Legrand makes waves with Weston order


Legrand’s power distribution division has supplied a major order that is delivering power to all parts of Weston- super-Mare’s new Grand Pier. Built at a cost of £51 million, the new Grand Pier opened in October, replacing the seaside town’s historic structure, which was destroyed by fire in July 2008. Rebuilt by John Sisk & Son Ltd, the new pier features a 250-seat conference and banqueting facility, an Edwardian tea room and a host of hi-tech rides and attractions. Specified by Bromsgrove-based, Barrie Beard, Legrand supplied Electrak underfloor busbar clean earth, special slab boxes, standard floorboxes and grommets. In addition, Legrand also supplied perforated cable tray through its cable management division.


Wayne Bedford, director of Barrie Beard, said: “We’ve specified Legrand and Electrak products for many years and have enjoyed an excellent service from our local Electrak Legrand contact, James Archer.” “This project required under floor power and slab boxes to feed the many slot machines and children’s rides, together with under floor busbar to feed the office areas with 3 compartment floor boxes. Due to the extremely fast programme of


the project we had no hesitation in using this system as it is a well tried and tested


installation method that we’ve used for many years. And there was no


hesitation in specifying Legrand and Electrak again, especially when the new division meant only dealing with one company – a really significant benefit in terms of product availability and supply.” Legrand’s power distribution division was formed earlier this year (2010) when the company combined the resources of two of its leading brands, Electrak and Zucchini. The new division, which is a key part of the company’s ‘powered by specialists’ business strategy, includes Zucchini’s full busbar and transformer offering, and the complete workplace power distribution range of Electrak. The synergy of these two market leading busbar brands is obvious and the amalgamation is further strengthened with the inclusion of Legrand’s existing power products.


Steve Marr, the marketing manager for the division, said: “The decision to combine these entities could not have


The new Weston-super-Mare Grand Pier


been easier as they are natural and perfect partners. Electrak, Zucchini and Legrand all have excellent reputations, products and solutions that are tried, tested and trusted. Our intention therefore is to highlight the sheer scope and strength of our offering, a move that we feel will firmly position us as the industry experts.”


The power distribution division is the third part of an operational split by Legrand that has also seen the formation of two other divisions, namely cable management and wiring device. All of these have been created to underpin the company’s ‘powered by specialists’ strategy, the aim of which is to highlight the full-scope of its specialist credentials and industry leading expertise.


For further information on Legrand, its products, services and expertise visit www.legrand.co.uk or call 0845 6054333.


GA helps top ad agency get into film


GA Consultancy recently installed solar control window film on a large atrium roof for creative advertising agency BBH. The glass roof forms part of BBH’s head offices on Regent Street, London, bringing in light and adding space to the building. Unfortunately the blinds that had been fitted to control the sunlight had recently failed, which meant that employees and visitors were affected by excess glare and overheating.


In response, GA Consultancy specified solar reflective film from Dymond Products to the outside face of the glass roof, which removed glare and prevented ‘solar gain’ that caused the problem. Andy Coppin, Director of Office Services for BBH, said that despite removing the uncomfortable elements of large glass roofs, the aesthetic appeal was undiminished. “Even though the glare from the sun has been reduced – and we no longer have to ramp up the air conditioning whenever the sun comes out – we can’t actually see the film,” he said. “The system is very discreet, and we can still enjoy the openness the roof brings.” The film reflects the part of the sunlight’s wavelength associated with heat, thus preventing heat gain. This, in


turn, saves energy by cutting down on air conditioning and ventilation. Cutting down on the amount of glare also cuts down on the eye strain and associated headaches experienced by computer users, ensuring better productivity and greater flexibility of available space. Furthermore, the films filter out harmful UV radiation protecting fabrics and furnishings from fading. This installation marks a significant milestone in the relationship between BBH and Alan James of GA Consultancy; Alan’s firm installed the blast-proof film on the office windows when the creative agency moved into the offices 15 years ago. At the time, London was on high alert due to the bombing campaign carried out by the IRA, and BBH wanted to protect its employees in the event of an explosion near the offices.


Since then, Alan has been involved in numerous schemes to apply film to interior and exterior glass. One popular application has been the portrayal of graphics on internal partitions. For instance, the company has several meeting rooms that have had colours applied to the glass walls, and the company also has a skyline of the world portrayed on office partitioning, with BBH’s global locations


Building & Facilities Management – December 2010/January 2011 mapped out on it.


“We met Alan, now head of GA Consultancy, about 15 years ago, and since then we have worked with him for a number of contracts,” Andy said. “GA is a professional outfit and always sorts out our needs.” www.dymondproducts.com Email: sales@dymondproducts.com


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Energy Solutions


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