Dura Composites enters joint venture with Mekina Industries

Dura Composites (Clacton-on-Sea, U.K.) has invested in like-minded business Mekina Industries (Driffield, East Yorkshire, U.K.), best known for its permanent formwork solutions for bridge and civil structures. The collaboration will empower Mekina Industries to further its glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) construction products such as permanent formwork, copers and custom moldings.

Mekina Industries was formed in 2023 by two industry experts in GFRP permanent formworks. Together, they have more than 50 years’ experience in the technical design and manufacture of GFRP products and as individuals have worked on more than 4,000 projects worldwide with a track record of delivering excellence.

Predominantly used as a sacrificial “leave-in-place” formwork for bridges, Mekina Industries’ range of Mek-Dek panels are said to be strong, lightweight and manufactured to suit specific requirements. They enable installations to take place offline and off site in numerous scenarios. The panels can also reduce labor, restrict safety risks and speed up builds while providing a safe working platform. All installation of permanent formwork panels takes place while working above the structure, negating any need for access beneath.

The joint venture enables Mekina to benefit from the knowledge, expertise and experience gathered by Dura Composites over 27 years of supplying structural walkways to infrastructure markets. 

“Quality, efficiency and sustainability are all key drivers of our products and services, and with such a strong reputation in the industry, it was clear that Dura Composites shared these values,” Ian Baggaley, director of sales operations at Mekina Industries, notes. “Not only will the backing of a respected name like Dura Composites enable us to open more doors as a new business, but their experience and expertise will be invaluable as we grow.”

Dura Composites has ambitious plans for 2023 and beyond. Managing director, Stuart Burns, shares his thoughts: “Dura set out with the ambition of making composites mainstream. With this now the case in many sectors in which it operates, we want to solve even more challenging infrastructure problems, and that includes expanding our capabilities with a network of specialist partners such as Mekina.”

“We put a lot of care and attention into who we work with,” Burns continues. “Mekina Industries’ expertise in GFRP permanent formwork complements our portfolio of solutions for the transport and highways industry. They are uniquely positioned to service those in need of GFRP permanent formwork more quickly than existing suppliers, and at a more competitive rate, however their experience in the industry and client focus business ethos means their customer care is second to none.”

Effective immediately, Dura owns 50% of Mekina Industries; both remain separate businesses that will operate independently.