At Thomas Armstrong we are take pride in the work we undertake every day. This section highlights the work we successfully complete as well as recognising our achievements, awards and community work. Click on the 'Read More' link to view and read the article in full.
A true blast from the past! We were recently gifted this incredible photo of Britain’s legendary steeplejack, Fred Dibnah, alongside our former demolition subcontractor and good friend, Alfie Parker.
The image dates back to 1992, when Fred was commissioned by Thomas Armstrong to demolish the iconic chimney at the former Millers shoe factory in Cockermouth - a structure that had dominated the town’s skyline for over 160 years.
Fred first spotted the chimney while working at nearby Jennings Brewery and famously said, “I’d like a crack at that.” His wish came true when his tender was accepted, and he brought the chimney down using his signature method: removing bricks at the base, inserting wooden supports, and lighting a controlled fire to bring it down safely.
This wasn’t just a demolition - it marked the end of an era. Miller’s Chimney was a beloved landmark, and its removal paved the way for new homes and businesses, transforming the site into what we see today.
Huge thanks to Stephen Smith (Senior Estimator at Thomas Armstrong Construction) for sharing this gem. It’s moments like these that remind us of the rich history behind our work and the people who helped shape it.
To see more photos and learn about the demolition, click here: https://cockermouthhistory.uk/mills-menu/derwent-mills-fred-dibnah-demolishes-chimney-1992/
Over £10 million investment doubling our total stocking capacity for Thomas Armstrong Group, a leading construction company and manufacturer of high-quality building materials, announced the opening of a brand-new cement factory on the Prince of Wales Dock site in Workington as well as a new foam glass plant based in GR Heck. With an investment value worth a total of over £16 million, Thomas Armstrong Group are committed to supplying bulk cement requirements across the North of England and South of Scotland. Investing in the very latest weighing and automation technology, a 44-tonne lorry can be loaded in less than 10 minutes, cleanly with no wastage. As a leading construction company and manufacturer of high-quality building materials and products, Thomas Armstrong Group is continually growing and developing the business. It is vital to invest in the latest manufacturing processes, machinery, and people to remain competitive and ensure the business remains competitive and in line with customers’ requirements.
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This is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable building materials that are both eco-friendly and versatile. This state-of-the-art facility is set to transform the construction industry by offering a superior, sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates, all while helping to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a circular economy. Widely used across the world for many decades with a proven history of success, this is a significant and exciting step forward for Britain’s construction sector.
Foamed glass aggregate is made from recycled container glass, offering a sustainable solution for the construction sector. By recycling waste glass, we can produce an extremely lightweight, clean, durable and thermally superior aggregate in a range of sizes for use in foundations, drainage systems, green roofs and as an insulating material for buildings. Glass cullet is cleaned, finely-milled and expanded to form a clean, low-weight and highly insulating material perfect for a wide range of construction applications.
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Ready to build a sustainable future? Join us in creating a greener world by choosing foamed glass aggregates for your next project. Whether you are in construction, landscaping, or any other industry, we offer scalable solutions to meet your needs.
For enquiries, product samples, and more information, contact us today:
T: 01977 661631
The Thomas Armstrong Group, with nearly 200 years of experience in construction, has taken an exciting step towards a greener future by launching Foamed Glass UK Ltd. Known for its excellence in the industry, Thomas Armstrong is embracing innovation and sustainability with this new venture, offering eco-friendly building materials that meet the needs of modern construction.
Leading the Way in Eco-Friendly Construction
Since its founding in 1830, the Thomas Armstrong Group has grown into one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with a strong reputation for quality in design, building, and infrastructure projects. From residential homes to large commercial developments, the company has always been at the forefront of the industry, providing a wide range of construction services and high-quality building materials. Now, with the launch of Foamed Glass UK, they are expanding their portfolio into sustainable solutions.
What is Foamed Glass?
Foamed glass aggregate is a lightweight, durable material made from 100% recycled glass. At their cutting-edge production facility, Thomas Armstrong transforms post-consumer glass into this eco-friendly aggregate, which is ideal for a variety of construction uses, including insulation, infrastructure, and environmental projects. By recycling glass that would otherwise go to waste, Foamed Glass UK is helping to reduce landfill waste while providing builders with a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of Foamed Glass UK is a big part of Thomas Armstrong’s vision to modernise the construction industry. By turning waste glass into a valuable building material, they’re showing how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. This venture isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about leading the way toward a more environmentally conscious future for construction.
If you’re looking for sustainable, high-performance materials for your next project, Foamed Glass UK offers a solution that’s both practical and eco-friendly.
Want to learn more about how foamed glass can benefit your project? Get in touch with Foamed Glass UK today and explore how you can build with sustainability in mind.
Visit the Foamed Glass UK site here.
Thomas Armstrong (Aggregates) Ltd has recently purchased a state-of-the-art long reach excavator and system to support the business at their own Cardewmires Sand Gravel Quarry in Dalston, Carlisle.
Acquired in 2014, the large, long-established quarry has been producing high quality sand gravel since the early 1980s. The new Hitachi 520 360 long reach excavator, which sits on a pontoon, is designed to extract the gravel from underneath the water using a controlled plotting system. This gravel is then loaded onto a barge and returned to the shoreline, which is then tipped into the dock.
Thomas Armstrong Group continues to expand and invest in the latest manufacturing processes, machinery, and people to remain competitive and to ensure we keep in line with the latest technological advances. This recent investment will ensure the company can continue to meet the customer’s demands and therefore it’s future success.