Armac Group’s Adrian McLean takes over from Vernon Watson at the helm of an organisation that boasts over 400 members and is responsible for pioneering, promoting and professionalising a sector that started 3000 years ago.
The Operations Director, who himself has been in the industry for more than three decades, is looking to steer the IDE through one of the most exciting and challenging periods in its 48-year history, with a new focus on sustainability, the circular economy and developing the next generation of specialists.
There will also be a special focus on increasing its international membership, with overseas demolition engineers now able to benefit from an excellent ‘Transforming Demolition: Rethinking Demolition Management Through Circular Economy Principles’ course run online by the Perses Academy.
This is non-country specific and provides the perfect grounding for members to start their journey.
“It is a very proud moment to take over the Presidency of the Institute of Demolition Engineers, especially as it happened in my own town of Birmingham,” explained Adrian, who had the privilege of bestowing full membership on his son Cormac at the same event.
“I’m under no illusion to the challenges we face and the opportunities we must strive for. Things are changing faster than at any point, with structure and material reuse revitalising old methods and legacy issues – including RAAC and Large Panel System concrete structures - accelerating innovation amongst demolition firms.”
He continued: “As the industry changes so rapidly, the role of a demolition engineer must diversify and we have been providing more upfront material recovery feasibility assessments, which is leading to new techniques and ways of working.
“The IDE has supported this transition for some years now by creating educational routes for future members and a robust continuing professional development programme for its current members. This will accelerate under my stewardship.”
Solihull-based Armac Group has been operating in the UK for more than 27 years and was founded by Adrian’s father Noel Snr, who left his hometown of Cork with very little in his pockets to set-out on a new potential career in demolition in the West Midlands.
It was a fruitful decision, with the company now one of the most respected in its field, employing 67 people directly and lots more in its supply chain.
Hundreds of projects have been completed throughout the years, including the high-profile removal of Axis House in Birmingham City Centre, the SAS13 bridge replacement to facilitate HS2 and the demolition of the iconic Wembley Way footbridge at the home of English football.
Adrian picked up the story: “A big focus will be on improving the IDE member experience through even greater access to best practice seminars, more networking events and increased cross-institutional collaboration with groups outside of our own industry.
“We also want to communicate better by fully embracing the digital age and increasing the reach of our forums that are so appreciated by our members.”
He concluded: “Every new project tends to start with demolition, and I want to ensure the Institute of Demolition Engineers continues to help its members pave the way for a brighter future.”
