A Scottish company making 'green' construction blocks has raised a six-figure investment and plans a push into the defence market with a blast resistant version.
The £310,000 came from Edinburgh angel syndicate Equity Gap, Scottish Enterprise's co-investment fund and the University of Strathclyde’s Inspire Entrepreneurs’ Fund.
Stirling-based QuickBlock makes blocks from recycled plastic that ship in flat-pack and click open to create durable equivalents of concrete.
The blocks are made from recycled polypropylene that would otherwise go to landfill and can be repeatedly disassembled and reused.
The company has recently completed successful trials of a bullet and blast-resistant version, which could provide portable and rapidly-deployable shelter for troops in hostile environments.
QuickBlock chief executive Andrew Vincent said: “The additional funding allows us to grow the business from general civilian use into potentially a Nato-wide supplier of troop protection.
“We have established QuickBlock as an alternative to traditional materials in the construction sector and in pop up events and we will also be expanding that area of the business.”
The blocks can be filled with gravel or other material as barriers against certain vehicle attacks trying to ram crowds or enter restricted areas.
The firm said its blocks were similar in concept to children’s building blocks and require no tools, additional materials or construction experience to assemble.
Alex Lusty, head of operations at Equity Gap, commented: “It’s great to see QuickBlock developing their innovative, sustainable technology to provide defence and security solutions.”
Anne Henderson, investment manager at the University of Strathclyde, added: “We are proud to invest in a Strathclyde alumni start-up through our Strathclyde Inspire Entrepreneurs Fund.
“We look forward to following and supporting the company’s next chapter as it expands and grows.”
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