It's been another year of growth, welcoming new clients while continuing valued relationships, and enjoying both heritage projects and installations for sustainable futures. Our success in the last year could not have been possible without our fantastic team, our suppliers and of course our amazing and loyal customers!
Bridging the Centuries
In a year of interesting and exciting projects, none stand out more than the restoration of the Gaunless Bridge, a unique and groundbreaking iron structure designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson and part of the world’s first public steam-powered railway, the Stockton and Darlington line.
In 1901, a steel bridge replaced the original structure, prompting its relocation to the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York. Unfortunately, over time, it fell into disrepair and faded from public awareness. However, a new chapter is unfolding as the bridge is set to be showcased in its full glory at the Shildon NRM, near its original location. Taking on the task of restoring this historic bridge has been an honour and a captivating challenge.
The restoration journey commenced in York, where meticulous work involved dismantling the bridge section by section. The unique construction of the bridge, resembling a massive Meccano set with interlocking sections, demanded careful disassembly and reassembly. Each piece was transported to our workshop in Cowling, West Yorkshire, where restoration efforts included powered buffing, light sanding, and priming before a final coat of paint was applied during reconstruction in Shildon.
An intriguing revelation emerged during the restoration process—despite its repeated black repaints during service, the original bridge colour was green. Consequently, we are concluding the restoration by applying the bridge's original green hue.
Eagerly anticipated, the bridge will occupy a prominent position, spanning the newly expanded Shildon site. It will rest on contemporary fabricated shoes to elevate it, showcasing our meticulous restoration work to the public in its entirety. We look forward to the moment when the completed bridge takes pride of place, bridging the past and present for all to admire!
More about our Heritage Services
Sustainable Futures
In February, the successful implementation of a biomass Low-Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) boiler marked a milestone at a manufacturing facility. The company had recently expanded its production space by doubling its size, including the addition of a new building. This significant increase in production capacity brought forth a fresh energy challenge, and we rose to the occasion by developing, constructing, and installing an economically viable solution.
The boiler required for the facility boasted a substantial capacity of 1200 kW. Despite its formidable size, our approach involved harnessing biomass as a fuel source, specifically utilizing the wood chippings and sawdust generated as the client’s primary production waste. This not only served to heat the environment but also supplied energy for heat-dependent processes like laminating and glue warming.
The installation of this substantial boiler, sourced from the reputable German company Polytechnik, occurred in two distinct stages. First, the biomass boiler was strategically positioned in place, and subsequently, a multi-level access frame was introduced at various heights around the boiler for the installation and maintenance of the pipework, pump sets, ducting etc.
This energy-efficient, renewable and sustainable solution means the customer can turn their waste into environmental and process heat, creating significant cost savings and lowering their carbon footprint - an ideal solution for the future of energy production!
More about our Industrial Boiler Services
Things are Hotting Up!
Another large hotwell tank installation is ongoing at a manufacturing facility in Barnoldswick. We have designed and manufactured a 20m3 stainless Hotwell system and are currently in the process of fitting out the pipework etc.
The Hotwell system involves a tank that captures and stores boiler feed water and returning condensate, removing air and impurities before reintroducing it into the boiler, playing a huge part in the efficiency of the boiler system. Our Hotwell installations also come with our custom-designed control system and we make sure every part of our design and installation of this system is fully compatible with the client's boilerhouse configuration, as any failure can have a catastrophic effect on the boiler’s ability to function.
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Service Record
It has been our honour again to continue our work with the MOD, where we carry out numerous service and repair projects across multiple military bases around the country. This year we have expanded the servicing side of our business, welcoming new clients who require a full-service solution.
A highly requested client service we provide is in the preparation for annual inspections and the more extensive 5-year non-destructive testing (NDTs). Our skilled technicians visit the client’s boilerhouse facility and carry out a thorough examination including removal of cladding, lagging and brickwork to expose the shell, seams, and welded joints, which will be examined using ultrasonic testing by the inspector. We undertake cleaning of the seams and joints, accompany the NDT inspector during the examination, quote for any repairs that occur and replace the cladding etc after the inspection.
More About Boiler Inspections and Servicing
We’ve designed and installed multiple boiler systems this year, from low and medium-temperature to steam, from biomass to oil-fired, and through our range of industrial and heritage services, our company continues to grow. We look forward to what 2024 will bring!
