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November 2023 newsletter

Welcome to the November 2023 newsletter from Joseph Ash Galvanizing. This month, we’re celebrating the sustainability of galvanizing, a Thursday Throwback story about a Bluewater Shopping Centre powder coating project, and we’re shining a spotlight on our Widnes plant.

We’re also showcasing the range of opportunities available across the Joseph Ash Group if you (or someone you know) are looking for a new career. Finally, we’ve published the dates our plants will be closing/opening for the festive break.

Enjoy!

To read a copy click here.

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Widnes Galvanising

As we approach the end of the year, we’re shining a spotlight on our final plant for 2023. This month, our focus turns to the Joseph Ash plant in Widnes – Widnes Galvanising, also known as Joseph Ash Widnes. A pivotal location among our nine plants strategically positioned across the UK. We provide insights into our services, cutting-edge facilities, and dedicated team members who tirelessly cater to our valued customers.

Joseph Ash Widnes location and history

Joseph Ash Widnes is situated on the Fairway Trading Park in Cheshire. It services clients from various areas, including (but not limited to) Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

Widnes has a rich industrial history, and galvanizing has played a significant role in the region’s development.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Widnes was a major centre for the chemical industry, particularly the production of alkalis, such as soda ash and soap. The development of the chemical industry led to increased demand for materials and applications (including construction, transportation, and agriculture) that could withstand corrosion, and galvanized steel emerged as a popular choice for this purpose.

Widnes also became known for its expertise in the production of galvanizing equipment. Companies in the area manufactured machinery for galvanizing processes, contributing to the overall industrial infrastructure of the region.

Over time, as industries evolved and the demand for galvanized products persisted, the galvanizing sector in Widnes and Cheshire continued to thrive. Today, the historical legacy of galvanizing is part of the broader industrial heritage of Widnes and its surroundings.

A broad spectrum of services

At Joseph Ash Widnes, our expert team specialises in galvanizing a diverse range of steel products. From structural steel to street furniture, bollards, gates, railings, and balustrades – we ensure robust protection against corrosion for all.

We also take pride in delivering convenience with our comprehensive additional services, including a seamless collection and delivery service, full technical support, on-site storage facilities, and passivation post-hot dip galvanizing. The passivation process at Widnes is also being adapted to become more environmentally friendly, utilising a non-chrome VI solution.

Bath size

The bath size at Joseph Ash Widnes is 6m long by 1m wide by 2.3m deep, with double dipping available. Bigger fabrications can be transported to other Joseph Ash plants with larger capacity baths, using Widnes’s fleet of trucks.

Flexibility

At Widnes, we recognise the importance of meeting tight deadlines. To support our customers, we extend our opening hours for drop-offs and collections. Our commitment to convenience goes further with quick turnaround times – including overnight and within 24 hours – available by prior arrangement.

Uncompromising quality and compliance

Joseph Ash Widnes is dedicated to delivering services of the highest quality while adhering to stringent occupational health and safety, quality, and environmental management standards. You can expect an impeccable finish that aligns with BS EN ISO 1461 specifications when you protect your steel with us.


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This month, we’re celebrating the winners of the Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA), explaining how the process of galvanizing works, sharing news about a galvanized steel sculpture for a National Trust project, and shining the spotlight on our Walsall plant.

We’re also talking about our upcoming events, venting do’s and don’ts (for preparing your steel for galvanizing), and showcasing the range of opportunities available at our plants if you or someone you know are looking for a new career.

Enjoy!

To read a copy click here.

To receive a copy in your inbox each month, please subscribe. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Newsletter sign-up’ button.

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The Joseph Ash Group has nine plants across the UK, from Medway in the South to Hull in the North. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Walsall to share its history and capabilities.

Joseph Ash Walsall plant

History of galvanizing and Joseph Ash in Walsall

Galvanizing has a rich history in Walsall, dating back to the 18th century when the town was a thriving hub of metalworking and manufacturing. With a wealth of iron and steel production facilities, the need for corrosion protection became increasingly important.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the late 18th century, Walsall’s metalworking industry saw significant growth – especially in the production of saddlery and harness equipment, catering to the needs of the equestrian industry.

