UK road markings giant WJ Group has announced plans to expand to the USA, with the launch of WJ Surface Treatments LLC.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the new business will be led by Glenn Thompson, who has over 20 years of experience in the transport and highway safety sector.
Mr Thompson will head up a team specialising in friction enhancement and road surface maintenance, initially working with transport departments across nine southeastern states, including Kentucky, Virginia, and Florida as well as general contractors.
WJ hopes to expand the use of techniques such as captive abrasive friction enhancement - which improves both the macro and micro texture of the surface by firing a large volume of small steel shot at the road - in the US.
It also aims to deploy high friction surface treatments (HFST), which increase skid resistance through the application of a new surface layer that contains superior aggregates
Mr Thompson, president and general manager at WJ Surface Treatments LLC said: 'The surface treatments market in the USA is in a very exciting place.
'With more states conducting friction testing on their roads, many general contractors and transport bodies will be looking for effective yet cost efficient and sustainable solutions – something that we can provide. We are very much looking forward to helping ensure drivers in the southeast have the best quality roads at their disposal to increase their safety and comfort.'
Wayne Johnston, CEO of WJ Group, said: 'This expansion in the USA is a goal that we have strived to achieve for several years so to now be able to offer our growing services to American transport authorities and general contractors is a brilliant achievement.'
As well as specialising in sectors such as bridges and highways, WJ Surface Treatments will also be able to support off-highways applications, including aviation, warehouses, factories, and retail.
Picture credit: krblokhin
