International coatings company Barrier Ltd has sought the assistance of building systems manufacturer Rubb in order to find a suitable and effective replacement for an existing roller shutter door at one of its sites.
Upon working on projects for OGN Group at Hadrian Yard, in Wallsend, Barrier’s specialist coatings division found that it needed to work out how to improve the turnaround times for the painting and blasting of major offshore fabrications.
Barrier had been carrying out the work, which involved everything from passive fire protection to the thermal spraying of aluminium and shotblasting, inside a Rubb storage shelter located on the Hadrian Yard site.
The building in question had been constructed in the 1980s and needed its roller shutter replaced. At first, Barrier attempted to rectify the issue by establishing a wider opening in the front gable. In order for steelwork to be contained and protected from the external environment, specialist scaffolding was also used to block the entrance.
However, when Barrier was presented with tighter turnaround deadlines, the coatings company evaluated their options and came to the conclusion that a Rubb fabric structure (Fabric roller shutter door) would be a better investment, from a cost, efficiency and practicality point of view.
Commenting on how the decision came about, The Barrier Group’s Chairman, Robert Bowles, said: “In the period before construction begins and we subsequently move into our new facility next year, we needed to create temporary production areas that would support the delivery of current contracts and also increase the capacity for the manufacture of fire rated valve boxes for the international oil and gas market.”
Once contacted, Rubb made the decision to supply Barrier with one of its Heli-Doors. The structure is able to ensure easy access and secure closure through its 21.5m wide x 8.5m clear opening design. Furthermore, the structure is practical in that its two helical geared motors means the door can be operated electronically — a hand-operated option is also available in an emergency.
Ian Hindmoor, the Managing Director of Rubb, added: “Our fabric buildings can be designed to suit the site, quickly constructed and can be taken down, stored and relocated as required. They are tough, durable and a cost-effective long-term investment, with low running and maintenance costs.
