GJ Mats – The power of persistence

GJ Mats – The power of persistence

The key to successfully starting any new business lies in finding a product or service niche that isn’t currently served by an existing company. GJ Mats, founded in 2013 by Gareth Jones, is no exception. After working in the construction, timber, and civil engineering industries for several years, Gareth was frustrated with the lack of availability of bog mats in the UK.

 

Spotting a gap in the market for high-quality, durable bog mats for a variety of sectors, Gareth embarked on a mission that took him to the US, Cameroon, and even Romania to find a quality manufacturer that he could stock in the UK.

 

Today, GJ Mats is the UK’s leading supplier of Ekki timber crane and bog mats, with extensive experience and knowledge of several industries and applications. Facilitating both the sale and hire of sustainable timber bog mats, the company’s reliable team of experts are dedicated to assisting customers and ensuring the mats are built to clients’ specifications and sizes to meet project requirements.

 

From its depot in Wales, the company brings together a global network of premium mat suppliers across Europe, North America, South America, and West Africa. GJ Mats prides itself on holding large stocks to enable next-day delivery within the UK, as well as offering worldwide shipping options. Gareth joins us to reflect on the company’s evolution and share its latest developments, including the recent addition of rugby legend, Jonathan Davies OBE, as brand ambassador.

 

“I’ve worked in the construction and civil engineering sector for decades now, and my first experience with bog mats occurred when I was working for the National Grid on the main gas pipelines in the UK,” Gareth opens. “The specific job was on the largest gas line in the UK, which was a high-profile project worth over £1 billion.

 

“As part of my role, the site manager asked me to source some high-quality bog mats. At the time, the internet was only just being developed, but I managed to create a single contact with a company in Holland. To cut a long story short, I was asked to source 15,000 mats and secured a total of 15.”

 

Highlighting the extent of the UK’s problem with sourcing bog mats, Gareth shares how his frustration soon turned into determination. “After thorough research, I found an abundance of stockists in North America, South America, and West Africa,” he recalls. “Shortly after, I was contacted by someone in Southampton who could supply us with some mats. He turned out to be more of a middleman than a supplier, but I learned a lot from him about the product itself.

 

“Next thing I know, after several conversations, I was jumping on a flight to America, then Romania, Bulgaria, and France in Europe, followed by Cameroon and Gabon in West Africa, with an objective to learn as much as possible about the mats and potentially find a supplier. I made a few contacts I could trust, but then my next problem was figuring out how to break into the UK market.

 

“While planning to start the business, I worked as a consultant between 2007 and 2014, operating behind the scenes of some major players in the UK’s construction sector. I thought that by working within the relevant markets, I would learn more about bog mats, such as specifications, applications, and quality standards.

 

“My opportunity to break into the market arose from a timber exhibition I attended at the NEC in Birmingham, England. I met a supplier who, after a few months of contact, decided to do business with me. So, again, I hopped on a plane to Arkansas, America, and managed to secure a deal to import more than 80 container loads of bog mats into the UK.”

 

Hence, GJ Mats was born in 2013. “After building trust with the original supplier, he allowed me to import even more mats, and the business just exploded from there,” Gareth narrates. “We started working on more high-profile projects for major clients like Murphy, and we gradually expanded to cater to a diverse range of sectors including wind farms and bridge demolitions.

 

“For around ten years, I did everything from invoicing to cleaning the mats, before we were established enough to invest in recruitment. Although we remain a level-headed company today, we now boast a team of around seven people, and we have a new health and safety manager joining us in a few weeks’ time.

 

Turning to the product itself, Gareth continues: “Our mats are made from a dense, durable timber from West Africa, and we pride ourselves on offering the strongest, longest lasting mats in the market. Our competitors’ products are nowhere near our standards, and we are currently the only company in the UK that can import and supply these mats.

