At ACS, we work closely with architects, specifiers, contractors, and clients to deliver award-winning products that support safer, smarter, and more sustainable buildings.
Our in-house technical team – led by newly promoted Technical Manager JJ Wragg – is a big part of the process, tailoring our products to each development’s specific needs. Here, JJ shares what the team does – and why he’s so passionate about it.
Inside the ACS Technical Department with JJ
“I absolutely love my work,” JJ says. “I’ve been in the industry for 18 years, and 13 of those have been at ACS – so it’s safe to say I know our products inside out.”
Now newly promoted and leading the technical department, JJ’s team plays a critical role in ensuring that everything we supply is not only technically sound but buildable, cost-effective, and tailored to the project’s specific requirements: “We get involved as soon as an enquiry lands. That usually includes a full set of drawings from architects and structural engineers, and we’ll be shown what’s required from our products on the job. That’s when our work begins. We review everything, apply our expertise, and present tailored solutions that are achievable in practice.”
Creative problem solving
Problem solving is at the heart of JJ’s role: “Quite often, what’s proposed on paper isn’t quite workable on site. But we never just say ‘no’ – instead, we look for the best possible alternative. We’ll interrogate the drawings, explore options, and offer a more viable or cost-effective solution that still achieves the client’s goals.”
This mindset goes hand-in-hand with value engineering, as JJ continues: “We’re not here to over-spec. If a specifier says they need X, Y and Z, but we think only X and Y are necessary, we’ll say so. We make sure the client gets the performance they need without spending more than they have to. That’s real value engineering – and it’s something we’re passionate about.”
One recent example is the Hallsville Quarter Phase 4 project, where traditional brickwork would have taken 42 weeks. By switching to our Certus system, the façade was completed in just 25 weeks – a massive time saving that helped de-risk the delivery programme and allowed internal trades to start earlier.
A hands-on approach
JJ’s team doesn’t just sit behind a desk and is often out onsite meeting clients and seeing products in situ. He continues: “We’re often out on site, because as anyone in construction knows, what’s on the drawing doesn’t always match what’s on the ground.
“So, we ensure there’s regular contact; we jump in the car, we get out there to resolve things directly. We’ve built a reputation for getting stuck in and working alongside our customers to find the best outcome.”
This approach builds trust, not just with clients, but across the wider business too: “As a department, we support everyone – not just our external customers but internal teams too, from sales and operations to manufacturing and beyond. We all work together to deliver the best outcome,” JJ continues.
Investing in tomorrow
But for JJ and his team, it’s not just about fixing problems today – it’s about preparing for the challenges of tomorrow: “We’re focusing on nurturing the brilliant team we have, and mentoring the next generation. We’ve got apprentices coming through, and I’m personally mentoring some of them, just like others did for me when I started out.”
ACS is also investing in technology. JJ’s team were among the first in the industry to start using Revit and other BIM tools, allowing them to work seamlessly with digital models and speak the same language as the architects and engineers they support.
“It’s transforming how we work and how early we can influence the design process. That’s where real value is created.
“We’re not just solving problems; we’re helping shape the way buildings get designed and delivered. With safety, speed, and sustainability all becoming more critical, our work is more important than ever. It’s an exciting place to be.”
Want to find out more from our team of technical experts? Get in touch with the team or click here to learn how we can help you deliver better, smarter, safer buildings.