A local galvanizing company has played a role in the multi-million pound development of one of Europe's largest and most ambitious wildlife projects at a leading zoo in the North West.

Garston-based Merseyside Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has galvanized nearly 70 tonnes of steel on behalf of long-standing client, CLM Services, a bespoke metalwork fabrication specialist, for a brand new 14 acre visitor attraction at Chester Zoo, which will showcase the exotic wildlife that inhabit the islands of South East Asia.  

The project saw the plant called upon to galvanize steel for the new 'Islands' development at the zoo, which consisted of small steel brackets right through to 11 tonne enclosures, as well as window frames which will contain two tonnes of glass. When officially opened in July, the new attraction will transport visitors to the South East Asian islands, enabling them to experience the wildlife and endangered species of the region including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and Sunda gharial crocodiles, as well as their natural habitats which are home to carnivorous plants, tropical forests, and mangroves.


Matt Hayes of CLM Services said: "Galvanizing the steel was particularly important for this project to protect against rust and corrosion, mainly because of the position of some of the enclosures. The 'Monsoon Forest Show House' for instance recreates the natural environment of the rainforest which is permanently wet and it is therefore more corrosive on the steel. We have worked with Merseyside Galvanizing for around eight years, and find the plant to be very helpful and friendly, but most of all they provide a good quality service."

Richard Smetham, Sales Manager at Merseyside Galvanizing, said: "We were delighted to be involved in such a mammoth project, which is set to be a fantastic attraction for visitors from across the country. We were pleased to work alongside CLM Services once again, and look forward to partnering with them in the months and years ahead."