Armcon Ltd., Europe’s leading builders of volumetric cement mixers, have announced a unique series of training days aimed at increasing not only the technical knowledge but the earning potential of their customers .

The events, according to Armcon’s Managing Director, Robert Armstrong, “give new customers a chance not only to learn from our own technical experts but to share knowledge with existing users of our equipment.” They will be held at Armcon’s Cheshire headquarters.

The training covers a wide range of topics. Technical points include mix design, materials care and quality and the use of specialist techniques such as foaming and the use of admixtures (such as plasticisers, accelerators and air entrainers). This section of the training is being handled by Richard Calder, Armcon’s own Technical Manager, and Michael Caine, a concrete technologist with over 30 years’ experience in the ready-mixed concrete industry. In addition to dealing with technical matters, Michael is able to offer tips, hints and warnings acquired over a career that has taken him from Northern Scotland to Saudi Arabia. “To the best of my knowledge,” he says, “there is no professional body and no other manufacturer offering this kind of training. It really is a unique service.” As well as the indoor session, there is a live demonstration concrete pour to illustrate mix adjustment techniques.

As well as technical and operating information, delegates are given information on business and marketing strategies that have been proven by existing Armcon customers. Armcon’s Ben Newman has been appointed to manage this section of the training, which deals with everything from pricing strategies to advertising techniques. There is also an opportunity to discuss these matters with successful users of the equipment.

Finally, representatives of truck manufacturers including Volvo are on hand to give advice on vehicle specification for mobile volumetric mixers.

The full-day training sessions, which run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, include breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea as well as printed material on all topics covered.