AKELA Ground Engineering has appointed precast piling manufacturing specialist John Ward to support expansion of its precast manufacturing operations in England.
With over 35 years of industry experience and operational insight from roles with Aarsleff Ground Engineering UK, Centrum Pile Ltd and Green Piling, John joins Akela Group as precast manager and will be based between the Swadlincote and Glasgow offices.
As well as managing the Glasgow facility, a key focus for John will be to source an English manufacturing base to increase capacity for Akela’s ‘groundbreaking’ ABeam precast system, which was launched last year.
Currently manufactured at the company’s purpose-built facility in Thornliebank, ABeam is described as a unique precast concrete beam system that uses a specially designed mechanical joint, allowing foundation ground beams to be installed in just a few hours.
Not dependent on weather conditions, ABeam has received a positive reception from housebuilders in Scotland. Akela is now keen to grow the roll-out of the product across the UK and Ireland.
In January the company announced its new Irish base in Co. Armagh and appointment of Barry Christy as operations manager for Akela Ground Engineering Ireland.
Will Payne, MD of Akela Ground Engineering, said, “It’s fantastic to welcome John to the team. His knowledge and expertise will play an important role in our strategic expansion plans in England.
“Since launching to the Scottish market in early 2024, we have worked hard to roll out our ABeam system, with leading housebuilders seeing success at sites across the central belt. John will play a key part in our plans to create a manufacturing base in The Midlands which will enable us to offer this service to customers across England.”
John Ward added, “I have been aware of Akela Group’s significant growth over the last few years and have been impressed with the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovative operations. The future of the construction industry will hinge on companies investing in innovative solutions and skills development and Akela Group has demonstrated its focus in these areas.
“The launch of ABeam in 2024 was an exciting step change in our industry and I am looking forward to supporting its introduction and adoption by developers in England.”
