Milbank Concrete Products, one of the UK’s leading precast concrete manufacturers, welcomed the Right Honourable Priti Patel MP to its Earls Colne headquarters on Wednesday, 20th August for a discussion on the company’s operations, growth, commitment to sustainable construction and the current position of the construction industry.
During her visit, Ms Patel met with Milbank’s Managing Director, Lee Cowen, before taking a guided tour of the company’s manufacturing facilities. Wearing full PPE – including hard hat, hi-vis vest and protective boots – she was shown how Milbank designs and manufactures a wide range of precast concrete products that are used in major residential and commercial developments across the UK.
In a roundtable discussion following the tour, Ms Patel and the Milbank team covered a wide range of industry challenges and opportunities. Topics included the recent slowdown in the construction sector, the difficulties businesses face in sourcing adequate college courses to prepare young people for careers in construction, and the importance of initiatives to inspire and support the next generation of talent. The conversation also addressed the implications of the proposed employee rights bill for both employers and employees across the sector.
Ms Patel praised Milbank for its bespoke manufacturing capabilities and the diverse range of sustainable products it delivers to housebuilders and construction companies nationwide, noting how impressed she was with the company’s ability to adapt to customer needs while maintaining quality and innovation.
Over the past 7 years, Milbank has adopted significant changes to reduce its environmental impact and its commitment to sustainable construction. The company is actively working towards achieving net zero by 2030, embedding sustainable practices into its operations, product development, and long-term strategy.
Speaking after the visit, Lee Cowen, Managing Director at Milbank, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Priti Patel to Milbank and showcase the scale of our operations here in Earls Colne. It was a great opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, as well as share how we’re pioneering sustainable manufacturing practices in precast concrete. We are proud to be a major employer in the local area and to continue innovating for the future of construction.”
The visit highlights Milbank’s ongoing role in both the local community and the wider UK construction sector, as the business continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable precast concrete solutions nationwide.
