EMJ is the leading global provider of GRP permanent formwork for bridges and other civil structures. Established in 1964, the company has now supplied their product to over 6000 different civil structures across 10 different countries worldwide.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
EMJ: We design, manufacture and supply a range of different GRP permanent formwork solutions for bridge and civil structures globally. We work closely with engineering and contracting groups to deliver bespoke formwork solutions that satisfy their design and build needs.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?
EMJ: We are constantly challenged by engineering and contracting groups to develop and provide solutions for their civil structural projects. We are always looking for the most cost effective and carbon neutral solutions that we can produce to meet their demands while maintaining quality and safety throughout our production.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
EMJ: EMJ produce two core permanent formwork options:
- GRP composite
- GRP standard
Within those two core types there are several sub categories including haunched, tapered, skewed, diaphragm, trough and cantilevered panels. Our clients rely on us to recommend the required solution that will deliver results in the most cost effective and compliant manner possible.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
EMJ: Our goal is to be active in whatever geographic market has an active base of infrastructure projects where our solution is viable. We are constantly in touch with our base of contacts across the globe to identify the right type of project at the right point in time to make a difference to their construction timeline. Outside of the UK market, we are now actively working on enquiries from Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Norway, Sweden, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Trinidad, Canada, Singapore and Australia.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
EMJ: Where there is an active infrastructure base of projects there is a constant demand by the engineering/contracting groups to achieve:
- A more efficient/effective way of completing projects/structures on time;
- A desire to manufacture structures off site wherever practical;
- A need for a safer installation procedure/methodology;
- A desire to reduce carbon emissions from whatever methodology/materials are to be used in their civil structural projects;
- A wish to adopt more innovative ways of construction that have proven levels of economic and safety benefits.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
EMJ: Our most innovative products are the new range of combined intermediate and cantilever panels that we can produce. This achieves a number of benefits for the contractor:
- No additional propping of formwork for the cantilever section;
- A very durable material that can also have fire and UV ratings;
- A range of different finishes and color options;
- Offsite assembly possible for smaller structures due to our weight advantage;
- Additional safety barrier systems that can be incorporated into the product upstand for later removal.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
EMJ: EMJ will continue to grow in 2021 and beyond due to our expansion into new premises and the additional enquiries we are now generating through our partners and across the globe. After the pandemic there is an obvious focus by domestic and international governments to improve their infrastructure to drive their economies back to a stable footing while maintaining and increasing their tax revenues.
We would also hope to increase our turnover over the next 5-10 years by focusing on both our domestic and international client base where we are already well know and respected. We will also continue to develop our production processes and material research so we can improve our product range and options for our clients.