Two Midlands' based companies are marking their long-standing partnership spanning two decades with the official opening of their latest collaborative project.

Wednesfield-based Edward Howell Galvanizers, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, and Walsall-based Traditional Structures, have been working together since 1995 on a range of projects for the infrastructure industry, with its latest collaboration seeing the opening of a new multi-million development on the Midland Metro between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

Ken Moseley, Quality & Purchasing Director of Traditional Structures, explained: "The purpose of this project was to provide a building for the Metro's trams to be serviced and maintained within, to ensure they continue to operate effectively on the popular line. We worked with main contractors, Morgan Sindall, to produce structural steelwork for the major project, which included external cladding, as well as support with the design of the building's curved roof extension."


The galvanizing firm was required to process over 210 tonnes of steelwork for Traditional Structures for use on the busy Midland Metro tram line, which underwent a £13.8million upgrade at the Potters Lane station in Wednesbury over the past 12 months as part of an ongoing £128million expansion of the Wolverhampton and Birmingham line.

Ken added: "Our client required steelwork that would be protected from the often harsh elements of its environment and which would need little or no maintenance. The trams themselves are regularly cleaned in the wet wash area of the new building and would be particularly prone to rust and corrosion, which is why having a galvanized steel finish was specified. We've worked with the team at Edward Howell Galvanizers on many projects of this nature, and the service they provide not only meets, but exceeds, the brief and expectations of our clients."

The new building was commissioned in 2012 by Centro, West Midlands' public transport co-ordinator, and was officially opened by Councillor Roger Hoten and Councillor Darren Cooper in February.

Jim Lindsay, Sales Manager at Edward Howell Galvanizers, explained: "This has been a great project to work with Traditional Structures on. We've done many of this kind in the past, with infrastructure reliant on sustainable developments with long-term durability. We're thrilled to have marked our 20th anniversary with this large-scale project, and look forward to working with them on many more in years to come."

www.wedge-galv.co.uk