PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT
Taking a holistic approach to pipe fabrication
I
n an industry where more time on-site can result in escalating costs, building services contractors are taking a new approach to metal fabrication. Gary Franklin, Fabrication Manager at Pipe Center’s new state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Basildon, talks to International Metal Tube about the benefits of this evolving approach to pipe fabrication. The option for prefabrication of pipework is not a new concept. However, we are seeing an increase in demand for prefabricated pipe systems. Access to the best equipment A key benefit to outsourcing
the fabrication of piping systems is the access to innovative tools, processes and materials. For example, in our new facility we have been able to introduce the latest Automated Welding Fronius equipment for metal inert gas (MIG) welding Furthermore, the investment
into the Basildon site has included £60k for a sophisticated cutting machine. The Divo 680-750 by Pro Saw has additional laser alignment and bundle clamps allowing the cutting of complete pipe bundles with pipe diameters of up to 8“ in one operation. Not only does the outsourcing
model offer access to the most advanced equipment, it also includes storage facilities, meaning that customers do not
• Pipe Center is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of heating, pipe and related products to the commercial and industrial building services industry. With an unrivalled product range, extensive branch network and expert technical support, Pipe Center provides an outstanding service to contractors across the
round construction eliminating any weather delays as well as reducing the threat of crime.
The holistic approach to metal fabrication presents a complete offering through partnership – working together to create a solution that best suits that business.
Waste management influences
have to worry about incurring additional floor space and logistical costs.
The impact of BIM
There is no denying that building information modelling (BIM) is making an impact on the industry. In response to this, we have been training our team of CAD operators in a REVIT drawing system working towards full BIM compliance. This will provide an accurate representation of the plant room building and equipment being used in the installation, enabling detailed modelling and piping installation.
The decline in skilled workforce
Metal fabrication is one of the key sectors that has suffered from a decline in skilled workers, especially from the younger generation. it was recently reported that engineering in the UK had declined
UK. For further information, go to:
www.pipecenter.co.uk. • Pipe Center is a Wolseley UK company, which provides construction products and materials through a nationwide branch network, including Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Climate Center, Drain Center, Burdens, Integrated Services and William Wilson.
by 12.2 per cent with only16,280 young people under 19 taking engineering-related Advanced Level Apprenticeships in 2014. While the country has a national incentive to drive apprenticeships into the engineering sector, we want to ensure that we are maintaining the level of skill required to service our customers effectively. For example, our teams have access to regular training programmes on systems such as BIM software, as well as being fully trained in the processes of express fitting and welding Overall, this level of staff development is resulting in an increase in the productivity and volume of work we are able to /fulfil.
Ease of installation The most obvious attraction to prefabrication is reduced construction time and lower labour costs. It can also allow for year-
• Wolseley UK is a subsidiary of Wolseley plc, the world’s largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials in North America, the UK and Continental Europe. Group revenue for the year ended 31 July 2014 was £12,773 million and
www.internationalmetaltube.com
There are less wasted materials with pre-fabrication because customers only pay for what is supplied. Often the amount of material wasted on-site is about the same in volume as what has been installed.
Our new site in Basildon, offers a fully-coded, fully-drawn weld-mapped service which is quality assured and backed by the support of a FTSE 100 company and country-wide distribution network – something no other fabricator or distributor offers. This one stop-shop approach essentially adds value to the work we carry out for customers so the business case should be easy to make. It is important for customers in this sector to consider adopting changing practices to remain ahead of the curve and demonstrate competitive advantage.
For further information contact: Nicola Hamilton, Communications Manager, Wolseley UK Tel: 01926 705435 or 07801 928861 E:
nicola.hamilton@wolseley.co.uk
trading profit was £761 million. Wolseley has approximately 39,000 employees, is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: WOS) and is in the FTSE 100 index of listed companies. For more information, please visit
www.wolseley.com or follow us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/ wolseleyplc.
IMT December 2015/January 2016 11
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