Oldcastle Architecture Acquires Expocrete, Harmony

Oldcastle Architectural has acquired Expocrete Concrete Products Ltd., giving the company an increased presence in the high-growth region of Western Canada. The company also has acquired Harmony Outdoor Products Inc., expanding the Belgard Hardscapes collection to include a full suite of pre-built modular hardscape elements for every outdoor living setting.

Expocrete manufactures a diverse range of concrete hardscape, masonry and precast products that meet high standards in quality, safety and sustainability. The company operates seven manufacturing facilities in the Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Winnipeg markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Expocrete will continue to be led by President David Johnson.

Oldcastle first partnered with Harmony Outdoor Products four years ago to offer contractors the option of the Belgard Elements Collection of modular fire features, water features, grill stations and kitchen islands; the pre-built structures integrate with Belgard Hardscapes paver and wall block for a seamless look and unparalleled design detail of outdoor spaces.

With this acquisition, Oldcastle will be able to expand Elements Collection design offerings and increase accessibility through Belgard’s broad geographic reach. Oldcastle has a comprehensive network of Belgard Authorized Dealers and Belgard Authorized Contractors throughout North America, ensuring homeowners’ access to a wide range of Belgard pavers, wall block and modular features.

Belgard Hardscapes Announces Ultimate Contractor Contest

Belgard Hardscapes is launching its Ultimate Contractor Contest, running through May 15, 2013.

Belgard challenges contractors across the country to share a new sales or marketing approach that will grow their business in 2013. Submissions will be accepted through May 15 at www.Belgard.biz/ultimate. 

The contractor with the most innovative idea will be named the Ultimate Contractor and receive a $15,000 business improvement package including:
    • 1,000 square feet of a product from Belgard Hardscapes’ 2013 introductions (product may depend on geographic region)
    • One year subscription to VisionScapes design software
    • A marketing consultation facilitated by the Belgard Hardscapes Marketing Team
    • A “Come Alive Outside Day” hosted by leading industry consultant Jim Paluch
    • One year enrollment in the Working Smarter Training Challenge
    • One year enrollment in A Better Way 2 Learn Financials.
  
For full contest rules and regulations and to enter, visit www.Belgard.biz/ultimate.

Belgard Permeable Pavers Qualify Projects for EPA Grants

Belgard Hardscapes’ permeable pavers may help qualify projects for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) new Urban Waters Small Grants program.

The Urban Waters Small Grants program will award between $1.8 million and $3.8 million in funding during 2012 for research, studies, training and demonstration projects with the intent to improve water quality and revitalize communities. The deadline for grant applications is Jan. 23.

“This grant offers a tremendous opportunity for those in the building and design community to create sustainable projects, something we strongly value at Belgard,” says Chuck Taylor, commercial and permeable pavers expert for Belgard Hardscapes.

“We are always working to help builders and landscape architects find solutions that incorporate sustainability into their projects, and we’re excited that our permeable pavers qualify for the EPA new Urban Waters Small Grants program,” Taylor says.

The goal of the new EPA grant program is to improve water quality, which also helps support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents.

As more land is developed, the natural water filtration provided by the soil is continually being diminished. In turn, storm water runoff – mixed with motor oil, fertilizers, and other contaminants – can pollute lakes, rivers, coastlines, and groundwater. As part of a bio-aquifer storm water system, Belgard environmental permeable pavers can virtually eliminate runoff, potentially removing the need for retention ponds or underground sewer pipes.

Belgard permeable paver benefits:
• Reduces pollution from rainwater runoff
• Reduces runoff from the common rainstorm by as much as 100 percent
• 50 year life-cycle for surface
• Outperforms similar systems in harsh climates or freeze-thaw cycles
• Replaces detention/retention ponds

The deadline for submitting proposals to EPA is Jan. 23, 2012. For more information on the EPA Urban Waters Small Grant, visit www.epa.gov/urbanwaters.