Construction work at a new £5.5million galvanizing facility in Witham is progressing at a rapid rate just three months into the project.

The initial foundation work at South East Galvanizers' new plant on the town's Western Industrial Estate has already been completed, with the structural steel framework now being put in place.

South East Galvanizers, which is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has been based in Witham since the 1960s and currently employs more than 60 people. Building work on the new plant started back in December, with the company continuing to operate as usual in its existing facilities until the upgrade is completed later this summer.

“Of course, all steel elements involved in the construction have been galvanized, including the structural steel and the rebar used in the foundation work,” David Knight, General Manager of South East Galvanizers, explained. “This will protect against rusting and corrosion, as well as ensuring better longevity for the entire building envelope and substructure. The frame has also been painted with a specialist galvanizing-compatible paint to provide added protection.”

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The construction work is being carried out by main contractor R G Carter, with both companies working closely to ensure the project has a minimal impact on both the plant’s day-to-day operations and the wider community. “We’ve been liaising with Peter Burton, Construction Director at R G Carter, to carefully coordinate the entire building works to take into account logistical factors such as traffic movement, transportation, and pedestrian safety,” David Knight added.

Once the main phase of construction work is completed in July, the next stage will see specialist equipment such as the galvanizing furnace and kettle installed, along with a state-of-the-art 10.5 metre-long galvanizing bath, which will provide an increased capacity compared to the existing bath, which is 9.5 metres long. In addition, the plant will also incorporate a raft of environmentally-friendly features, such as photovoltaic panels to generate electricity on-site, and a rainwater harvesting system that will reduce the need for mains supply.

Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing organisations in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.

For further information please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing on 01902 630311 or visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk.