Marlborough showcases Porotherm precision clay block walling system in its masonry training courses
(16/03/2010)

Porotherm, the precision clay block walling system from Wienerberger, has been chosen as the latest innovation to be showcased as part of a masonry training course from Marlborough.

Launched to the UK market last year, this product has been widely used throughout Europe for more than 30 years. The system is proven to enable faster laying speeds of up to 10 to 15 m2 an hour per man after training – almost five times faster than the time taken to lay traditional masonry.

Leeds-based Marlborough runs regular training courses for its clients, designed to introduce new products, enhance skills and spread best practice in health and safety. Engineers and site managers from international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty were the first to try their hand at using Porotherm to build a small wall, following a demonstration from the Wienerberger team.

Paul Donnelly, Marlborough managing director, said it was important to demonstrate up-to-the minute products and techniques which might prove beneficial to his clients. He said: “Porotherm offers a high performance, fast track and cost effective solution for wall construction in the modern environment. From a building point of view it has the advantages of shortening programme times, light weight units and lower labour costs.”

Phil Noble, construction systems director for Porotherm, believes the benefits of the system are self evident. He said: “I am delighted that Marlborough has chosen to showcase Porotherm as part of its workshops. Marlborough is a leading masonry specialist and hosts very well respected training courses for its list of prestigious clients.

“Porotherm is already the industry standard in other European countries but, as quite a technical solution, it is important for people to be able to see it in action to understand how and why it offers such a great alternative.

Wienerberger itself has opened a dedicated Training Centre for skilled brick and block layers. Developed in partnership with Midlands-based builders’ merchants, and Porotherm System Distributor E H Smith Ltd, the Porotherm Training Centre is in Longbridge, Birmingham.

Feedback from ‘trainees’ has been positive with many commenting on the additional health and safety benefits of the system, including easy handling of the lightweight blocks and a reduction in cuts and grazes due to the snag-free surface.