IQE Cluster Project
21 June 2018
A large, 150m x 100m, unoccupied factory building, formed the focus of this project. The building’s structure had several maintenance issues that needed rectification prior to its development into a new high-tech production facility. Bagnalls were asked to tender and complete this major element of the dilapidation works.
The project involved the removal of existing, defective intumescent coating to 32,000 sqm of steelwork, over two levels of the building, followed by the application of a two-pack epoxy primer, and finally a water based, environmentally friendly intumescent paint system, to return the steelwork back to the required one-hour fire protection rating. As this was an additional element to the development works, the client requested that the “dirty” process of abrasive blast preparation was completed as quickly as possible, requesting a maximum six-week programme.
Following the blast preparation, the primer and intumescent coatings were applied to the required thicknesses, and wet film readings were taken as work proceeded. Final dry film thicknesses were recorded by our directly employed paint inspector, to confirm all products had been applied to specification.
Due to the size, and more importantly speed of the project, along with the very specialist nature of the blasting and airless spray application of the works, it was decided from the outset, that the project would be a joint venture between two Bagnalls businesses, namely the Bristol and Cardiff branches.
The works needed our most experienced, directly employed operatives, who had the required knowledge, skills and ability to complete all works, including: abrasive blasting, acting as pot men to keep the blast process working, airless spray application of two pack primers, and single pack water based intumescent coating, as well as being competent and trained, IPAF certified MEWP drivers.
This technically challenging project, was completed to the clients’ satisfaction, and to the required programme of just 6 weeks for the blasting operation, and a further 5 weeks for the application of the intumescent coating specification. Overall, from commencement to completion, the project took just 11 weeks, and stands testament to the company’s technical capability, our directly employed craftsmen and the project management skills Bagnalls have to undertake and complete a project of this size and scope.
Bagnalls are now completing internal plasterboard decorations and flooring works to the new manufacturing facility for CMB Engineering Services Limited. We are also progressing with the external cleaning and painting works to the cladding system of the building, under separate contract with another main contracto