Fair-faced concrete specialist hits the mark with competitively priced spiral staircases

Precast concrete construction

MBS Group is known as a major player within precast concrete construction, with fast delivery times and an outstanding MKI score. Recently, the precast concrete plant in Vianen was split into two production sites. In Alphen aan den Rijn the focus is now on structural concrete for residential, high-rise and utility construction, while the exposed concrete plant in Soest concentrates entirely on MBS Specials products: a wide range of elements such as concrete stairs, balconies and gallery slabs. Notable among other things is the competitive price of the spiral staircases: "Because we can produce them relatively cheaply, our spiral staircases are very attractive to investors," says Ronald Driever, MBS Specials' business manager.

Also at the table is Roel Balkenende, who is manager of the site in Soest, which recently obtained the CSC-Silver certificate. CSC is committed worldwide to the sustainability of concrete and the certificate shows that MBS deals responsibly with issues such as working conditions, safety and sustainability. "The division into two production locations is very pleasing. We are really experiencing the benefits of it. Because we now focus entirely on the production of MBS Specials, for example, we use the best possible raw materials for the mixes intended for our fair-faced concrete. We can also switch even faster when something doesn't go quite right in the production process. The client definitely sees this reflected in the quality. In addition, we are centrally located in the Netherlands which allows us to serve our clients well."

Thinking along

Besides the sight work mentioned, MBS Specials also produces items such as block steps, stacking steps, landings, columns and bridges. Driever: "Our employees have years of experience and are true specialists. That gives us the ability to provide perfect custom work. Concrete work these days is no longer just straightforward. More and more details are required. We have now reached the point where we can meet all concrete requirements. Not only are we able to fabricate the entire construction part of a design, but we do it incredibly fast. And we like to think actively with our customers from our experience. For example, sometimes it is more beneficial to make a minimal change to the architect's design to avoid later problems. Or so that more elements can fit into one mold, which is an environmental and financial advantage. Another example is colored concrete, which is increasingly in demand. Some colors are weathered within a year due to air conditions. That is of course a mortal sin of the investment, so that is also an aspect we actively draw our customers' attention to. And of course in advising them by indicating which shades are more colorfast."

Turnstiles

MBS Specials is frequently called upon to produce spiral staircases, and for good reason. Driever explains, "Turnstiles are attractive because they save two to four square meters of space per floor. We use adjustable steel molds to produce them. Among other things, this means that an entire forest no longer needs to be cut down to make a wooden mold. Much more durable and it benefits the production speed. And certainly not unimportant is the competitive price we can charge. That is something we are somewhat unique in the Netherlands."