 

“Last year, we supplied mats for one of the largest cranes in the UK to sit on, and another of the UK’s largest cranes is currently sat on our mats down in Hinckley Point. Due to holding stock, we can also supply mats in urgent situations. We supported Liverpool Football Club, for instance, with the refurbishment and expansion of the Anfield Road Stand by successfully supplying them with mats at short notice.”

liverpool stadium

Anfield Stadium, Liverpool FC

Having reached this position, we’re keen to hear what’s next for GJ Mats. “Our biggest investment is yet to come, as we have plans in place for a brand-new facility,” Gareth reveals. “We’ve just purchased a secure site in mid Wales and we’re now waiting for our plans to be approved. If all goes well, the complex will include in-house mat washing facilities, a small mill, offices, meeting rooms, and even sleeping quarters to accommodate our drivers in the event of a late-night return to depot. This is our biggest investment to date, and we hope to be fully operational at the new site by around this time next year.”

The company has also seen Welsh rugby union star, Jonathan Davies, come onboard as a brand ambassador. “I’ve known Jonathan for several years and the two of us were at a dinner around six months ago,” Gareth explains. “I had a quick chat with him about GJ Mats and suggested he get in contact with me if he was interested in supporting the business.

 

“Jonathan was looking for a new challenge and as a small local business, our values aligned. He decided to come onboard a couple of months ago to take the business to the next level. We hope to grow brand awareness and open GJ Mats to new audiences that may not be aware of our product offering.”

GJ Mats’ Brand Ambassador, Jonathan Davies OBE

Discovering Gareth’s complex journey behind establishing GJ Mats is not only inspiring but shows his determination to see the business succeed. “Our goal is to continue growing the business and ensuring we can supply customers with high quality mats,” he suggests. “With the addition of a new health and safety manager, we’re hoping to achieve the relevant accreditations and certifications as we move to our new facility.

 

“The new site will dominate most of our operations and investments over the next 12 months,” Gareth concludes. “Further afield, I’d like to see us continue our current growth trajectory, and on a personal note, I’d love for my children to get involved with the business and continue its legacy beyond my capability.”

Jonathan Davies OBE Joins GJ Mats as Brand Ambassador

Jonathan Davies OBE Joins GJ Mats as Brand Ambassador

Jonathan Davies OBE Joins GJ Mats

 Jonathan Davies OBE Joins GJ Mats as Brand Ambassador

We are thrilled to announce that Jonathan Davies OBE, a rugby legend and esteemed broadcaster, has joined GJ Mats as our Brand Ambassador. Known for his illustrious career in both rugby union and rugby league, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a winning mindset to our team.

Welsh Rugby Legend

Jonathan Davies has had an extraordinary rugby career, representing Wales and playing for top clubs like Neath RFC, Llanelli, and Cardiff RFC in rugby union. His versatility was evident when he transitioned to rugby league, making a significant impact with Widnes, Warrington, and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Jonathan’s athletic achievements, leadership, voluntary work and commitment to excellence earned him accolades, including the prestigious OBE in 2015 for his charitable contributions to cancer support.

Why Jonathan Davies?

At GJ Mats, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, durability, and reliability in our timber mats. Jonathan’s career reflects these same values. His resilience on the field and dedication off it mirror the robustness and dependability of our products. As a well-respected figure in the sports community, Jonathan embodies the spirit of excellence we strive for in our industry.

A Partnership for Success

Jonathan will play a pivotal role in promoting GJ Mats and highlighting the critical importance of using high-quality timber mats in construction and infrastructure projects. His involvement will help us reach a broader audience and reinforce our message of delivering top-tier solutions for challenging terrains.

“We are excited to have Jonathan Davies on board as our brand ambassador. His achievements in rugby and his work ethic align perfectly with our company values. We look forward to a successful partnership,”

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of GJ Mats.

With Jonathan Davies as our ambassador, GJ Mats is poised to enhance our brand visibility and strengthen our position as a leading supplier of timber mats. We are confident that this collaboration will bring new opportunities and success to both Jonathan and GJ Mats.