The mid-19th century witnessed the expansion of railways, driving an escalating need for galvanized metalwork. Rails, fasteners, and signalling equipment became indispensable components of this burgeoning transportation network.

Then came the World Wars, during which Walsall’s metalworkers pivoted to producing military equipment and components crucial for the war effort.

In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, the galvanizing industry in Walsall faced economic challenges due to global competition and changes in manufacturing processes. However, companies like Joseph Ash adapted to these challenges by diversifying services and modernising facilities.

Today at Joseph Ash Walsall

Joseph Ash Walsall’s clientele extends across the West Midlands, encompassing areas like West Bromwich, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire.

In addition to galvanizing, Joseph Ash Walsall offers shot blasting through an external shot-blasting subcontractor. As part of the Joseph Ash network, we also provide powder coating, duplex coatings, and spin galvanizing.

Our services are complemented by a convenient collection and delivery system, comprehensive technical support, on-site storage facilities, and passivation post hot dip galvanizing, ensuring a seamless experience for our valued clients.

Hot dip galvanized frames at Joseph Ash Walsall

Bath size

Our bath dipping size at Joseph Ash Walsall is 7.3m x 1.3m x 2.5m, and we can dip 2.5 tonnes.

For larger fabrications than the bath allows, we’ll transport long-length and wide work to other Joseph Ash plants with larger capacity baths using our own fleet of trucks.

Collections, deliveries, and quick turnaround times

Joseph Ash Walsall has extended opening hours to assist customers wishing to drop work off early and collect it late. Get in touch with us to find out more.

We can also provide a quick turnaround (overnight and within 24 hours) by prior arrangement.

Quality and accreditations

At Joseph Ash Walsall, all work is hot dip galvanized to BS EN ISO 1461. We also meet occupational health and safety, quality, and environmental management standards, including ISO 45001:2018, NQA ISO 9001:2015 and ISO14001.

Joseph Ash Galvanizing trucks

Certification

Joseph Ash Walsall is happy to supply Certificates of Conformity for each job when required.

Here to help

At Joseph Ash Walsall, our dedicated and experienced team is driven by a ‘can-do’ attitude. We’re here to assist with any queries about galvanizing, shot blasting, or powder coating—just reach out to us!

Our plant is staffed by a diverse team spanning various roles, including shop floor operations, skilled transport and truck drivers, health and safety professionals, and our proficient administrative staff. We’re ready to provide the expertise and support you need.

Contact our Walsall team today to book a collection or get a quote. We’d love to help you!


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(Detail from Copr Bay Bridge)

The 55th Structural Steel Design Awards recently took place in London, where the much-anticipated project winners were announced and applauded. The 2023 SSDA Awards were open to steel-based structures situated in the United Kingdom or overseas built by UK or Irish steelwork contractors. Once more, the submitted projects displayed exceptional quality, celebrating structural steelwork at its finest.

Jointly sponsored by the British Constructional Steelwork Association and Steel for Life, this event was a magnificent celebration of steel’s manifold virtues, encompassing cost-effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic appeal.

Five outstanding champions emerged triumphant from a meticulously curated shortlist of contenders. Six projects also received commendations, and three received merits.

Commendations went to:

  • Tropical Fruit Warehouse, Dublin
  • Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour
  • The Outernet, London
  • Clery’s Quarter, Dublin
  • SAS13 Bridge Replacement, Birmingham
  • Montacute Yards, London

Merits went to:

  • Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow
  • New Riverside Stand at Fulham FC
  • Cody Dock Bridge, London

According to the BCSA website, Chairman of the Judges, Professor Roger Plank said: “The awards, commendations, merits and national finalists recognised in the Structural Steel Design Awards this year reflect the impressive quality of the current steel construction industry, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved.”

Click here to read about each winner.

Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part.

(Photo of Battersea Power Station by Edson Rosas on Unsplash / Award night photos provided by Steel for Life)

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Welcome to our September 2023 newsletter.

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our Telford plant, celebrating the winners of the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) Awards, and discussing corrosion: what it is and how to prevent it.

