MANUFACTURING in North Devon has received a boost from a new company established to produce an age-old product.

Heritage Cob and Lime, which has worked with lime mortar for restoration of older properties for some time, has set up its own production plant at Bideford Business Park, East-the-Water, in response to customer demand.

"This has led to us to starting up a manufacturing business where we slake our own lime putty," said Sarah Cooper, operational manager. "Our non-hydraulic lime putty is slaked from premium Buxton quicklime and matured for a minimum of three months, and forms the basis for all our pre-mixed lime mortars. In the short time we have been open, we already have many repeat customers who have tried our mortars and are happy with the product."

As well as supplying customers in North Devon, Heritage Cob and Lime supplies clients throughout the South West, London and in Europe.

The family business comprises Sarah Cooper, who manages the warehouse and oversees production; David Rawle, senior partner and consultant to the business; Frank Rawle, who heads up the building restoration side, and Sue Rawle, accounts manager.

"We are very keen on trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible in everything we do," said Sarah. "We re-use wherever possible all our plastic containers that we supply our mortars in and give customers money back when they return them to us in good, clean condition.

"The manufacture of lime mortar has many advantages over cement, already proven by independent research bodies such as the National House Building Council Foundation, who together with the Building Research Establishment, are focused on the challenges of the Government's 2016 zero carbon homes.

"Instead of producing large amount of CO2 in manufacturing, as is the case with cement, lime mortar carbonates (hardens) by using CO2 from the atmosphere. Its use has gained in popularity in recent years as more and more people are recognising that the traditional ways are often the best.

"Lime mortar is ideal for restoring traditional buildings as it lets the structure flex and so prevents masonry from cracking. It also acts as a wick, absorbing moisture and allowing it to evaporate and so keeping the masonry dryer and lessening the risk of spalling (crumbling of masonry).

"Older houses that have been rendered outside with cement and then inside with pink plaster often have damp problems which can be overcome simply by using the appropriate lime render outside and inside."

For details see heritagecobandlime.com