TPI January 2009

Bui lding Construct ion and

Pipe Center launches new modularisation service

minimising waste and overcoming problems of on-site labour shortages.”

modules direct to site – all backed by Wolseley’s efficient and established supply chain. We will be investing heavily in industry-leading computer software to ensure sophisticated design and the best service level possible.” “There are significant growth oppor- tunities in this area as more companies are embracing the benefits of modularisation – from helping to achieve tight timescales in the construction of a building, to reducing the health and safety risks associated with manufacturing the equipment on-site. Modularisation is also cost effective, offering an average 10% saving on installation for example, along with

Pipe Center is a supplier to mechanical services and plant engineers, offering expertise in tube valves and fittings in steel, plastic, copper, stainless steel and commercial/industrial heating and air conditioning equipment. The company has 90 branches throughout the UK. Wolseley – UK customerservices@wolseley.co.uk www.wolseley.co.uk

Pipe Center, part of the Wolseley group, has become the UK’s first construction materials distributor to launch a modular engineering service, meeting the growing demand for off-site manufacture. Pipe Center Modular Engineering will operate from a bespoke 30,000ft 2 factory in Worcester, UK. Modularisation involves the design and manufacture of pre-fabricated, multi- service modules, which feature various components such as pipework, electrics and ductwork. The new operation is headed by general manager Bob Hughes, who has more than 35 years’ industry experience and a track record in modularisation, most recently with Balfour Kilpatrick. Pipe Center sales director Scott Craig commented, “Pipe Center Modular Engineering is an exciting new venture which reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in specialist services to our customers, and complements our pipe fabrication facility.” Bob Hughes added that the company is “in the unique position of being able to offer customers both the manufacture and distribution of pre-fabricated

Pipe Center – UK www.pipecenter.co.uk

Towering achievement in steel engineered pile casing

Tubosider technology is being used in the construction of the new 242m steel and glass Heron Tower in London. The tower is being built using 16 specially engineered steel pile casing structures, each running almost 14m into the ground.

Commissioned by contractor Cementation Foundation Skanska for over £200,000, each black pile casing is 2.7m in diameter and 3.5mm thick, with upper and lower spacers top and bottom, plus flanges and braces. Each mesh- reinforced casing was also fitted with a 1m extension for lifting and fitting. “It was critical that the casings were designed to withstand any deformation either in transit or installation, and that they were finished and ready for a tight schedule, which they have been,” commented project manager Brenton O’Loughlin. “They also met extreme tolerance levels – a few millimetres out of position would have failed.”

Bob Hughes, Pipe Center Modular ▼ ▼ Engineering’s general manager

Construction of London’s new Heron S S Tower uses 16 threaded steel pile casing structures

The casing structures were specially designed to be threaded deep into the London clay and allow Skanska to carry on ‘top-down construction’, providing access to work below ground even as the tower’s steel columns started to climb towards the capital’s skyline. The 46-storey tower, located in Bishopsgate in the City of London, will be a slender, multi-occupied building providing ‘6 star’ office space, topped by a public restaurant and bar on three levels, and is scheduled to open in 2011.

Tubosider – UK sales@tubosider.co.uk • www.tubosider.co.uk

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January 2009 Tube Products International