Fabweld Steel Products has announced it can now offer its recessed SOLO SLIDE® range with the prestigious Kitemark and EN124 accreditation in A15 and B125 loading. This access cover is predominately used for entry to underground telecommunication networks. It is recessed and can be filled with a material to match or suit the surrounding area. The range is unique to the market being configurable, up to spans of 1000mm c/o and a maximum cover width of 400mm, with infinite lengths for duct runs.
Full option list:
- A15 and B125 EN124 Load class
- Configurable sizes
- 70-150mm in tray depth to accept a wide range of materials
- Lockable
- Mesh in Base (for epoxy resin mortar)
- Unique identification
- Benefits over competitors
- Unique availability in A15 load class ensures savings when installing in a pedestrian only environment
No need to stick to a standard clear opening or block depth, order to the exact size of existing opening and infill depth - Security and safety issues resolved with locking option
- Filling guaranteed no movement when installed with resin mortar
- Identifying chamber without need for removing cover
An A15 rating certifies it as capable of withstanding a 1.5 tonne test load, so it is suitable for use in areas where only pedestrians have access. B125 relates to access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 12.5 tonne test load, making SOLO SLIDE suitable for use in car parks and pedestrian areas where only occasional vehicular access is likely.
The SOLO SLIDE is manufactured by Fabweld Steel Products at its base in Telford in the West Midlands and is part of its FAB Pave range. A unique feature is an ergonomically designed key that allows for single person operation.
The product in manufactured in high grade mild steel to ensure stability under load and longevity, with tapered covers and a flush soffit to ensure the cover can be removed easily from the frame.
Fabweld managing director Richard Hilton said: “The Kitemark and the BS EN 124 certification gives further peace of mind to our customers that they are buying a product that meets the stringent standards set by both accreditations.
“The SOLO SLIDE is one of the most in demand products within our extensive FAB Pave range because of the quality finish it offers and the ease of use once installed. It is already installed in cities across the UK, including key locations in London such as Tower Bridge and in Trafalgar Square where a high quality aesthetic finish was required.”
SOLO SLIDE comes in standard sizes and depths but Fabweld’s in-house design team can create non-standard sizes and depths that can be manufactured rapidly at little extra cost.
The success of SOLO SLIDE’s accreditation follows significant investment in research and development of innovative new products, which has seen the company recently secure orders on one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK.
It has designed and manufactured new bespoke access covers for the flagship London Power Tunnels scheme to rewire the capital, supplying three leading contractors – Costains, Morgan Sindall and Balfour Beatty – with specialist heavy duty vented grilles to cover high power electric cables.
The duct cover systems are being used as part of the seven-year programme. It is creating a new 32km electricity superhighway deep below London, made up of 12 wide shafts that are up to 60 metres deep. The Fabweld grilles will be used on cable routing at sites in Kensal Green, Willesden, St John’s Wood and Hackney to meet individual ventilation and loading requirements for each site.
Fabweld has been designing and manufacturing fabricated steel access covers and associated drainage products for more than 25 years but changing markets has seen it introduce an extensive R & D programme to ensure that it stays at the forefront of the industry.
Fabweld managing director Richard Hilton said: “We have invested heavily in developing our staff, manufacturing equipment and computer software, so we can offer our customers the latest in cutting edge resources and create innovative bespoke products. “The duct cover systems are a prime example of how our investment in R & D has paid dividends. Being able to supply the National Grid with this level of detail for bespoke installations has put Fabweld in a very favourable position for future work of this type, as there are no other manufacturers in the UK capable of producing this.
Fabweld has developed a reputation for producing bespoke products to resolve complex problems, thanks to its research and development programme. Richard explained: “In recent years, we have been involved in a number of projects where we have been able to offer cutting edge functional solutions to complex problems in a host of projects throughout the UK and abroad. This has enabled us to further enhance our reputation within the sector for being a solution provider and move into new markets. “We can provide access covers for challenging environments often working within very restricted access and arduous design constraints – this is what has seen us attract high calibre customers such as those working as part of the National Grid project.”
The Fabweld team is now working on a number of distinctive product ranges with clear growth and product innovation strategies, giving it a solid base to build on in 2016.
“The future is looking very positive,” added Richard. “Our priority for the next year is to continue to break new ground and develop an innovative product range that offers quality and bespoke solutions.”
For more information, go to www.fsp.co.uk, call 01952 581430 or email sales@fsp.co.uk.