For more information about our products and services, and to see how Jonathan Davies contributes to our mission, stay tuned to our updates and follow us on our social media channels.  Contact the team now

Welcome to the team, Jonathan!  

 

Why Not Call Us For a Free Quote?

Call our expert team with your questions and we will be happy to help.  

0800 7747751 / 07896 265981

We have the largest stocks of Premium Ekki Bogmats in the UK and our prices for Hire or Sale are still competitive in price

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A Foundation for Progress: GJ Mats’ Critical Role in the Northumberland Line Improvement

This past Sunday, a significant milestone was achieved in the Northumberland Line improvement scheme with the demolition of the North Seaton signal box. As the project moves forward, GJ Mats is proud to have supplied the essential bog mats that protected the railway line during this crucial operation.

Our commitment to providing durable, reliable groundwork solutions was put to the test, and we’re delighted to have played a part in the seamless execution of these works. A big thank you to S Evans & Sons Ltd for their excellent and efficient delivery of the demolition.

As we look forward to the demolition of the remaining signal boxes, GJ Mats stands ready to support the continued success of this vital infrastructure project.

#InfrastructureExcellence #RailwayImprovement #GJMats #NorthumberlandLine

 

 

 

GJ Mats – The power of persistence

The key to successfully starting any new business lies in finding a product or service niche that isn’t currently served by an existing company. GJ Mats, founded in 2013 by Gareth Jones, is no exception. After working in the construction, timber, and civil engineering...

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WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
NEXTDAY UK DELIVERY

CALL NOW 0800 7747751

EXPERT TEAM

Expanding the GJ Mats Fleet

Expanding the GJ Mats Fleet

Expanding GJ Mats’ Horizons: The New Blue Fleet 

In an exciting development for both our operations and our valued clients, GJ Mats proudly unveils a significant enhancement to our service delivery capabilities: a brand new, custom-painted truck, resplendent in our signature brand blue. This latest addition to our fleet is not just a statement of style; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service.  

Next Day UK Delivery

Our head driver Dai is always on the road overseeing our next day UK wide delivery of Bog Mats to a myriad of different projects.

The introduction of this new vehicle is set to enhance how we meet our clients’ needs, particularly with our next-day delivery service. This commitment to rapid service is more than just a convenience; it’s a crucial component of project planning and execution in the fast-paced world of construction and infrastructure development.

Lastest Technology & Quality

Equipped with the latest in vehicle technology and tailored specifically to the transport of our high-quality bog mats, this truck is a symbol of our dedication to efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. It enhances our logistical capabilities, allowing us to streamline our delivery processes and ensure that our products are where they need to be, when they need to be there.

At GJ Mats, we understand that time is of the essence in our industry. Delays can lead to escalated costs, extended project timelines, and increased pressures on our clients. That’s why we’re investing in assets that enable us to uphold our service promises. Our new truck is more than just a vehicle; it’s a pledge to our customers that we’re here to support their success with reliable, timely solutions.

More than just a Truck

This enhancement to our fleet is a clear indication of our growth and our ambition to continually elevate the standard of service we provide. It reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, our dedication to environmental sustainability through efficient logistics, and our resolve to be the partner of choice for bog mat solutions across the UK.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the opportunities it presents for both GJ Mats and our clients. This is more than just a new truck; it’s a new horizon for GJ Mats, as we drive forward in our mission to support the UK’s infrastructure and construction projects with even greater efficiency and reliability.

Contact our team to see how they can help you ..  and maybe Dai can see you tomorrow with a ready supply of Bog mats!

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Bog Mats and Historic M25 Closure

Bog Mats and Historic M25 Closure

GJ Mats: Pioneering Protection on the M25 During Its Historic Closure

This past weekend, the M25 witnessed an unprecedented event in its history – a complete closure to facilitate essential maintenance and upgrade works. At the forefront of this monumental task was GJ Mats, whose contribution not only ensured the success of the operation but also highlighted our vital role in protecting one of the UK’s key transport arteries.

