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The GRP Revolution: Transforming industrial safety and efficiency
F.H.Brundle, a leading supplier in the UK, has seen remarkable growth across various sectors with its GRP product range. From corrosion-resistant grating in chemical plants to electrocution-safe installations in food industries, the comprehensive offering now mirrors its established steel range.
What are the key advantages of GRP products for industrial environments and different applications?
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), also known as fibreglass, has emerged as a game-changer in industrial applications where safety and durability are paramount. Whether it’s chemical plants, oil rigs, substation floors, walkways, ramps, raised flooring, pontoons, or rail infrastructure, GRP material can be used in a plethora of applications and offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for industries worldwide due to its unique combination of characteristics:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – GRP is a strong yet lightweight material that can bear heavy loads. Its weight makes it easy to install and very economical to transport.
- Corrosion Resistant – Offering exceptional corrosion resistance, GRP is highly tolerant of the most aggressive environments.
- Chemical Resistant – It can withstand a wide range of chemicals, making it more resilient in the case of spills.
- Low Maintenance – GRP requires virtually no maintenance.
- Slip resistant – When wet, GRP remains a safe and secure product to use in any wet or damp conditions.
- Non-conductive – Reduces the risk of electrocution making it ideal for live power environments.
GRP manufacturing
Modern GRP manufacturing techniques include hand lay-up, spray-up, pultrusion, resin transfer moulding, and vacuum infusion. Flexible GRP manufacturing, from epoxy resins, vinyl ester, or polyester for tailored performance, allows for precise control over the material’s properties, ensuring consistent quality and reliability. The ability to tailor the type and quantity of glass fibres and resin composition enables manufacturers to achieve specific performance characteristics such as fire resistance, UV stability, or precise mechanical properties.
Where is GRP being used in the UK?
GRP has become a popular choice for industrial and infrastructure applications, where GRP’s desirable properties are not just beneficial but essential. These include:
Rail networks: GRP walkways, fencing, and handrails are visible trackside, where corrosion and conductivity risks make traditional materials unsuitable.
Chemical plants: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals and high temperatures, and non-slip, GRP is used for flooring, tanks, gratings, and safety barriers.
Food processing facilities: GRP’s non-conductive, non-corrosive and hygienic properties make it the ideal choice for environments exposed to water, cleaning agents, and sensitive electrical equipment.
Utilities and power stations: Electrical insulation, long service life, and zero spark risk make GRP a go-to material for workstations, platforms, and electrical safety zones.
Marine environments: GRP is inherently resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in marine environments where exposure to saltwater and other corrosive elements is unavoidable.
GRP handrailing systems: Safety without compromise
GRP handrailing systems provide robust safety barriers in hazardous environments. Their non-conductive nature makes them particularly suitable for areas with electrical risks. The corrosion-resistant properties ensure longevity even in aggressive chemical settings. Additionally, the lightweight design facilitates easy installation and reduces transportation costs.
GRP gratings for industrial flooring: Reduces slips and falls
GRP gratings are designed to provide a safe walking surface. Their corrosion resistance makes them suitable for use in areas exposed to harsh chemicals, while their anti-slip and impact resistance make them ideal for applications such as walkways, ramps, gantries, workstations, platforms, and gangways. It is much lighter than steel and is fire and chemical-resistant. The lightweight design also simplifies installation, making it a superior alternative to traditional steel gratings.
GRP decking: A durable solution
GRP decking combines strength with aesthetic appeal. Its resistance to UV rays prevents colour fading, maintaining its appearance over time. The decking is corrosion and slip resistant, ensuring a long service life even in harsh weather conditions. This makes GRP decking a popular choice for industrial applications.
GRP ladders: Lightweight and strong access solutions
GRP ladders provide safe and durable access in environments where metal ladders may corrode or conduct electricity. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and install. The non-conductive properties ensure safety in electrical installations, while the corrosion resistance extends their lifespan in chemical or marine environments.
