Olympic turnaround for building blocks firm

Building blocks manufacturer Lignacite has returned to profit after securing a string of Olympic contracts.

The company, based in Brandon, suffered losses in 2008 and 2009 after the construction industry was hit in the recession.

But managing director Giles de Lotbiniere said fortunes had improved after the business was chosen to supply building blocks and specialist masonry products in six projects in the London 2012 Olympic park.

Lignacite, which employs about 40 in Brandon and 20 in Nazeing, Essex, has supplied products for the Olympic Stadium, velodrome, handball arena, Stratford Retail Centre and two bus stations at the East London site.

The company is also set to provide a recycled glass masonry product for the Olympic Village, which will accommodate athletes.

Lignacite's 2009 accounts show turnover of £9.9m, down from £13.3m in 2008, with a loss after tax of about £540,000, but Mr de Lotbiniere said the company had since returned to profit.

He said: “We have been very fortunate and have had great success with the Olympics.

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