Edwards Engineering’s expertise combined with its structural fabrication capability has firmly cemented Edwards’ position as the partner of choice for manufacturers and processors, supporting whole projects from conception to realisation.
Glass wool insulation manufacturer Superglass has undergone transformational change over the past decade. Its manufacturing facility has recently benefited from a £37m redevelopment which Edwards Engineering has worked closely on to support the delivery of plant upgrades within very tight timescales.
Edwards was tasked with installing a new 187-tonne furnace building at the Stirling site, over the top of the existing building, doubling the annual production capacity of glass wool.
Edwards was restricted physically and by the clock. This was an exceptionally tight site in terms of space as Edwards has to operate alongside a working and busy plant as well as a railway line. This significantly restricted crane use, essential to implementation of the job as Edwards manufactured and installed numerous access stairs and platforms, high capacity wedge shaped batch silos, insulated ducting and a large 4m wide bridge-type walkways. In addition, heavyweight, 175mm thick cladding also had to be installed under the same circumstances.
A tight 18-month timeframe had been set by the client which required extensive liaison and consultation with the design engineers (CRA), the civil engineers (Marshalls), the equipment manufacturers (SORG), and various departments of the client as well as the CEO.
Overarching all of this was Edwards’ biggest challenge of all. The installation had to be executed whilst the existing furnace was still in use.
Extensive planning combined with Edwards’ flexibility in working with the wider team, along with clear and frequent communication ensured production at the plant faced zero interruption during the work on this £4.5 million project.
The upper part of the furnace was modelled and detailed using Edwards Engineering’s state-of-the-art 3D modelling system. The quality control within the 3D modelling ensures minimal lost time and a reduction in on-site errors. With Edwards’ drawing office and extensive fabrication facilities in Perth, it was able to manufacture the components required at our facility before delivering them to site. The specialist cladding was installed by Edwards using dedicated machinery and cranes.
All of these elements allowed Edwards to keep a keen eye on the deadline which was hit with hours to spare.
The completion of this project will take Superglass beyond existing environmental compliance standards, whilst allowing the plant to double its annual output within the next two years.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help you.
