Grenadians now have easier access to one of the main materials used in construction – structural building blocks, following the recent opening of Abel Building Solutions (ABS) block depot operations under the management of Sissons Paints in Grenada.

Sissons Paints Grenada Ltd., like the Grenada Breweries Ltd., is part of the group of companies affiliated to the Trinidad-based conglomerate, ANSA McAL. On Thursday, November 16th, Managing Director of Sissons Paints, Christopher De Allie and other company representatives, participated in the unveiling of the new Bestcrete and Clay Block Depot of Abel Building Solutions (ABS), which itself is also part of the ANSA McAL family. The Block Depot is located on Maurice Bishop Highway, St George’s.

Mr. De Allie, in addressing the audience of business people, building contractors, and other professionals in the construction industry, promised that the new Block Depot will offer both Concrete and Clay structural blocks.  Bestcrete 4”, 6” and 8” concrete blocks and Clay 4” and 6” structural blocks.

Mr. De Allie spoke about the strength and durability of the Bestcrete concrete, its proven standard in regional building, and the increasing demands by contractors for blocks manufactured to quality industry standards. Bestcrete concrete blocks address the current gap in quality by meeting the newest ASTM standards.  Further, Mr. De Allie spoke about the benefits of using Clay, Abel Clay is  lighter, stronger, and ‘greener’ blocks.- “Clay keeps your building very cool and that is one of the major advantages of using clay,’’ He advised that Clay was being introduced to the Grenada market at a very competitive price.

Athena Garcia, ABS’ Sales and Marketing Executive who visited Grenada from Trinidad for the opening ceremony, said clay is the highest selling block in both Trinidad and Guyana. “It is a block that is fire resistant and engineered to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes’’.  Contrary to popular beliefs, Abel Clay foundation blocks (Colossus) and wall blocks (Hercules) have a higher compressive strength than concrete. The ASTM C90 standard for concrete is 13.8N/mm2. The ASTM C652 standard for clay is 17.2N/mm2, making it stronger, than concrete. Clay has tighter assemblies leading to more compact installations, increases energy efficiency, and its reduced weight allows for both cost savings and efficient building solutions.

Mr. De Allie, who also is a Senator representing the business sector in the Grenada Upper House of Parliament, boasted of the unmatched quality of the products available for purchase at the Bestcrete Concrete and Clay Block Depot.

“We are confident that our quality cannot be matched by anyone else; and with quality, we’re not only speaking about strength but we’re also speaking about finish,’’ he said. “You start with Bestcrete, and you’re getting one of the best blocks for your foundation, and finish with Clay, which is also strong, durable, elegant and affordable. And, of course, you will get one of the best finishes with Sissons Paints’’

At its start-up, the Block Depot will operate on a cash basis, said Mr. De Allie. “We’ll look at credit as we go along. We’re not saying we won’t give credit; but, we’ll look at it as we go along,’’ he added.

Mrs. Garcia, the ABS representative, was impressed with the local support shown for the new Block Depot.

“I want to say thanks for attending this function. More than anything, it shows your support to Sissons Paints and, in turn, your support to ABS,’’ she said. “It gives us an opportunity to celebrate what we can do together, and what we can bring to the Grenadian public.’’

She pledged that the partners of the Block Depot will deliver, saying “Once we give our word, it’s going to get done; and we are not talking about an additional cost to you.  We are speaking about convenience, supply, and making it the best solution and product for you’’.

She also thanked Mr. De Allie for his “leadership and foresight’’ in helping to get the Block Depot up and running.  She applauded the Grenadian building contractors for embracing the initiative and getting on board.

“We’re happy to do business with you and we look forward to a really bright future,’’ she said in her closing remarks to the contractors.