As specialists in providing high-quality ekki bog mats, GJ Mats was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the extensive works undertaken on the M25. Our mats provided a sturdy, reliable surface over the motorway, protecting it from potential damage during the demolition and construction activities. This level of protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the motorway’s surface, minimising disruptions, and ensuring the safety of the workers and the public.

The closure of the M25 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the UK’s road infrastructure. It allowed for the seamless execution of critical tasks, including the demolition of outdated structures and the installation of new, more efficient ones. GJ Mats is proud to have played a key role in this historic undertaking, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the nation’s infrastructure projects with our top-of-the-line ekki bog mats.

This event not only underscores the importance of thorough planning and execution in infrastructure development but also highlights the indispensable role of GJ Mats in ensuring these processes proceed without a hitch. Our products are designed to withstand the rigours of heavy construction, providing a safe and durable platform for a wide range of projects.

As we look to the future, GJ Mats remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in the field of infrastructure support. We continue to work closely with our partners and clients, providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the UK’s transportation network. The M25 closure and the successful completion of this weekend’s work are a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders come together, supported by the best materials and equipment available.

The role of GJ Mats in this historic event is a proud moment for us and a clear indication of our capabilities and reliability as a supplier. We are honoured to contribute to the safety and efficiency of the UK’s road infrastructure projects and look forward to continuing our work in this vital sector.

#GJMats #InfrastructureProtection #M25Closure #CivilEngineering #UKInfrastructure

 

 

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NEXTDAY UK DELIVERY

CALL NOW 0800 7747751

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Demolition Heroes: GJ Mats’ Role in the M25 Jct 10 Scheme

Demolition Heroes: GJ Mats’ Role in the M25 Jct 10 Scheme

Unsung Heroes of Infrastructure .. Protecting the M25

GJ Mats’ Bogmats Role in the M25 Jct 10 Scheme

Bogmats were crucial for the M25 Bridge Demolition.  This past weekend marked a significant milestone in the M25 Jct 10 improvement scheme, but it wasn’t just about construction. It was about making way for progress with precision, safety, and efficiency. We’re proud to spotlight GJ Mats’ critical role in this endeavour as we supplied the essential Ekki bog mats for the operation.

The Demolition Operation

As the A3 south of the M25 was closed, a crucial operation took place – the demolition of the reinforced concrete Wisley footbridge and the post-tensioned Cockcrow footbridge. Thanks to the meticulous planning and execution by Clarke Demolition and the protective foundation provided by GJ Mats’ ekki bog mats, the project was carried out flawlessly throughout the night. This preparation ensured the road surface was shielded, allowing for the safe and effective demolition of the bridges.

Client Collaboration

The operation was not just a demonstration of demolition expertise but also a testament to the seamless collaboration between GJ Mats and our partners, including Balfour Beatty Atkins, Chevron, Saferoad, Highway Care, and Clarke Demolition. Our ekki bog mats were at the forefront, ensuring the preservation of the road surface during this intricate process, and showcasing our commitment to providing durable and reliable solutions for critical infrastructure projects.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for an unprecedented mid-March weekend closure of the M25 between junctions 10 and 11. This isn’t just another demolition; we’re also preparing to erect the heaviest gantry yet across the M25 – a monumental structure weighing 128 tonnes and spanning 60 meters. GJ Mats is ready to support this next phase with our high-quality ekki bog mats, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this massive undertaking.

We extend our gratitude to our delivery partner, caterers, and everyone involved in making the weekend’s work a resounding success. As we move forward with the M25 Jct 10 scheme, GJ Mats remains committed to excellence, safety, and innovation in supporting the UK’s infrastructure projects.

