Manufacturer secures 90% stake in distributor as it targets growth
Concrete admixture manufacturer, Oscrete, is finishing 2023 with further growth and an increased shareholding in its Northern Ireland division, Adcrete.
Oscrete is a specialist construction chemicals supplier which makes and supplies a range of concrete admixtures for precast and ready-mix concrete and the ready-to-use mortar industries.
The Bradford-based business says it has increased its client base by more than 12% in 2023 and recently completed a deal to secure a 90% shareholding of its official Northern Ireland-based distributor, Adcrete.
Oscrete’s 2024 strategic growth plan “involves both live and planned conversations around future acquisitions,” says director Scott Wilson.
He added: “Our growth and turnover in Ireland has increased by 200% in the last four years and this growth serves to support the wider business operation throughout the UK.
“The strengthened Oscrete business model and presence in Ireland will ensure the team has the infrastructure and the expertise to become the leading supplier of concrete admixtures and additives in the country.”
Oscrete was formed in 1983 when new markets were found for the oil and surfactant products made by its former parent company and laundry detergent manufacturer, Christeyns.
Oscrete developed products for precast concrete, ready-mix concrete and mortar, leading to the growth of the brand as a specialised, high performance concrete admixtures producer.
In 2004 Oscrete launched Osperse performance additives (OPA) to facilitate its growth as a supplier of speciality additives for use in the manufacture of dry silo mortars and dry bagged products, while 2016 marked the formation of Adcrete Ltd, the sole Irish distribution partner for Oscrete admixtures and additives.
Adcrete was acquired by Christeyns in 2018 further strengthening the company’s plans for the Oscrete brand in the construction industry.
Wilson said: “In 40 years we’ve gone from being a small part of a bigger business specialising in laundry detergent chemicals to a standalone business which, in 2022 declared a new chapter of independence giving us the flexibility to focus entirely on core market supply, customer service and new product development.
“Our success in Ireland reflects our continued growth in the UK markets, shown through our increase in customers and the expertise of our team, which has seen seven new appointments since the start of 2022.”
