Joseph Ash Chesterfield achieves FORS accreditation

Joseph Ash Chesterfield has successfully met the Bronze level requirements of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

FORS is a voluntary scheme that covers all aspects of vehicle emissions, fuel efficiency, economical operations and safety.

Achieving the Bronze level means Joseph Ash Chesterfield‘s HGVs and practices meet the scheme’s requirements and the team are committed to maintaining the scheme’s standards, not just during the audit.

The Bronze audit is also the gateway to future Silver or Gold accreditations.

Well done to all involved!

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Christmas is fast approaching, which means our sites will soon be shutting for the holidays.

To help you stay prepared, we’ve listed below the dates and times that our sites will be shutting, as well as the dates and times that our sites will be reopening in the new year.

Please note that while our Chesterfield site officially closes on the 21st December, the last day for galvanizing is Monday 18th December due to a bath changeover.

Site	Schedule
Bilston	Close: Wednesday 20th December 2023, 12:00pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024, 6:00am
Bridgend	Close: Friday 22nd December 2023, 6:00am Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024. 6:00am
Chesterfield	Close: Thursday 21st December 2023 Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024 NB. Last day for hot dip galvanizing is Monday 18th December due to a bath changeover.
Corby	Close: Thursday 21st December 2023, 4:30pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024, 7:00am
Hull	Close: Friday 22nd December 2023, 1:00pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024
Medway	Close: Friday 22nd December 2023, 2:00pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024, 8:00am
Telford	Close: Friday 22nd December 2023, 12:00pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024 NB. Last day for spin galvanizing is Tuesday 19th December due to a bath pump out.
Walsall	Close: Tuesday 19th December 2023, 4:30pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024, 8:00am
Widnes	Close: Friday 22nd December 2023, 12:00pm Open: Tuesday 2nd January 2024, 8:30am

If you have any steel that needs coating before the new year, book a collection or get a quote from us today to avoid disappointment.

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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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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.

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.

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

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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Widnes Galvanising, the latest addition to the Joseph Ash Group, has just launched their new environmentally-friendly passivation process!

An alternative to hexavalent chrome passivation, Widnes Galvanising Ltd’s (also known as Joseph Ash Widnes) non-chrome 6 passivation is a fantastic step towards keeping the galvanizing process environmentally friendly, as well as making sure we deliver only the best quality finish for our customers.

What is passivation?

After hot dip galvanizing has taken place, items (on request) are “passivated”. Passivation causes a chemical reaction to occur, where a thin transparent layer of metal oxide coats the galvanized steel to help reduce the effects of wet storage stain and cool the items so they can be handled safely.

Our new passivation process does not use hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds within the process. Instead, it relies on compounds which are considered less toxic and more environmentally friendly. Our new method of passivating is a safer alternative to traditional Cr(VI) passivation, while delivering only the highest-quality finish for our customers.

Benefits of non-chrome 6 passivation

The main difference between hexavalent chrome passivation and our new non-chrome 6 passivation is its environmental impact; Joseph Ash Widnes’ passivation process is more environmentally-friendly than traditional Cr(VI) passivation. At Joseph Ash we’re dedicated to protecting the environment, so this is a fantastic change for our Widnes site.

Other benefits of passivation include:

• Increased corrosion resistance: Passivation significantly improves the corrosion resistance of zinc-coated steel. This is particularly important in outdoor and industrial environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, and pollutants is common.
• Aesthetic appeal: Passivation can enhance the appearance of the galvanized surface by providing a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing finish.
• Extended lifespan: Galvanized products with passivation tend to have a longer service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
• Improved adhesion: Passivation can improve the adhesion of paints and coatings to the galvanized surface, making it easier to apply and more durable.

Contact Widnes Galvanising today to discuss your hot dip galvanizing and passivation requirements.

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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

What are duplex coatings?

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.

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.

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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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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.

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:

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.

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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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Joseph Ash takes pride in its extensive network of UK plants, from Medway in the South to Hull in the North. This month’s newsletter highlights our Northamptonshire facility, Premier Galvanizing Corby. We’re putting a spotlight on Corby to showcase its remarkable capabilities and state-of-the-art amenities.

History of galvanizing in Corby

Premier Galvanizing Corby is in a region of England historically tied to the growth and development of steel and ironworks during the Industrial Revolution. And where there’s steel, there’s galvanizing.

