FM Conway to import bitumen at Kent site

FM Conway is set to import bitumen at its Imperial Wharf site in Gravesend, Kent.

A multi-million pound refurbishment of the site which is located on the River Thames will see the facility’s existing jetty and tank farm refurbished to enable the docking and storage of up to 7,500 tonnes of bitumen. FM Conway is aiming for the site to be fully operational by April 2014.

The renovation of the industrial site will ensure that FM Conway can provide highways clients and partners with a long-term, secure supply of bitumen and help it to manage supply chain costs.

The plans will see FM Conway maximise the site’s riverside location by using the Thames as a strategic waterway to reduce road transport movements and cut carbon emissions.

The company is currently transporting aggregates by river to serve its asphalt plant in Erith, which has seen it cut 1,250 tonnes of carbon each year by removing 15,000 truck journeys on London’s roads.

Michael Conway, chief executive officer for FM Conway, said: “The ability to independently import bitumen will form part of our self-delivery model. This gives us full control over our supply, allows us to cut input costs and, crucially, gives security of supply to our customers.”