A local galvanizing company has played its part in the major redevelopment of the blaze-damaged pier in East Sussex.

Willenhall-based BE Wedge, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, was called upon by N D Jig and Gauge Co Ltd to provide its hot dip galvanizing treatment to 15 tonnes of steel plates used in the structural redevelopment of Hastings Pier, which was destroyed by a huge fire in 2010. 

Daniel Rathe, Sales Manager at N D Jig & Gauge Co Ltd, explained: "We specialise in making steel washers for the construction and engineering sector. As our plates would be situated in a marine environment, it was vital that they were galvanized and given the best lifespan possible, something which paint or powder-coating couldn't provide. The sheer size and scale of the development has gained interest from contractors nationwide, with so many companies offering many different services and products, and we're extremely pleased to have played our part."

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BE Wedge specialises in centrifuge galvanizing of smaller parts, including threaded bolts and fasteners of up to 2metres long, as well as continuous lengths of marine chain. Wessex Galvanizers, a sister plant of BE Wedge, also played a separate part in the regeneration of the pier which saw it work closely with MRK Steel Erectors to galvanize structural elements the company was specified to manufacture, design and install.

Lee Dickens, Sales Manager at BE Wedge, added: "It's a real honour to have been involved in the huge redevelopment to bring such a prominent tourist attraction back to life."

The Victorian pier opened for the first time in 1872 and was originally 910ft long, but was closed in 2006 after it was deemed unsafe to the public. The blaze saw Hastings Pier Charity, a Community Benefit Society, gain support from its members and local shareholders to help restore the pier, as well as significant investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund amongst others.