A leading galvanizing business has more than doubled its footprint following a £1 million expansion project. Manchester Galvanizing Ltd has extended its site by around 5,500 square metres in a move to improve service, reduce lead times and create capacity for growth.
The development will also have a significant impact on the day-to-day operation of the plant, according to Commercial Manager Mark Waters. He said: “This was a substantial project that will have a major effect on the business and deliver massive benefits to our customers.
“We have more than doubled the size of our site and that will give us the capacity we’ve needed for a while.
“It gives us the yard space to take on larger jobs than ever before, it improves our service to customers and will help to significantly reduce lead times.
“It will make our transport operation far more efficient by removing the need to double handle material and ultimately it gives us the ability to take on more business.
“It’s a win-win situation for us and, though it was a project that required a substantial investment, it’s one that will pay for itself in the long term and means we’re geared up for the future.”
Expansion of the site, at Heywood, near Rochdale, required a feat of engineering led by in-house specialists at parent company Wedge Group Galvanizing.
A mine shaft more than 50m deep had to be capped, while the project also involved the removal of 7,000 tonnes of spoil, the erection of a new retaining wall and the installation of drainage. Mr Waters added: “There was a massive amount of engineering work involved in the project and we’ve been acutely aware of the effect of that on neighbouring homes and businesses.
“Site restrictions were laid down at the planning stage, but we went above and beyond to minimise noise, vibration and disruption throughout the development work.
“We’ve also erected sound-proof fencing around the entire site to hopefully ensure residents won’t be affected by any noise in future.”
The project will also improve health and safety on site for both staff and visitors thanks to the introduction of LED lighting, CCTV cameras and a one-way system to streamline the drop-off and collection process.