Earlier this year communications company, The imageData Group, expanded into new facilities in Howden, Yorkshire. The state-of-the-art site of 67,000 sq ft, houses high-level digital printing technology, warehousing, "Pick and Pack" fulfilment and office facilities.

For their digital printing area, which is maintained to specific ambient conditions of temperature and humidity, John Lord supplied and installed their Epigard SL (epoxy self-levelling resin system). This system was chosen to offer a seamless, easy clean finish with good chemical resistance and load resistance to enable it to support equipment including a 12 tonne "Onset" digital printing press.


Other areas included the Pick and Pack fulfilment and Warehousing facilities, in which John Lord's Protect No. 1 heavy-duty floor coating system was used to guard the floor against general wear and tear, as well as to create different zones by utilising coloured walkways.

In the restrooms and cloakroom John Lord installed Epigard S.Q coloured quartz system in 'Emerald', as it offered an eye-catching yet practical flooring solution for the area.

To achieve optimum curing characteristics and gain the best possible finish, all the epoxy-based systems required moderate temperatures during installation. However due to programme restrictions, John Lord had to commence installation in January when temperatures were often below freezing. Faced with the situation, giant inflatable tents once again become an invaluable resource.

Artificial heat was ducted into the tents to keep materials warm and dry and to provide a sheltered mixing and storage area. Extra heaters were then used keep the necessary floor areas warm.

After a successful installation, and the remainder of the scheduled work had been completed, it was clear that the floor finishes had 'done their bit' in creating a pleasant, safe and practical working environment for the staff at the new site.