We’re also talking about our upcoming events, a new environmentally-friendly passivation process at our Widnes plant, and showcasing the range of opportunities available at our plants if you (or someone you know) are looking for a new career.

Finally, we have a ‘Thursday Throwback’ story about Folly Farm, and we’ve launched a new ‘Safe Deliveries’ poster for you to download.

Enjoy!

To read a copy click here.

To receive a copy in your inbox each month, please subscribe. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Newsletter sign-up’ button.

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Welcome to our August 2023 newsletter.

This month we’re shining the spotlight on our Medway plant, we’re celebrating the winners of the Galvanizing Association Galvanizing Awards, and we’re discussing the explosive consequences of unvented steel.

We’re also talking about our upcoming events and showcasing the range of opportunities available at our plants if you (or someone you know) is looking for a new career.

Enjoy!

To read a copy click here.

To receive a copy in your inbox each month, please subscribe. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Newsletter sign-up’ button.

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The Joseph Ash Group is delighted to highlight its wide-reaching network of nine plants situated across the United Kingdom. We cover various regions from north to south and east to west. In the spotlight this month is our Kent-based facility, Joseph Ash Medway.

Joseph Ash Medway location

Joseph Ash Medway is located within the Eurolink Industrial Centre in Sittingbourne. With an extensive fleet of vehicles, we cater to galvanizing needs in Kent, London, Essex, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Wiltshire.

Main services at Joseph Ash Medway

Whether fabricators require a galvanized finish for a garden gate, or 300 metres of powder coated railings for local waterfronts, Joseph Ash Medway can help.

The Medway plant is unique amongst galvanizers; we offer a one-stop-shop metal finishing service. With hot dip galvanizing, shot blasting, powder coating, and duplex coatings all under one roof, balancing multiple collections and deliveries becomes a thing of the past for fabricators.

Joseph Ash Medway

What are duplex coatings?

Pink powder coating gates

Duplex coatings are are a mixture of hot dip galvanizing and powder coating, suitable for all types of steel fabrication. They can be used for gates, railings, staircases, lighting, flooring and even sculptures to give them extended durability and a splash of colour. We can offer a wide range of colours and textures for your steel, from metallic to textured, as well as varying matt, satin, and gloss levels.

The Joseph Ash Medway plant also offers a 40-year guarantee on duplex coatings (subject to T&Cs).

Bath size

Joseph Ash Medway’s bath dipping size measures 6.5m x 1.2m x 2.2m. It has a maximum dip weight capacity of 2.6 tonnes.

Additional services

In addition to core services, Joseph Ash Medway offers the following amenities to customers:

  • Collection and delivery service
  • Full technical support
  • Packing and bundling
  • On-site storage
  • Flexibility

Mono Hinge Self Closing Gate®️

Our Joseph Ash Medway site is also home to the Mono Hinge Self Closing Gate®️ – the trusted safety play gate designed for children’s play areas. The Mono Hinge Gates are completely free of finger traps, head traps, foot traps, crush points, shear actions and sharp edges. They are also DDA-compliant and vandal-resistant, proving a popular choice for businesses and local authorities.

Committed to excellence and compliance

At Joseph Ash Medway, the main goal is to do everything well and provide a quality service. This means the team pays a lot of attention to doing a great job keeping everyone safe at work, producing high quality finishes, and taking good care of the environment.

Certifications held by the Medway plant include BS EN ISO 1461, ISO 45001, NQA ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BS EN 13438 and BS EN 15773. Medway is also JOSCAR registered which means it’s fit for business for the Aerospace, Defence and Security services.

Dedicated team

The Medway team encompasses dedicated individuals who know their roles inside out. They provide a top-notch steel protection service, where your needs are their priority.

Richard Colegate is the Divisional Manager at Medway. Daniel Lyons, Rebekah Skipper, and Michelle Newell manage sales and customer service advisory.


Get a quote or book a collection with the Joseph Ash Medway team today. We have happy to reserve your projects and answer your questions!

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Welcome to our July 2023 newsletter!

This month we’re celebrating our Premier Galvanizing Hull plant, speedy galvanizing for Young V&A, and the RIDBA Building Awards shortlist.

