MP turns Bob the Builder as he operates new WBM bulldozer

The latest addition to Wight Building Materials’ vehicle fleet has been put through its paces by Island MP Bob Seely.

Wight Building Materials (WBM) has invested nearly £400,000 in new environmentally friendlier vehicles recently, including: a new bulldozer, cherry picker and ‘hi ab’ lorry loader and concrete pump.

Bob took the wheel of the 18-tonne new bulldozer during a fact-finding mission to Wight Building Materials’ base at St George’s Down near Newport. Under the guidance of WBM’s Oz Gulliver, Bob drove the new vehicle within the WBM depot and also tried his hand at earth moving.

Beforehand, WBM general manager Steve Burton had given Bob a tour of the site briefing him on all aspects of the business, including its ongoing programme to reinstate previously quarried sites back into countryside land rich in biodiversity.

Steve also spoke about the company’s contribution to the local economy through its position as major supplier to the local construction industry as well as highlighting recent – and future – investment in the business.

As well as spending £400,000 on four new fleet vehicles, the company also has plans to spend nearly £2 million this year on a new silt conditioning plant that will enable WBM to recycle material to assist its restoration and reinstatement programme.

Steve explained: “This new investment will ensure we continue to offer our customers the very best products and services and will help us to maintain our place as the Island’s premier supplier of aggregate, building and construction products.

“It also enables us to make the best use of our precious local resources and to ensure we operate the business in the most environmentally sustainable way.

“We were delighted Bob took the time both to put the new bulldozer through its paces and to hear about all aspect of the work we are doing here and elsewhere on the Island.”

Bob said: “I was impressed to see not only the physical investment in new technology but also the company’s commitment to being a responsible local employer as well as a business that meets its responsibilities to the environment.

“Nearly 40 Islanders are employed directly by WBM with a further 30 more indirectly employed. It’s good to see a successful local company having such a positive impact on the Island economy.”