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Mark Pickard, UK Managing Director
As Altrad RMD Kwikform marks ten years in the ground shoring market, we sit downwith UK Managing Director, Mark Pickard, to gain insights into the journey so far and what the future holds. With a track record of industry-leading innovation and customer-focused solutions, thecompany’s progress is as much a story of resilience as it is one of success.
Mark reflects on the past decade with a mix of pride and ambition:
“The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The pandemic and other setbacks tested our resilience. Over the past decade, however, the introduction of ground shoring to our offering has grown to make a significant contribution to our business. Now fully integrated into our operations, it is supported by our branch network and available across four regions globally.”
This achievement, Mark highlights, is the result of a collective effort:
“Our success is a testament to the collective efforts of our team. Innovators like Ian Fryer, our Global Product Innovation Director, have led the way with pioneering products, while our product development and engineering team’s passion for innovation has been instrumental. Together, they have developed a range of products that stand out in the market for their unmatched performance. Designed to rigorous EN1090 standards and CE marked, these solutions prioritise safety, efficiency, and strength, leveraging advanced Finite Element Analysis techniques and load testing to deliver equipment engineered with stronger materials like S460 steel.
“At the core of the company’s approach lies a commitment to innovation and problem-solving. The Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator (ATC) is our latest product launch. This accessory significantly reduces thermal loading - by up to 90% compared to mechanically locked props - and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the industry.”
Mark emphasises the company’s focus on delivering tailored solutions through collaboration:
“Value engineering and problem-solving define our approach. Our ‘one-stop shop’ model of supplying above and below ground temporary works solutions enables us to address even the most complex applications by establishing strong customer relationships and dedicating the necessary expertise and resources.
“Listening to our customers and delivering tailored solutions differentiate us in a competitive market. A special mention goes to Ajay Nagah, our Commercial Manager for Ground Shoring, and our sales team for their dedication and passion in providing reliable support and working to meet customer needs on a day-to-day basis.”
Recognition, has also been a key milestone in the company’s journey:
“One of our proudest moments was receiving the Ground Engineering Award for Engineering Excellence in 2023. This external recognition validated our team’s hard work and innovation and demonstrated how we utilise our high-performance equipment and engineering expertise, whilst underscoring our capability to suggest a bespoke design approach. Being recognised by the industry for our efforts is the ultimate praise and inspires us to continue achieving even greater successes and reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence.
Looking forward, the company has ambitious plans for growth and continued innovation:
“Educating contractors about our ground shoring capabilities remains a priority, as we strive to be recognised for a diverse range of projects - not just the most complex ones. Infrastructure projects, including road, rail, water, and energy sectors, are central to our growth strategy. Our work on HS2 demonstrates the breadth of applications we can support, and we plan to share this success with the wider industry. Product innovation, such as the continued evolution of the Tubeshor ATC, will remain a focus as well.”
Mark concludes with a vision rooted in collaboration and customer-centricity:
“Collaboration and being customer-centric are key to our growth. By listening to our customers, delivering exceptional service, and consistently innovating, we aim to strengthen our position as the partner of choice in the ground shoring market.”
As the company looks to the future, its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer success remains at the forefront of its mission, ensuring that Altrad RMD Kwikform continues to set the standard in the industry.