We’re also discussing the benefits of hot dip galvanizing for security fencing, and the differences between shot blasting and sand blasting.

Enjoy!

To read a copy click here.

To receive a copy in your inbox each month, please subscribe to our emails. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ‘Newsletter sign-up’ button.

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The Joseph Ash Group takes immense pride in its expansive network of plants in the United Kingdom, from the northern Yorkshire region to southern county of Kent. Here, we turn our attention to our facility in Yorkshire, Premier Galvanizing Hull, to showcase its exceptional capabilities and modern amenities.

Steel emerging from galvanizing bath

History of galvanizing in Hull

The galvanizing industry in Yorkshire flourished during the 19th century, driven by the region’s industrialisation. Hull experienced significant growth in the galvanizing sector thanks to its thriving maritime trade. Situated on the River Humber with a bustling port, Hull became a central hub for importing and exporting goods. Galvanizing was pivotal in safeguarding metal components used in ships, including anchor chains, fittings, and various marine equipment.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the galvanizing industry in Hull continued to thrive. Several galvanizing companies emerged to meet the growing construction, engineering, and agriculture demand. Technological advancements and modernisation in the latter half of the 20th century transformed the galvanizing process, propelling the industry forward.

In 2000, Premier Galvanizing opened its first plant in Yorkshire. Today, the galvanizing industry in Hull remains a vital sector, serving diverse industries both locally and globally.

Premier Galvanizing Location

Premier Galvanizing Hull is located within the Stoneferry Business Park in the East Ridings of Yorkshire. With an extensive fleet of vehicles, we cater to galvanizing needs in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Teeside, and the Northeast, ensuring timely service for our valued customers.

Galvanizing services at Premier Galvanizing Hull

Whether fabricators require a small amount of steel galvanized for a sculpture or 100 tonnes for a new bridge, Premier Galvanizing Hull is here to assist.

Additional services

In addition to our core services, Premier Galvanizing Hull offers the following amenities to our customers:

Full technical support: Our comprehensive technical support ensures customers receive guidance and assistance at every stage, guaranteeing a smooth galvanizing process.

Collection and delivery service: Regardless of your location or the destination for your fabrications, we provide efficient steel transportation. Our fleet includes two articulated vehicles capable of carrying 22 tonnes each and five rigid vehicles that can accommodate up to 10 tonnes.

Storage at Premier Galvanizing

Shot blasting and powder coating: These services are available through our trusted external subcontractors.

Packing and bundling: We can bundle, pack, and label your steel per your requirements. We can accommodate your needs if you need items delivered to the end user or prepared for export or containerisation. Upon request, we can issue certificates of conformity, and all work is conducted following BS EN ISO 1461 standards.

Trucks at Premier Galvanizing

On-site storage: With ample on-site storage capacity, Premier Galvanizing Hull allows customers to conveniently store materials before and after the galvanizing process.

Bath size

Premier Galvanizing Hull’s bath dipping size measures 7.0m x 1.2m x 3.2m, with a maximum dip weight capacity of four tonnes.

Flexibility

At Premier Galvanizing Hull, we fully understand the value of meeting time-sensitive demands and adhering to strict deadlines. We have extended opening hours for drop-offs and collections to ensure optimal customer assistance. Additionally, we provide expedited turnaround times, such as overnight or within 24 hours (by prior arrangements). We aim to deliver prompt and efficient service, catering to your specific requirements.

Committed to excellence and compliance

At Premier Galvanizing Hull, we prioritise excellence in all aspects of our operations. This includes maintaining the highest occupational health and safety standards, quality management, and environmental management. Our certifications include BS EN ISO 1461, ISO 45001, NQA ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001.

Dedicated team

The Hull team comprises dedicated individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in their roles. We strive to provide our customers with the highest level of service. We also consider ourselves an integral part of your team, ensuring your needs are met with utmost care and professionalism.

Andrew Tweddle serves as the Divisional Manager at Hull, while Chris Young oversees the Transport and Production Manager role.


To book your projects with us or for any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Premier Galvanizing Hull team today!

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