Protecting production through reliable drainage management for building material manufacturer Ibstock
Published: 5 November 2026
Ibstock, the UK's largest brick manufacturer, operates a high-intensity production environment where dust and friable materials inevitably enter the drainage network. To remain operational and compliant with environmental regulations, the drainage system must be consistently clean, clear, and functioning effectively.
The client required a reliable local supplier capable of delivering both planned preventive maintenance and rapid response support during incidents. The challenge centred on maintaining drainage performance in a demanding industrial setting while ensuring environmental protection and uninterrupted production.
We were engaged to provide a structured, dependable servicing programme tailored to the site's operational pressures and regulatory obligations.
Client challenge
Ibstock needed a partner who could manage ongoing drainage risks created by continuous dust generation and heavy vehicle movements. The drainage network plays a critical role in keeping the plant compliant, and any failure could lead to environmental breaches or operational downtime.
The client was looking for a local supplier who could provide a reliable service for both pre-planned, regular servicing and could respond in the event of any incidents. This challenge required a supplier capable of understanding site-specific risks, maintaining consistent service quality, and providing rapid mobilisation when unexpected issues arose.
We needed to deliver a programme that balanced routine maintenance with responsive support, ensuring the plant remained protected throughout the year.
Solution and approach
We spent time on site with the production team to review the existing drainage network and identify environmental risks. A weekly planned preventive maintenance (PPM) programme was established, supported by a specialist jet-vac unit capable of jetting and suction operations to clean pipework with minimal disruption.
To ensure consistency and efficiency, the same engineers were allocated each week, building familiarity with site conditions and operational routines. The team also emptied, cleaned and refilled the wheel wash station to prevent material being carried off-site by vehicle movements. This structured, repeatable approach ensured the network remained clear, compliant and resilient to the site's demanding environment.
The weekly programme was delivered with disciplined consistency, using the same engineers to maintain quality and familiarity with the site's operational layout. The jet-vac unit provided high-performance jetting and suction capability, allowing the team to clean critical drainage elements without interrupting production.
We also supported the client by identifying a damaged pipe located off the boundary, preventing potential pollution. The team notified the local water company who subsequently completed the repair. This combination of proactive maintenance, responsive support, and environmental vigilance ensured the site remained fully compliant and operational throughout the programme.
Outcome and impact
The contract was extended after a successful first year, reflecting the high standard of delivery and the client's confidence in our service. All works were completed to the highest levels of health, safety and quality.
Identification of the off-boundary damaged pipe prevented a potential pollution incident, demonstrating the value of our proactive approach. Ibstock commented, "The Team from Jet Aire have been fantastic … delivering a brilliant service."
The reliability of a local supplier capable of both maintenance and repair has strengthened Ibstock's operational resilience. They also highlighted the benefit of our repair division, ensuring a single supplier can manage all drainage requirements, including planned works during the summer shutdown.
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