Challenging times offer a chance for greater working relationships, and this is where Larsen feels it has benefited. The company has always worked closely with its customers, and it says this focus has certainly shone through. The personal approach has remained its core focus.
Larsen was founded in 1975 by Peter McGill, later joined by Declan Wright in a fifty-fifty partnership. In 2019, several conglomerates expressed interest in acquiring the group. The company announced the sale in October 2020 to Declan Wright, who now owns the company in total. This enabled the teams to continue with the proven ethos and customer care that independence affords them, Larsen says, while setting the company up in a strong and stable position for the future.
With two manufacturing facilities located in the port of Belfast, Larsen says it’s in an excellent position to supply to all its markets: GB, Northern and Southern Irish. It has reportedly seen growth across all sectors.
The most recent purpose-built computer-controlled facility, certified to ISO14001, has a production capacity of over 2000 bags per hour, all manufactured under ISO9001 quality management system.
Paul Luff, national sales and marketing manager, Larsen, said: “It is all about service and products. The last few years have been really testing; more recently with raw material shortages and costs going up exponentially it is no doubt one of the toughest times we have witnessed in nearly 50 years of manufacturing.”
“Adhesives is a very competitive marketplace, but we continue to see a very loyal customer base who we are extremely grateful to as this is the key to success. The last 12 months have really shown how we all need to work together and help one another, our focus is always on our customers.”
“Excellent retention, quality products, new lines along with genuine customer care have seen this growth continue into 2022 and we remain positive about the future. One of the key areas of focus is communication and here at Larsen we have expanded our sales and customer support teams in both the Belfast and Tamworth offices, our external sales teams, along with marketing support and most recently with expanding our R&D team.”
Larsen Colourfast 360 grout is a specially formulated, flexible, rapid setting tile grout. The formulation uses Colourfast technology, which is designed to ensure uniform joint colour, free from efflorescence. It’s suitable for use as a flexible wall and floor grout. The fine texture provides a smooth, stain, mould and water-resistant finish suitable for use on most tile types including glazed and unglazed ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass tiles, the company says.
Colourfast technology uses advanced polymers, additives and a proprietary hydraulic binder which uses no Portland cement.
More recent developments across the range include semi rapid set tile adhesives. External tiling is said to be a key growth area, and the company has launched a complete system from bedding mortar to priming slurry and Brush Joint 360 grout for the popular 20mm porcelain sector.
Luff said: “The range is now very thorough and we have really focused on both retailer and fixer-led benefits from rapid setting levelling compounds and primers for time saving, to enhancing the tanking kits with Butyl self-adhesive tapes, plus launching de coupling membranes and tile backer boards, so we can now offer full systems.”
www.larsenbuildingproducts.com
