TPi November 2016

business & market news

£1mn pipeworks project at Manchester’s Spinningfields

been used on such projects. We’re using thin-wall stainless steel as it has many benefits. It’s much lighter, so health and safety risks during installation are greatly reduced. It’s also cost-effective: corrosion is limited so the material offers a much longer lifespan than carbon steel – a lifespan of up to 40 years. “Winning the project has seen us take on extra staff – we’re now a 130-strong workforce. We’re also now looking for larger premises because of the expanding workload and the rising demand for prefabricated pipework and steelwork. We’re always championing innovative design and materials, so it’s a pleasure to work on some of Manchester’s most advanced commercial buildings. It’s projects like these that evidence the exciting future of the engineering industry.” Before work began on-site, J Fletcher utilised complex 3D models of each building, to enable the firm to efficiently co-ordinate the pipework, ventilation and electrical systems. Mr Fletcher said, “Our in-house 3D modelling facility offers the client the option to co-ordinate the installation

Internal works are underway on the development of No.1 Spinningfields and the XYZ Building in Manchester, UK. Engineering group J Fletcher Engineers, Eccles, UK, has started work on a new heating and chilled water pipe system that uses cutting-edge materials, in keeping with the ‘forward-thinking’ theme of the two buildings. The £73mn No.1 Building will be 24 storeys high, and home to 343,000ft 2 of flexible office space and a skyline restaurant. J Fletcher was on-site at the Quay Street location in July, to fit around 3,000m of tube to the plant rooms. The 160,000ft 2 XYZ Building project will see the firm install 5,000m. J Fletcher Engineers plans to utilise new technologies in pipeworks, forgoing traditional carbon materials and designing an advanced system made from stainless steel. The firm frequently works with stainless steel on commercial projects. The high chromium content in the alloy forms an invisible layer on the steel, to prevent corrosion and staining, which in turn extends product life.

The XYZ Building in Manchester, UK

before the building is complete – enabling clients to prefabricate with confidence. We then exercise greater quality control by building the systems off-site and transporting them to be readily installed. This also dramatically reduces timescale and health and safety risk.” No.1 Spinningfields is expected to be completed in summer 2017, while the ten-storey XYZ Building is due for completion this year. The combined project is estimated to be worth more than £100mn to the city of Manchester.

J Fletcher Engineers – UK enquiries@jfletcher.co.uk www.jfletcher.co.uk

Director Steve Fletcher commented, “Traditionally, carbon steel pipework has

Asahi/America welcomes new sales team member

Asahi/America, Inc specialises in providing solutions for fluid handling systems, individualised to meet customers’ needs. The company manufacturers corrosion- resistant thermoplastic fluid handling products including valves, actuators, pipe and fittings. It also maintains an extensive custom fabrication department, and provides on-site consultation, supervision and training where required.

Thermoplastic fluid flow technology specialist Asahi/America, Inc has announced the addition of Anthony Hernandez to its sales team. Mr Hernandez joined the company in June, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Mr Hernandez, who will represent Asahi/ America in eastern Pennsylvania, Long Island and New York City, NY, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC, has nearly a decade of experience in the thermoplastics industry. He is currently based in North Carolina.

Asahi/America, Inc – USA asahi@asahi-america.com www.asahi-america.com

Anthony Hernandez

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Tube Products International November 2016

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