Journey Starts
Sights on the States
WJ started looking at the USA with a view to seeking innovative equipment and materials.
Imported first Hydro blaster from Hog Technologies, Florida.
Our interest in the USA markets, equipment and materials continued, developing relations with Contractors, Suppliers, and manufacturers.
USA Government signed the Rebuild Infrastructure Investment Plan, Guaranteeing funding for Highway Infrastructure.
WJ seriously investigated USA Highway Maintenance opportunities, reviewing either developing a business organically or acquiring an existing business.
Market research continued assessing opportunities and geographically suitability, progressing to understanding the legal requirements to register a newly established USA business.
Through 2022 it was agreed the American market gave opportunities to WJ with the senior leadership team agreeing to enter the market and offer innovative technology to improve safety on US highways through both retexturing and high friction surface treatments, which improve friction on the highway enhancing safety with minimal impact to the environment.
January
WJ USA holding company and WJ Surface Treatments LLC were formed and registered.
Throughout 2023, we have been applying for registration and approval to operate in our designated target States of operation.
February
Our first equipment was ordered, involving a fully automated HFST rig from CornerStone Construction Products, Kansas and a Lorry Mounted Shot Blaster from Hog Technologies, Florida.
April
Recruited our first USA based employee, the General Manager of WJ Surface Treatments LLC, Glenn Thompson.
July
Signed the lease for our first Depot facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
August
- Recruited our fist two operative to commence inductions, training, product, and equipment awareness.
- Commenced quoting for HFST works in States where we had gained approval to work within.
- Secured our first HFST scheme for Illinois DOT in Chicago for the value of $331K.
- Due to our reputation in the UK, seen as the leaders in HFST industry, we were nominated to sit on the American Traffic Safety Services Association High Friction Surface Treatment Council HFST committee.
- 2023 A UK client, CoGri Group Ltd asked if we would consider helping them, deliver our concrete reduction, levelling, and preparation services in the USA – We agreed to look at the viability of this service.
September
- Quoted our first concrete reduction job for CoGri USA LLC in Tennessee for the value of $86K.
- Approached by a USA competitor, Skidabrader asking if we would be interested in purchasing their HFST asset and order book.
October
- Due diligence was carried out on the Skidabrader HFST business reviewing existing contracts, strategy, equipment inventory and condition and reviewed the workforce skills, training and experience.
- Carried out our first CoGri USA LLC concrete reduction job in Tennessee using a combination of skilled UK operatives and trainees from the USA.
November
Acquired Skidabrader HFST business resulting in gaining a Contracts Director, Contracts Supervisor, four operatives, a Fully and a Semi Automated HFST rig along with Contacts in Iowa and Florida.
December
Commenced our first Fully Automated HFST installation in Florida.
