Recess lids - Recess manholes

[Rory Paving]

Hi, I've used the forum for a longtime as a resource, it's a great source of information, ideas and reassurance that all paving contractors encounter the same problems.
In my business we are using large volumes of galvanized recess manhole lids, specifically 600x600 and 300x300, primarily being fitted while laying 60mm brick. In an effort to cut costs, I'm looking to purchase my recesses in bulk, e.g purchasing by the pallet load, or possibly even by the 20ft container. Does anyone have any suggestions for suppliers, in Europe or in the Far east. I figure perhaps someone has encountered quality manufacturers, and I think for the volumes I require and to achieve savings, I need manufacturers rather than secondary suppliers.
On a separate point I'm also in the market for Aco drains, specifically plastic channels with galvanized grids.
Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated.
Rory

[Tony McC]

I used to buy my trays direct from a fabricator in Sheffield. I think it was 32 on a pallet and if you bought two pallets the delivery was free.

That was back in the 90s, though, before I got injured, so they may not even be trading any longer. I'll see if I can find their number....

I'd be wary about bring in trays from China/Far East. Unless they can guarantee FACTA compliance, I wouldn't want to be risking them collapsing or rusting away on a client's driveway. There are good fabricators in Ireland and in Britain who can churn these out at very keen prices. There used to be a bloke in Dun Laoghaire, Blackpitts I think was his trading name, who was handy at knocking out this sort of thing, but I think he had to outsource the galvanising.

As for linear channels, there are umpteen suppliers based in Eastern Europe but again, it's a quality issue. You can get good, branded channels at very keen prices from www.drainage-channel.co.uk (Yes, they do pay me to say that, but they are very good and very competitively priced!) Unless you are buying by the wagon load, it's hard to get quality and low prices, so these intermediary discounters are often your best route.

[Rory Paving]

Hi Tony,

I agree about being wary of the Far East option, I'd definitely prefer a European manufacturer so as to have CE marking and trustable load class certification.

If you had the number for the Sheffield company I'd really appreciate it. We already buy off the main suppliers here, but as we are using large volumes, we'd prefer direct purchasing from the manufacturers.

We hold full artic loads of KDS in our yard, full artic loads of bagged cement and polymeric jointing delivered by the pallet. The main idea being to cut costs, but also my men load the vans with whats required when they're in the yard, no going off to collect anything.