CELEBRATIONS are aplenty at Instarmac as technical manager, Sham Ali, celebrates 25 years’ service.
Sham joined Instarmac on the 1 April 1996 as R&D technologist. Within six months, Sham formulated and brought to market five new products – an achievement that helped lay the foundations for Instarmac to become the respected and trusted company it is today.
After being promoted to technical manager in 1997, his next focus was to expand the Instarmac portfolio to include tile adhesives, grouts, and floor levellers – products which would go on to make up the UltraTileFix and UltraFloor brands.
‘As well as pioneering many game-changing products, Sham has played a critical role in obtaining independent and third-party approval for several UltraCrete products and systems. Sham has worked closely with the British Board of Agrément for 20 years and helped UltraCrete gain its first approval in 2001 for their world-renowned Instant Road Repair.’
Other approvals followed including UltraCrete’s Manhole Reinstatement System in 2005, Permanent Pothole Repair in 2011 and Instaband ECO in 2012. Sham also helped with the specification, design and installation of the laboratory equipment at Instarmac’s Kingsbury Link and Dordon sites.
It’s not just R&D that’s benefited from Sham’s experience and spectacular knowledge. He assists with technical site visits and provides phone support for any customer who needs it. He’s visited licensees in Malaysia and Canada to commission their manufacturing plant for the production of Instant Road Repair and sits on several industry committees.
‘I’m honoured to work with several industry committees including FeRFA, CFA, RSTA, TTA, the Stone Federation and BSI. Working in partnership helps us fully understand the needs of the industry and allows us to develop standards to drive change and raise standards across the industry.’
When looking back over his career at Instarmac and his proudest achievement to date, Sham commented: ‘I’ve been lucky enough to work on some fantastic projects – including the refurbishment of the bridge decks at Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham – but I would have to say my proudest achievement so far is the development of Envirobed HA104.
‘When we launched this product there was nothing else like it in the industry. It was a completely unique product. We achieved something really special with Envirobed HA104. It elevated our product offering and the reputation of Instarmac. A really proud moment for me.’
Says Instarmac: ‘During his time here, Sham has formulated, developed, and enhanced many of our much-loved highway, paving, tiling, and flooring products. He’s crucial to the technical team and a pillar of support for the business. Congratulations Sham on this fantastic long-service award!’