#GJMats #InfrastructureExcellence #M25Jct10 #EkkiBogMats #BridgeDemolition #CivilEngineering #SustainableSolutions #UKInfrastructure

Our Managing Director Gareth Jones posted about it on Linked In here

GJ Mats Bog Mats at M25 Bridge Demolition

 

 

GJ Mats – The power of persistence

The key to successfully starting any new business lies in finding a product or service niche that isn’t currently served by an existing company. GJ Mats, founded in 2013 by Gareth Jones, is no exception. After working in the construction, timber, and civil engineering...

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Bog Mats Protecting the Railways

  A Foundation for Progress: GJ Mats' Critical Role in the Northumberland Line Improvement This past Sunday, a significant milestone was achieved in the Northumberland Line improvement scheme with the demolition of the North Seaton signal box. As the project...

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Expanding GJ Mats' Horizons: The New Blue Fleet  In an exciting development for both our operations and our valued clients, GJ Mats proudly unveils a significant enhancement to our service delivery capabilities: a brand new, custom-painted truck, resplendent in our...

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WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
NEXTDAY UK DELIVERY

CALL NOW 0800 7747751

EXPERT TEAM

Bond? No Bog Mats

You might not associate the glamorous and exciting world of 007 with the provision of top quality timber mats, crane mats, tropical hardwood mats and oak mats to the construction and civil engineering industries, but think again. With Spectre, the long awaited new Bond film, released later this month, we thought it was about time we shared some of the similarities between Bond – and Bog mats.

International heroes! It is of course a given that James Bond will fly off at a moment’s notice to locations you might never have dreamed of, to save the world. Here at GJ Bog Mats, we have built up a strong reputation for doing exactly the same – not perhaps for maintaining world peace and keeping the terrorists at bay, but providing top quality timber mats and crane mats to customers internationally. We have supplied bog mats to projects most recently in the Falkland Islands and Oman.

Exceptional performance in extreme environments! Whether at home or abroad, 007 always comes good under extreme pressure and in extreme environments. Working in the desert and on the edge of Antarctica have presented our bog mats with very different challenges, and they have performed magnificently. ‘M’ would have been proud…

Versatility a given Just as James Bond can adapt to any situation, be it a casino in Montenegro, chasing villains through railway tunnels or battling evil in space, he is undoubtedly fit for purpose. Our bog mats are suitable for any situation – be it providing temporary roadways, crane mats to support cranes during lifting, protecting sites of special scientific interest during projects, or keeping the feet of thousands of festival goers out of the mud. And our bog mats don’t need smart suits or pens that shoot poison darts (although if anyone’s offering, we wouldn’t say no!) just our expertise, efficient delivery and lay down provided by our CSCS accredited workforce.

Fit for purpose From our European oak mats and beech mats, our tropical hardwood mats and top of the range Emtek mats, we have the bog mats and crane mats suitable for your project. Fit for purpose and ready to go – license to kill not required!

Ready to go We may not be at the beck and call of MI6 just yet, but with stocks of our bog mats stored at ports across the UK, we’re ready to go at a moment’s notice, whether you are looking to hire or buy bog mats for your project.

So while James Bond embarks on his next adventure later this month, yet again testing his credentials as an international agent against the latest adversity, we’ll be providing our expertise and our top quality bog mats to projects at home and abroad. Watch this space for more news – and if you’d like to find out more about our bog mats and how we can help your project, why not get in touch?

Pipelines & Penguins – GJ Mats in the Falkland Islands

Last month we were talking about the challenges of working in the heat of the desert. By way of contrast, this month, we’re quite literally at the other end of the earth, in the Falkland Islands. The British military maintain a presence on the Falkland Islands and GJ Bog Mats are involved in a project supplying diesel pipelines, bog mats and concrete sections for the Ministry of Defence.

Local wildlife and logistics make this project interesting!

