Terrafirma Roadways Win Three Year Framework Contract with Electricity Alliance

Terrafirma Roadways, a division of Robertson Envirosystems Limited, has this week been awarded a three year Framework Contract to provide temporary roadway services to Electricity Alliances (East & West). The contract, worth in the region of £1.8 million per year, endorses the benefits of the Dura-Base Composite Plastic Mat System. Terrafirma has been supplying Dura-Base mats to the National Grid and Electricity Alliance’s partner companies, Balfour Beatty and Babcocks Networks, for the past year.

The contract announcement follows a significant period of growth for the Abingdon-based company. In 2007 Terrafirma became the sole UK Distributor for Dura-Base Composite Mat Systems. The interlocking Dura-Base mats form temporary roadways, commonly used on construction sites, or to provide utility companies with access across farmland. In the past 12 months, the company’s sales have soared, and the demand for Dura-Base mats has increased 20-fold. To cope with the increased demand, Terrafirma’s fleet of vehicles has doubled and the company now employs 20 staff at its Oxfordshire base.

Traditionally, temporary roadways were constructed using aluminium panels. However, the use of aluminium panels presents a number of problems: health and safety on site being one of the biggest issues. Mud can seep through the joints in aluminium panels, causing trip and slip accidents and loss of traction for vehicles.

Dura-Base matting uses a unique 300mm overlapping lip system. The panels are secured with ‘twist-lock’ fasteners and no nuts, bolts, or joining plates are needed. This provides a continuous barrier between the ground and mat surface, preventing mud seepage. The composite plastic mats follow the contours of the land, reducing trip hazards on the site.

One of the biggest benefits of Dura-Base to land-owners is the reduced impact on the environment. Traditional aluminium roadway panels cause damage to the underlying surfaces, and soil and grassland can take several months to recover. With Dura-Base, little reinstatement of the land is necessary, because the construction of the mats means damage is minimal.

Managing Director of Terrafirma Roadways, Hugh Robertson says, “This is a major stepping stone for the company. The contract is a very positive endorsement of the Dura-Base system. We’re looking forward to continuing our investment in people and equipment to ensure Terrafirma delivers an exceptional service to Electricity Alliance”.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Dura-Base temporary roadway systems should contact Hugh Robertson at Terrafirma on 01235 868835 or visit www.terrafirma.gb.com