Materials firms Aggregate Industries, BPB, Pilkington and RMC and contractor Alfred McAlpine have formed on-line business Mercadium. It is intended that, in the next five years, it will become the single electronic platform for buying materials.
The company will operate via a web site to be launched in June, which the five firms say will offer “a neutral marketplace” for the buying of materials.
The site is also expected to offer additional services, such as credit brokerage and insurance of goods in transit. Pilkington, which came up with the idea for the venture, has appointed three entrepreneurs in their mid-30s to run the company.
In five years’ time, this could potentially be the VHS of the industry
Jeff Hume, Finance Director, Alfred McAlpine
The managers have shortlisted two software suppliers for the site and are talking to half-a-dozen other industry players about putting in equity. The company claims that firms will be able to save 5-10% if they buy materials through the site.
Buyers will be able to select preferred suppliers and ask them to quote prices for materials.