Just as the contract to supply pipeline skids in Oman presented us with issues of heat and sand, the Falklands has its own extremes of climate and terrain to contend with – not to mention the local wildlife! We have worked closely with this prestigious customer to match their needs and requirements with the right products and service. Even the logistics of reaching the Falklands are tricky, requiring complex freight organisation – not to mention onward transportation: of the 4,700 square miles that make up the archipelago, there’s less than 1,000km of road – much of which is little more than dirt track.

The terrain itself in the Falkland Islands is fairly rough, the weather wild – hardly ideal conditions to be working in. However, this is just the kind of environment where out bog mats and timber mats are essential on a project, providing a stable footing for the pipeline and associated works. And while, of course, the pipelines continue to take precedence as we work with the Ministry of Defence, as it’s nearly Christmas, it would only be appropriate to share something else about the Falkland Islands: Penguins!!

Penguins – and no snow!

The Falklands is more rainy than snowy, and yet despite images of penguins in the white wonderlands of the Arctic and Antarctic, the Falklands plays host to as many as a million penguins from 5 of the 17 species, and the largest population of Gentoo penguins in the world. We’d love to tell you about pipelines and timber mats, but we reckon you’re more interested in the penguins, so here are 5 things we’ve learned about the Falkland Islands’ penguin populations:

  1. The Emperor penguin is the tallest and heaviest of the penguin species and can grow up to 122cm tall!
  2. Rockhopper penguins often burst from the water near shore and land on rocks with a belly flop.
  3. There is a species of penguin called the Macaroni penguin. Contrary to what you might have thought, it eats small fish and squid – just like other penguins. No record of whether it likes pasta.
  4. The different breeds of penguin have distinctive features that helps tell them apart – from the busy yellow tufts of the rock hopper to the white ‘bar’ across the top of the Gentoo penguin head.
  5. Both Rockhopper penguins and Emperor penguins ‘featured’ in the animated ‘Happy Feet’ film, along with Adelie penguins (not native to the Falklands) which featured in the 2014 John Lewis Christmas Ad ‘Monty the Penguin’.

So there you have it – pipelines and penguins. We at GJ Mats are proud to be involved in such a challenging project as this one and we’d be pleased to discuss your next project with you – penguins are optional!

Temporary Access Mats facilitate Wind Farm Access – in Turkey

Temporary Access Mats facilitate Wind Farm Access – in Turkey

After a successful project supplying temporary access roadways to a wind farm in Cumbria, GJ Bogmats is delighted to announce that we have been asked to provide our mats to a similar wind farm project -in Turkey!

Controversial they may be, but love them or loathe them, wind farms are an increasing feature of our landscape – and in the search for more sustainable energy, solutions to the global energy crisis that we’re facing, it looks like they are here to stay. One of the key features of wind farms is their location: usually found in remote, hard to access areas. These areas where wind farms are located are often also stunningly beautiful landscapes that need to be protected: exposed moorlands, hill tops and similar.

Remote locations mean creative solutions

The very remoteness of their location means that getting to windfarms can be problematic. Unlikely to be next to an established road network, access solutions are an important consideration for the lifetime of a windfarm – not only for the initial construction phase but for ongoing maintenance.

Bogmats provide a comprehensive and creative solution to the question of temporary access for windfarms, and we recently supplied our mats to a windfarm in Cumbria, facilitating access in a remote area to protect the underlying terrain while providing a safe, secure surface for vehicles to us. Indeed, the project was so successful, and the client so impressed with the quality of our bogmats and the service we provided, that we have been asked to repeat the service at a new windfarm site in Turkey.

International bogmat import & export available

We’re well placed to supply bogmats overseas, with relationships with some of the largest logistics lines allowing us to offer an efficient, reliable export service internationally – we’ve worked as far afield as Oman and the Falkland Islands in recent months delivering pipeline protection mats to support projects in varied terrains.

Our high quality bog mats are the perfect solution to create temporary access over remote, environmentally sensitive terrain, avoiding the need for digging out track ways yet at the same time providing a strong, stable platform for lorries and heavy equipment. Talk to us about how we can help your project.

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