Galvanizing became essential as the steel industry grew in Corby. It was particularly crucial for the construction sector, where steel structures and components were exposed to the elements. Galvanized steel offers superior durability and resistance to rust. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, including bridges, buildings, and infrastructure.

In recent years, Corby has experienced a resurgence in its steel industry. This has been driven by investments and the growth of new businesses. Galvanizing remains vital in the town’s steel sector, ensuring the longevity and corrosion resistance of steel products manufactured there.

Today, galvanizing companies in Corby continue to employ advanced techniques and technologies to provide high-quality galvanized steel coatings. Premier Galvanizing caters to various industries: construction, automotive, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Premier Galvanizing Corby location

Premier Galvanizing Corby is located on the Willowbrook Industrial Estate. With its extensive fleet of vehicles, it covers customers’ galvanizing needs from London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, as well as the Midlands.

What is galvanized at Premier Galvanizing Corby?

Whether a fabricator needs a small amount of steel galvanized for a gate or railings or 100 tonnes of steel for a new building development, Premier Galvanizing Corby can help. We pride ourselves on getting it right the first time, on time, and every time to meet the varied needs of our customers.

Bath size

The bath dipping size at Premier Galvanizing Corby is 7.5m x 1.3m x 3.0m, and the team can dip 4.8 tonnes.

Additional services

As well as core services, Premier Galvanizing Corby offers the following customer amenities:

Collection and delivery service: Wherever you are or wherever the end destination for your fabrications is, Premier Galvanizing can transport your steel. We operate a fleet of four articulated vehicles capable of carrying 22 tonnes each. Plus eight rigids which can also carry up to 10 tonnes.

Full technical support: Providing customers with comprehensive technical support, offering guidance and assistance at every stage.

Packing and bundling:  We can bundle, pack, and label your steel at your request. Let us know your requirements. Especially if you want us to deliver your items to the end user or prepare them for export or containerisation. Certificates of conformity can be issued upon request, and all work is conducted following BS EN ISO 1461.

On-site storage: Premier Galvanizing Corby offers ample on-site storage capacity, allowing customers to store materials conveniently before and after galvanizing.

Shot blasting and powder coating: Through an external subcontractor.

Committed to excellence and compliance

Recognising the importance of meeting customers’ time-sensitive demands, the team at Corby fully understands the significance of strict deadlines. We have extended opening hours for drop-offs and collections to provide the best assistance. Moreover, Corby offers expedited turnaround times, including overnight and within 24 hours, through prior arrangements, ensuring prompt and efficient service.

Premier Galvanizing Corby prioritises excellence in everything it does. Including maintaining the highest occupational health and safety standards, quality management, and environmental management. Certifications include BS EN ISO 1461, ISO 45001, NQA ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.

Our people

At Corby, we have a dedicated team of individuals with a wealth of knowledge and a sincere passion for their roles. From skilled shop floor operatives to transport and truck drivers, meticulous health and safety experts to the efficient administrative team, we work collaboratively to ensure that our valued customers receive the utmost service and see us as part of their team.

Contact the team at Corby today to discuss your projects.

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Looking for the widest galvanizing bath in the UK? Look no further than Joseph Ash Telford!

When it comes to looking for the perfect galvanizing service provider, bath size matters. The right size galvanizing bath will ensure your steel fabrications are evenly and sufficiently coated in zinc.

At two meters wide, the UK’s widest galvanizing bath can handle bigger and more complex projects than our competitors. Joseph Ash Telford is the ideal place to galvanize your fencing, structural steel, trailers, sculptures, or any other wide metal fabrications.

Why a wider galvanizing bath is better

There are numerous reasons why the width of our Telford bath makes it the ideal place to hot dip galvanize your metal fabrications.

Increased Capacity: A wider galvanizing bath can handle larger and more complex items. This allows you to protect bigger projects without needing to downsize them, saving you time and money. We can also process more of your items at once, reducing the overall turnaround time for projects. This allows us to meet tighter deadlines so you get your projects back quicker.

Our Telford bath isn’t just wide, though. It’s also 7.3 meters long and 3.1 meters deep, with a volume capacity of 5 tonnes. These dimensions make it capable of containing almost any large metal fabrication!

Get a quote or book a collection today to protect your fabrication in the widest UK galvanizing bath at Joseph Ash Telford.

