DUDLEY’S regeneration and enterprise boss visited a Stourbridge-based company to find out how they are creating pioneering building equipment to support developing countries.

Councillor Simon Phipps met with staff at Build Works Solutions as part of the Made in Dudley borough initiative.

The company has developed and now manufactures machines and equipment that make more than 50 concrete building products without the need for electricity.

The lack of electricity in villages of developing countries often prevents housing projects getting started but the equipment developed by Build Works Solutions is helping to get these projects off the ground.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “I am in awe of Build Works Solutions. Not only are they supporting this region’s economy by sourcing raw materials from local suppliers, but they are making a huge difference internationally in developing countries, giving small villages and communities the prospect of building better homes and quality of lives.

"They have created ways to overcome the hurdles these communities face and should be incredibly proud of the work they do."

Build Works Solutions is now exporting to more than 30 countries around the world, many within Africa. It aims to be working in 50 countries by 2022 and has recently opened its first office and training site in Nairobi in Kenya.

Oliver Glendenning, sales director at Build Works Solutions, said: "A big barrier to development across Africa is the lack of electricity, it often stops building projects for many months.

"We have developed a range of machines that can crush waste concrete, sort into sizes and then make building blocks, roof tiles or paving blocks all without electricity.

"These affordable machines mean every village can have their own manufacturing plant for building supplies and thus improve the quality of housing everywhere."