One of the biggest success stories at Bluebay Building Products has been the creation and growth of our own brand – Solco. 

In this blog, our colleague Paul Thomas shares the story behind the range – how it started, why we created it, and how it’s grown to become a major part of what we do.

At the heart of the UK’s construction industry, Bluebay Building Products has emerged as a trusted supplier of specialist building materials. Founded with a vision to provide high-quality solutions for civil engineering and construction projects, Bluebay quickly established itself as a leader in the field. With a dedicated team and a commitment to innovation, the company expanded its reach, operating from multiple depots across the country.

At Bluebay, we stock thousands of brilliant products that help our clients across multiple sectors. From construction and civil engineering to infrastructure we work with clients to help them create resilient, high-performance buildings and developments, with world-class manufacturers such as Mapei, Tarmac, and many more high on our supplier list.

As Bluebay grew, we recognised the need for a specialised brand that could cater to the evolving demands of the industry. Thus, Solco was born – a brand focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions in structural waterproofing, gas protection, and building chemical technologies. Solco became synonymous with reliability, offering bespoke products tailored to the needs of architects, engineers, and contractors.

With a strong emphasis on technical expertise, Solco provided, and taking this leap helped us take full control over costs, pricing, and – crucially – market positioning. It allowed us to innovate, improve efficiency, and offer our clients quality solutions that we fully believed in.

What started with a single product has since evolved into a widely recognised and trusted brand. Now accounting for around 40% of Bluebay’s total supply, the range includes:

  • SOLSHIELD – Advanced Gas/DPM protection systems
  • SOLSHEET – A robust range of Type A waterproofing membranes
  • SOLCOURSE – Damp proof course systems
  • ACTITEX – Bentonite waterproofing technology
  • SOLSEAL – Liquid applied waterproofing systems
  • SOLDRAIN – Wall and floor drainage systems, Gas venting Blankets.
  • SOLCEM – Cementitious grouts and repair mortars

These solutions have been used on landmark projects across the UK – including major infrastructure schemes like parts of HS2 – testament to their quality, reliability, and performance on site.

Of course, we still proudly supply a range of third-party products too. In fact, around 60% of our total offering comes from established external brands. That’s important – it means we can offer customers real choice, competitive pricing, and products tailored to their needs – all underpinned by quality assurance.

But Solco remains a central part of the Bluebay story – a brilliant example of how bold thinking and a commitment to doing better for our customers can drive real innovation. Today, it’s much more than just a product range. We continue to evolve Solco by working closely with our clients to deliver added value with our extensive services which include:

  • Service Levels: High levels of service, prompt delivery times and flexibility ensures lead times are kept to an absolute minimum, which enables customers to meet tight deadlines and reduce costs
  • Technical Advice: Our Bluebay technical team offers technical advice on the range of Solco products that we offer.
  • Site Support: Provided to ensure specifications are met and products are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Installation: We can arrange for an experienced third party team of installers to undertake the work, including welded joints for membranes. Installers carry full PI and Warranties covering design and workmanship.
  • CAD Facilities: We can also assist in bespoke project details to suit site requirements – and our standard installation can be downloaded in CAD format.
  • Integrity Testing: We can arrange third party integrity testing of liners for Gas Membranes, Suds Tanks Liners, Waterproof Membranes, Containment Membranes and Pond Liners.
  • CPD Seminars: Designed to provide critical up-to-date information on the latest building regulations and guidance affecting those in the construction sector, these seminars are presented by our brilliant, qualified technical advisors, offering advice and support for architects, engineers or specifiers
  • Verification: We provide recommendations for companies who can fulfil all third party verification requirements.

The high standards we set ourselves are also reflected in our relationships with employees, customers and suppliers, with interactions at all levels characterised by trust, respect and reliability. If you’d like to learn more about the Solco range, click here or get in touch – we’d be happy to talk you through it.