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The Joseph Ash Group boasts nine plants spread throughout the UK, stretching from Medway in the South to Hull in the North. Here, we shine the spotlight on Chesterfield, showcasing the plant’s exceptional capabilities and facilities.

Location and history of Joseph Ash Chesterfield

The Chesterfield plant is based in Derbyshire, a region of England historically tied to the growth and development of the steel and iron industry in the 19th century.

With so much metalwork and engineering in the area, galvanizing was essential in protecting steel and iron products from rust and corrosion, extending their lifespan, and enhancing their durability.

Joseph Ash Chesterfield is the largest of all our plants. It’s situated on the Holmewood Industrial Estate, just half a mile off the M1 Junction 29, and services clients from Worksop, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and the West Midlands.

As the Chesterfield team wants to make customers’ lives as simple as possible, it provides collections and deliveries throughout the Midlands and the North and a daily milk run service within a 50-mile radius of the plant and the M1 corridor. In addition, the plant’s unique offerings in size see them regularly undertaking projects from Southampton to Aberdeen.

Fit for Nuclear accredited

Joseph Ash Chesterfield is the only plant in the UK that is certified as Fit for Nuclear (F4N), which demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and compliance with nuclear industry standards. Steel components could include building supports, platforms, walkways, and structural steel.

As the nuclear industry is highly specialised and safety-critical, the galvanizing must pass rigorous evaluation and qualification processes to ensure compliance with stringent standards and regulations.

Services at Joseph Ash Chesterfield

The plant is ideally suited for the largest projects, including structural sections and lighting columns, building supports, platforms, walkways, and other general fabrication work. In addition, Chesterfield is unique in that it can galvanize a 16m – 12-tonne beam to the smallest shims weighing a few kilos each. This gives customers confidence that an entire project can be galvanized at a single plant to the highest possible standard.

Additional services

As well as core services, Joseph Ash Chesterfield offers the following customer amenities:

• Collection and delivery service: Ensuring items reach Joseph Ash and are returned to customers hassle-free. We operate a fleet of seven articulated vehicles capable of carrying 28 tonnes each, plus five rigids which can also carry up to 15 tonnes. The fleet also has 48 trailers to maintain customers’ work.

• Full technical support: Providing customers with comprehensive technical support, offering guidance and assistance at every stage.

• Passivation: A 17m tank (the largest passivation bath in the UK) ensuring optimal corrosion resistance and surface finish for galvanized products.

• On-site storage: With over 10 acres of available space, Joseph Ash Chesterfield offers ample on-site storage capacity, allowing customers to store materials conveniently before and after galvanizing.

• Trailer storage: Customers can take advantage of a designated area capable of accommodating up to 100 trailers, providing a secure space for transportation needs.

• Crane gantry area: The crane gantry area at Chesterfield features ramps and bays, enabling customers to load their containers and trailers efficiently and effortlessly under six external cranes.

• Fabrication pre-testing: Chesterfield includes a dedicated area where customers can assemble and pre-test their fabrications before taking them off-site for delivery to the end user.

• Truck driver facilities: Overnight and changing facilities are available for the comfort of truck drivers. Chesterfield also has a truck stop located directly opposite the plant.

• Forklift fleet: Chesterfield will soon be in the possession of the most up to date electric fleet of forklifts using an Opti Fleet computerised system. We have four 3.5 tonne and one 4.5 combi forklift trucks.

Bath size

The bath dipping size at Joseph Ash Chesterfield is 16.2m x 1.6m x 2.3m, and the team can dip 8 tonnes (or 16 tonnes by arrangement). Double dipping can also be undertaken (height and length).

Flexibility

The Chesterfield team understand that customers often have strict deadlines to meet. To assist, the plant has extended opening hours for drop-offs and collections. Chesterfield also offers quick turnaround times (overnight and within 24 hours) by prior arrangement.

Committed to excellence and compliance

Joseph Ash Chesterfield prioritises excellence in everything it does, including maintaining the highest standards of occupational health and safety, quality management, and environmental management. Certifications include BS EN ISO 1461, ISO 45001, NQA ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.

The Chesterfield team also understands the importance of documentation and transparency and provides Certificates of Conformity for each job whenever required.

Contact them today and let the team exceed your expectations with their expertise and commitment to service.

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