GALVANIZING FIRM CELEBRATES ITS HEAVIEST EVER JOB

A leading galvanizing firm is celebrating success after processing its heaviest project yet for an eye-catching skyline structure in central London. Worksop Galvanizing has been called upon by its customer, Billington Structures Ltd, to provide its hot dip galvanizing treatment to over 400 tonnes of structural steel used to create the iconic Optical Cloak – with a few of the individual pieces weighing over 20 tonnes each, making them the heaviest items processed across all of Wedge Group Galvanizing’s 14 nationwide plants. “This was a very prestigious project to be involved in,” explained Paul Robinson, Commercial Manager at Worksop Galvanizing. “We’ve worked with the team at Billington Structures on a number of architecturally-inspiring projects over the years, although none matching the size and scope of the work we’ve undertaken with them on the Optical Cloak. “We, and the entire Wedge Group, are delighted to have reached this milestone. Galvanizing the structure will ensure that it is properly protected against rust and weathering in the future, with a cost-efficiency that standard steel paint just wouldn’t be able to provide when taking into account the life-cost of repeated maintenance visits. That was one of the most important factors for the main contractors on this project, considering its position in busy central London.” Mark Bingham, Production Controller at Billington Structures Ltd, added: “We’re thrilled that the project has finally come together after months of in-depth discussions, and Worksop Galvanizing met with our expectations. Due to the location and prominence of the Optical Cloak it was integral to ensure that from the initial design stage, everything worked within a very strict timescale. Health and safety was compliant throughout and handling capabilities, onsite delivery, construction and inspection were also carried out efficiently and competently.” “Thanks need to go to the Wedge Group for the team’s excellent organisational skills and careful planning – the pieces making up the sculpture could have proved challenging to galvanize due to the abstract shapes and sizes, but they delivered on-time and exceeded our expectations.” The Optical Cloak measures 50 metres in height and 20 metres in width, but is only three metres deep to pose a strong similarity to that of a real blade. Blending into the various striking buildings and energy in Greenwich Peninsula, the Optical Cloak is an abstract piece which has an array of geometrical forms to camouflage. Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service. For more information, please visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk.

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