FSP has seen a rise in enquiries and orders from specifiers, merchants and contractors for its range of recessed covers after competitor Jones of Oswestry went into administration last month.

Orders currently under way include requests for FSP’s FAB Pave range, including the new SOLO SLIDEâ„¢, as well as FAB GRATE and FAB TRAY products, all similar to Jones’ main Suprabloc, Telebloc, Supragate and Suprasteel lines.

Managing director Richard Hilton said Telford-based FSP’s portfolio of products could easily be substituted for ranges previously available via Jones of Oswestry, allowing continuity for ongoing projects.

Mr Hilton said: “Jones of Oswestry was a respected name in the steel fabrication industry for more than five decades and we were obviously saddened to hear of the job losses on site.

“However, we are also aware that more jobs in the supply chain could be lost if projects relying on products from Jones’ are delayed. We’ve already taken orders for products similar to those in Jones’ portfolio from customers left in the lurch.

“We can also replicate Jones’ Tree Products including the Rootbox and Arborslot fabricated recessed tree surrounds for hard landscaping projects thanks to our bespoke design and manufacture capabilities.

“FSP has the best lead times in the industry, and given our flexibility to create bespoke as well as standard products with a quick turnaround, we are expecting our order book to increase.

“If any contractors or specifiers are now in the position of having to urgently source a new supplier, we are able to help. Thanks to our investment in a new Trumpf laser machine, we are able to ensure the best quality as well as the most cost-efficient and quickest service to customers.”

Mr Hilton said many enquiries had related to FSP’s newest addition to its FAB Pave range, the SOLO SLIDEâ„¢, a recessed cover and frame fabricated from mild steel which can blend in with the surrounding area.

It has been designed to be filled with a solid material, such as brick paviours, flagstones or asphalt, which means the cover blends in with the area in which it’s fitted. A unique feature of the SOLO SLIDEâ„¢ is an ergonomically designed key which allows for single person operation, eliminating health and safety concerns.

FSP’s FAB Pave product is suitable for external use and is ideal for all paved environments particularly where an aesthetically pleasing finish is important. Typical applications are retail parks and public areas of high prestige. FAB Pave covers can be seen in all major city centre locations across the UK.

For more information or product and sales enquiries contact sales@manholes.co.uk, contact FSP on 01952 581430 or see www.manholes.co.uk