GRP PaliSafe fencing: Secure and durable perimeter protection
GRP PaliSafe fencing offers a secure and durable solution for perimeter protection and is rapidly becoming the product of choice among many industrial sectors, and offers a unique solution for the likes of Network Rail and National Power and other industrial sites, where they require a safe barrier system that is non-conductive and metal free, thus reducing the chances of any potential accidents due to electrical cross-over.
Other GRP products: Versatility across applications
Beyond the primary product ranges, GRP offers a variety of other solutions:
GRP stair treads and covers for enhanced safety in high-traffic areas. The anti-slip surface reduces the risk of slips and falls.
GRP reinforcing bar for structural reinforcement in concrete applications, offering high strength and corrosion resistance.
GRP nosing for safety on staircases by providing a durable, anti-slip edge.
GRP flat sheet for a fast, safe, and effective solution to slippery, worn or uneven flooring.
GRP profiles for walkways, ramps, gantries, workstations, platforms, and factories.
The GRP range: Mirroring F.H.Brundle’s steel offering
F.H.Brundle has developed a comprehensive GRP product range that mirrors its established steel offerings. This includes GRP handrailing systems, gratings, decking, ladders, fencing, stair treads, and covers. By offering both steel and GRP solutions, F.H.Brundle provides customers with the flexibility to choose the material that best suits their specific requirements, whether it’s for corrosion resistance, weight considerations, or electrical safety.
GRP vs. Steel: A comparative overview
| Feature | GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) | Steel |
| Weight | Up to 75% lighter | Heavier |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Requires protective coatings |
| Electrical Conductivity | Non-conductive | Conductive |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
| Installation | Lightweight and easy to transport and install. Can be cut and shaped on-site with hand tools. |
Heavy, difficult to assemble. May need welding. |
| Cost | Competitive over lifecycle | Lower initial cost |
Sustainability: GRP’s eco-friendly advantages
GRP contributes to environmental sustainability in several ways:
Recyclability: At the end of its service life, GRP can be mechanically or chemically processed to separate the glass fibres from the plastic matrix, allowing for reuse in various applications.
Reduced Emissions: The lightweight nature of GRP reduces transportation emissions associated with its delivery to and from industrial sites, contributing to greener logistics.
Low Maintenance: GRP’s durability and resistance to corrosion and chemical attack reduce the need for regular replacements or repairs, minimising GRP waste and extending product lifespans.
Why choose F.H.Brundle for your GRP requirements?
With over 136 years of industry experience, F.H.Brundle has built a legacy on reliability, innovation, and customer-first service. Our GRP range represents that legacy, offering industry-grade alternatives to steel for a variety of sectors.
Here’s what sets F.H.Brundle apart:
- Complete GRP product range mirroring our renowned steel offering – from GRP ladders and handrailing to gratings and fencing.
- Unmatched delivery network: With 8 nationwide depots and a fleet of 70+ branded vehicles, we offer fast and dependable UK-wide delivery.
- Stock availability: We keep our warehouses well-stocked to ensure product availability and reduce project lead times.
- Trusted by professionals: Our GRP products are flying off the shelves, serving the rail, chemical, and food processing sectors.
- Expert support: Our knowledgeable team is always available to assist with specifications, compliance, and technical queries.
Whether you need support for a chemical plant, an industrial walkway, or a trackside safety solution, F.H.Brundle’s GRP offering delivers performance, reliability, and value.
Conclusion: The future is GRP
The GRP revolution is well underway – and it’s here to stay. With its high strength, lightweight design, chemical resistance, and broad range of applications, GRP is redefining what’s possible across the industrial landscape. As a reliable alternative to steel in harsh or safety-critical environments, GRP continues to grow in popularity across the UK and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to reinforce a structure, build safer access points, or install corrosion-free walkways, F.H.Brundle is your trusted partner. Our expanding GRP product range and national delivery network ensure that your project benefits from the very best in composite technology – wherever and whenever you need it.
For more information on The GRP Revolution: Enhance Safety & Efficiency talk to F H Brundle