Hoddam Contracting Co. Ltd boosted its ready mixed concrete output by doubling capacity with a new custom batching plant from Rapid International.
Introduction
Hoddam Contracting, a family-run business based in southern Scotland, relied on Rapid International to supply a tailored static concrete batching plant near Dumfries. The company serves a broad range of markets with quarry materials and concrete products.
The Problem
Their existing batching plant at the Dumfries site had been in use for more than twenty years and was no longer able to keep up with production demands. Updating this crucial part of their operation was necessary to maintain quality and increase output.
What Work Was Carried Out
Rapid International worked closely with Hoddam to design a new plant inspired by a successful setup at their other site in Ecclefechan. The new plant includes four large aggregate hoppers feeding an 800mm weighed belt conveyor that transports materials onto a batch conveyor. This supplies a three cubic meter Rapid R300 pan mixer housed on a platform designed for easy access during maintenance and cleaning. Dust extraction captures dust from mixing, recycling it back into the process. The plant features wear-resistant chutes with a moveable extension to direct concrete into truck mixers or trailers. Cement is stored in a 100 tonne silo feeding a two-tonne weigh hopper equipped with loadcells and systems for smooth discharge. There is also a twin-compartment additive batching system to handle different additives. For cleaning, the plant has a high-pressure Rapid Jetwash mixer washout system with three spray heads.
The Results
According to Laura Gilfillan, Director at Hoddam Contracting, the new batching plant works significantly faster and can produce more than twice the volume of concrete per hour compared to the old plant. The company found the entire Rapid International team supportive and easy to work with, from sales through installation and ongoing aftercare.
Closing Note
This upgraded batching plant has strengthened Hoddam Contracting’s ability to meet growing demand while maintaining quality and reliability in their concrete production.
