IMS’ Michael McLintock highlights the crucial role of stockholders in the UK steel industry
Barclay and Mathieson Ltd, operating under the BM Steel Group banner, stands as a leading national steel stockholder and processor, with ownership held by Marubeni Itochu Steel Inc (MISI). Among its various divisions, Industrial Metal Services (IMS)—BM Steel Group’s largest—resides in Essex and contributes approximately 40 per cent to the group’s overall output. Michael McLintock, the Group Commercial and Operations Director, provides an in-depth overview of IMS’ operations.
“IMS functions as a premier steel service centre and stockholder,” Michael begins. “Our extensive inventory includes thousands of tonnes of diverse steel products, such as beams, columns, flat bars, angles, round bars, and access and safety products. We also offer related products like glass reinforced plastic (GRP), used in a variety of sectors including construction, agriculture, and infrastructure to name a few. Our steel products essentially form the backbone of infrastructure across the country and stockholders play a crucial role in the economy.
Added value
“Our role extends beyond mere stocking; we add substantial value through various processes. Our CNC machines are employed to drill bolt connection holes and service slots. Additionally, we operate painting lines for protective coatings, shot blasting facilities for surface preparation, plasma cutting flatbed machines for profiling, and press brakes and guillotines for precise shaping and cutting. As intermediaries in the supply chain, steel stockholders like us bridge the gap between global production mills and steel fabricators of varying scales in the UK, facilitating crucial value addition.”
Investing in innovation
Since its previous feature in Construction and Civil Engineering magazine just over a year ago, BM Steel Group has significantly invested in enhancing its plant equipment to elevate value-added processing capabilities.
“This year alone, IMS has seen an investment exceeding £5 million. This encompasses a comprehensive new fleet of vehicles, the acquisition of an Esprit Viper—a heavy-duty CNC plasma profiler—and the installation of solar panels on our facility’s roof. Notably, we have also modernised our shot blasting and paint lines, with a machine upgrade totalling over £1 million. The highlight of our investments is an HGG RPC 1200 Mk3 cutting-edge robotic coping line, set to commence operations in September. This advanced technology will offer unparalleled precision and significantly benefit our customers,” Michael explains.
The robotic coping line, sourced from the Dutch company HGG, represents a transformative advancement for IMS. “Upon MISI’s acquisition of BM Steel Group, our strategy focused on expanding and enhancing our business to create value for both the company and its clients. We sought solutions to improve the coping process, which had traditionally been handled by our customers. With the industry’s challenge of a skilled labour shortage exacerbating the pressure to produce quickly and efficiently, finding a bold, forward-thinking solution was imperative.
Cutting-edge capabilities 
“Discovering HGG’s robotic machinery, specifically the HGG RPC 1200, proved pivotal. The robotic system’s exceptional capabilities – ranging from cutting and notching to plasma cutting and marking – allow us to perform tasks previously unattainable. This technology opens new avenues for operational expansion and precision, aligning with our commitment to enhancing our offerings.”
In addition to technological advancements, IMS’s success is also attributable to its strategic supplier collaborations. Michael elaborates on the selection process and partnerships with key suppliers. “While our network spans thousands of suppliers, we prioritise those with whom we have established trust for critical products and services. We value quality, price, delivery, and adherence to industry certifications.”
Esprit Automation has played a significant role in enhancing capabilities. “Esprit is an exemplary manufacturer, with six of its machines operating across BM Steel Group’s facilities. The machine at our Essex site, known for its speed, accuracy, and excellent software, stands out as superior in the market. Esprit’s outstanding service and support, coupled with their efficient repair and training services, reinforce our confidence in their technology.”
Safety first
A well-trained workforce is crucial for the effective use of advanced equipment. Michael highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. “Safety is our foremost priority. We conduct daily management meetings to review health and safety issues and key performance indicators. Our safety culture is reinforced by strict policies, and all staff receive internal training on safe steel handling. Each department has designated leaders responsible for overseeing safety, while all employees share the responsibility for personal and collective safety.
“Our group health and safety manager perform annual audits on each site, supported by a health and safety director overseeing support services. Our safety performance consistently demonstrates excellence, underscored by the message displayed at all facilities: ‘Nothing you do on-site today will be as important as going home to your friends and family.’ This reminder emphasises the importance of adhering to safety protocols and making cautious decisions.”
In summary, BM Steel Group’s IMS division exemplifies excellence in steel stockholding and processing, driven by substantial investments in cutting-edge technology, strategic supplier partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The group has an exciting future and is very positive on the outlook of the steel industry, in particular, value-added processing. BM Steel Group will continue to invest in plant and machinery, modernising its business and addressing clear problems it faces today, with investments made to match the growth expected in steel in the coming years.