Dynamic Duo

13 October, 2025

The new state-of-the-art crushing and screening plant at Tarmac’s Bayston Hill Quarry showcases Duo Group’s comprehensive service capability

First published in the October 2025 issue of Quarry Management

Duo Group are one of the most respected names in the aggregates and broader construction sector, providing bespoke turnkey plant solutions from initial design and engineering through to site assembly and commissioning. Simon Chan spoke with managing director Martin McWilliams and sales director Padraig McDermott about how the company’s customer-first approach is driving smarter equipment management and exceptional aftermarket support

The UK quarrying industry faces some of its biggest challenges in history, from the push towards net zero and stricter environmental regulations to rising energy costs, skills shortages, and the growing need for more efficient resource use.

Against this backdrop, blue-chip companies, SMEs, and major supply chain partners are being challenged to do more with less – delivering higher outputs with lower impacts, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening resilience in the face of rising costs and increasing environmental expectations.

For over 40 years, Coventry-based Duo Group have collaborated with many of the industry’s top quarry operators, construction materials suppliers, and recycling firms to address these changing demands.

Firmly established as a trusted strategic partner in the field of materials handling and processing, the company has built an enviable reputation for aftermarket support, underpinned by a commitment to providing comprehensive services to its customers – from project planning and construction to installation, plant optimization, and ongoing maintenance.

L–R: Martin McWilliams, managing director of Duo Group; and Padraig McDermott, sales director at Duo Group

‘Duo Group have forged their reputation on innovation and a customer-focused approach – qualities that have flourished under the leadership of managing director Martin McWilliams,’ said Padraig McDermott, sales director for Duo Group.

‘Since Martin took charge when it was most needed, our trajectory has been consistently upward. With major OEM partners such as Metso, Telestack, and Terex Washing Systems on board, we’ve been able to bring not only game-changing technologies to market but also offer a more complete service offering to our customers in terms of fully customizable modular plant solutions, technical expertise, and project design/layout knowledge.’

Duo Group are a UK official distributor of Metso equipment, as well as aftermarket wears, spares, and services for the UK aggregates processing market

Trusted strategic partner

Selecting an OEM or preferred contracting partner and supplier with a clear understanding of sector demands and the realities of the quarrying environment is now more important than ever. In recent years, there has been a marked shift, with mineral operators and aggregate producers increasingly entrusting equipment suppliers with critical responsibilities, such as optimizing heavy plant machinery, maintenance, and equipment refurbishment/repairs.

Duo Group have a long history of managing every stage of complex projects – from initial design and engineering through to fabrication, construction, and commissioning. By integrating these phases under one roof, the company streamlines delivery, minimizes handovers, accelerates timelines, and offers customers confidence in a single, accountable partner.

‘The Duo brand is not new to the UK market – we’ve been doing this for a very long time,’ commented Duo Group managing director Martin McWilliams. ‘Through continuous hard work, relentless drive, and the support of our 150-strong workforce, as well as a business strategy centred on sustainability and safety, we have grown into the forward-thinking, dynamic, and adaptable organization we are today.’

Over the past two years, the Group has undergone not only a period of significant transformation but also an essential phase of business stability – driven by consistent performance, resilience against disruptions, and the ability to withstand market fluctuations. Mr McWilliams is deeply passionate about people, progress, and problem-solving – a philosophy that reflects ™ Duo’s guiding motto: ‘There’s always a way’.

‘The past 18 months have been an incredible journey for everyone at Duo – from rebranding the business and adapting to the changing needs of our customers, to strengthening our position across the core construction and aggregates markets we serve,’ said Mr McWilliams.

‘With quarry operators and construction contractors facing ongoing pressure to improve productivity – maximizing equipment uptime and achieving optimal performance at the lowest possible cost per tonne has become essential. We have reorganized our operations to strengthen our long-term competitiveness and resilience, ensuring that customers continue to benefit from the high standards of sustainability, health and safety, and customer service that characterize all our activities.’

Blue-chip companies

As one of the sector’s leading contracting partners in materials handling and processing, Duo Group continue to attract blue-chip organizations across the UK. A single-source delivery model, UK-wide aftermarket support, and strong OEM partnerships (Metso, Terex Washing Systems, Telestack etc.) make Duo a partner of choice for critical infrastructure and long-term quarrying projects.

The newly reinstated rail link and terminal at Heidelberg Materials UK’s Horton Quarry

Recent flagship work ranges from the turnkey upgrade at Tarmac’s Bayston Hill Quarry to the new rail loadout facility at Heidelberg Materials UK’s Horton Quarry, delivered with key supply chain partners. In each case, Duo’s end-to-end capability – design, fabrication, civils, installation, electrical integration, commissioning, and ongoing service – helps customers unlock higher throughput, improved reliability, and a lower cost per tonne.

‘Blue-chip clients choose us because we combine Tier-1 technology with a practical, on-the-ground approach,’ said Mr McDermott. ‘It means faster delivery, fewer handovers, and support that keeps plants running at their best.’

New opportunities

Looking ahead, Duo Group are focused on building their presence in high-growth areas such as ports, sustainable infrastructure, and energy, while continuing to support the circular economy in construction. For Mr McWilliams and Mr McDermott, collaboration remains central to this vision.

‘Partnerships allow us to do more for our customers and the wider industry,’ said Mr McDermott. ‘By diversifying our operations and strengthening our end-to-end service, we can ensure that every project benefits from our technical expertise, strong OEM relationships, and commitment to long-term customer value.’

A recent example is the strategic alliance announced with SigmaRoc at Hillhead 2024. The partnership will see Duo Group provide advanced processing capabilities that support SigmaRoc’s ambitions for sustainable growth and resource efficiency.

Mr McWilliams concluded: ‘This alliance reflects what we stand for as a business – working closely with forward-thinking companies to create long-term value. We’re open to further collaborations like this because we believe strong partnerships ultimately lead to better growth, innovation, and sustainability for everyone.’

Keeping materials processing and handling equipment ticking over

With quarries and processing plants under constant pressure to maintain output, downtime remains one of the costliest challenges in the quarrying industry. For Duo Group, swift and reliable engineering support is crucial – which is why operators across the UK are turning to specialist service contractors and providers who offer nationwide coverage combined with practical expertise.

Duo Site Services, one of five specialist divisions within the Duo Group, state that reliable aftermarket service and support mean being there when it matters most. Supported by nationwide coverage from depots in Coventry and Northumberland, Duo Site Services help Duo customers across the UK maximize uptime and extend the lifespan of their equipment through a comprehensive support package.

These include providing rapid emergency response, scheduled maintenance, on-site repairs, and full refurbishment services. ‘It’s about keeping customers’ equipment running, minimizing downtime, and resolving issues quickly and effectively,’ said Duo Group sales director Padraig McDermott.

Alongside Duo Site Services, the Group’s Turnkey, Processing, Construction, Processing Services, and Capital Equipment and aftermarket subsidiaries collaborate closely to ensure wear and spare parts are readily available, customer service support is easily accessible, and assistance arrives exactly when needed. This integrated approach not only minimizes costly downtime but also guarantees long-term reliability for customers in the quarrying, recycling, and construction sectors.