SCOTTISH GALVANIZERS LOCK UP FOR RIVER THAMES PROJECT

News Share this page: March 2015 SCOTTISH GALVANIZERS LOCK UP FOR RIVER THAMES PROJECT Scottish Galvanizers was recently called upon to help protect two historical lock gates situated on the River Thames. The Glasgow-based plant provided its protective hot dip galvanizing treatment to 28 tonnes of steel on behalf of ECS Engineering Services Ltd to create four heavy duty gates for the Romney Lock on the River Thames. Due to the size of the new gates, each measuring at 4.7m in height, 6.2m in width and weighing 7 tonnes each, Scottish Galvanizers was contracted by the firm as it was the only galvanizing plant in the UK to have the appropriately-sized headroom facility to accommodate the fabrications. The steel gates were then returned to ECS Engineering in Nottinghamshire for installation. Paul Tait, Customer Service Manager at Scottish Galvanizers, explained: “This was a great project to be involved with especially for its high historical and current importance. Galvanizing a structure this big takes careful consideration and due diligence, but with the facilities here we were able to coat the gates inside and outside with ease. The hot-dip galvanizing element offers long-term protection against corrosion making it a great choice for a structure like this which is to be situated underwater for a long period of time.” The lock is situated near Windsor, and was originally made from oak wood, later being rebuilt by the Thames Conservancy. Minor improvements have been made up until now by the Environment Agency, with routine maintenance work carried out and the addition of electrical power to help ease the opening of the gates. Clark Williamson, Commercial Director of ECS Engineering, explained: “The project continues the collaboration between ECS and the Environment Agency to improve the reliability and safety of the lock complex on the River Thames, and is similar to work carried out at Grafton, Abington and Old Windsor. It’s really important that these lock gates are secure and reliable, to ensure that those who spend time on the river have a safe and enjoyable experience." By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd

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