an exciting step towards a greener future by launching Foamed Glass UK Ltd. Known for its excellence in the industry, Thomas Armstrong is embracing innovation and sustainability with this new venture, offering eco-friendly building materials that meet the needs of modern construction.

Leading the Way in Eco-Friendly Construction


Since its founding in 1830, the Thomas Armstrong Group has grown into one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with a strong reputation for quality in design, building, and infrastructure projects. From residential homes to large commercial developments, the company has always been at the forefront of the industry, providing a wide range of construction services and high-quality building materials. Now, with the launch of Foamed Glass UK, they are expanding their portfolio into sustainable solutions.

What is Foamed Glass?


Foamed glass aggregate is a lightweight, durable material made from 100% recycled glass. At their cutting-edge production facility, Thomas Armstrong transforms post-consumer glass into this eco-friendly aggregate, which is ideal for a variety of construction uses, including insulation, infrastructure, and environmental projects. By recycling glass that would otherwise go to waste, Foamed Glass UK is helping to reduce landfill waste while providing builders with a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates.

A Vision for the Future
The launch of Foamed Glass UK is a big part of Thomas Armstrong’s vision to modernise the construction industry. By turning waste glass into a valuable building material, they’re showing how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. This venture isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about leading the way toward a more environmentally conscious future for construction.

If you’re looking for sustainable, high-performance materials for your next project, Foamed Glass UK offers a solution that’s both practical and eco-friendly.

Want to learn more about how foamed glass can benefit your project? Get in touch with Foamed Glass UK today and explore how you can build with sustainability in mind.

Visit the Foamed Glass UK site here.

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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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