Spring 2012 - Finley Structures

Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
Issue 3, Spring 2012
Family-run firm established 2000
Vertical Pier
taking shape!
Inside this
issue...
Road trip re-ignites a
love affair...
New waste transfer
station nears
completion
Our Projects
About us...
Finley Structures Limited was formed in
August 2000 and is a family owned company
providing structural steelwork to the
construction industry.
Their premises are based on the Newton
Aycliffe Business Park, in County Durham,
providing a central location and flexibility to
supply the whole of the UK.
Whilst providing a wide range of structural
solutions, the company specialises in the
production of portals, trusses, beams and
columns.
Finley Structures Limited is determined to
ensure that customers' requirements are
met at all times with quality and cost being
at the forefront.
As a team we ensure that delivery is timely
and strive to achieve a first class reputation
and be at the leading edge within the
construction industry.
We are continuously investing to ensure we
have the latest technology and software.
More than £1m was invested in its
production facility in 2008, with a second
saw and drill line and robotic coping line as
well as an SA2.5 shot blast facility.
The investment was approved and
undertaken by the Board of Directors to give
us the ability to manufacture in excess of
200 tonnes of steel per week to meet
increasing demand as the customer base
grows.
In July 2011, Finley Structures launched its
very first quarterly newsletter, keeping
employees, clients and potential new client’s
up-to-speed on all its projects and news.
Contact Us
Tel: 01325 328120
Fax: 01325 328121
E: enquires@finleystructures.co.uk
W: www.finleystructures.co.uk
The Finley
Newsletter
Produced by Mantis Media
Tel: 01325 311712
Mob: 07826 525907
E: martin.walker@mantis-media.com
www.mantis-media.com
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
Welcome
We continue to
grow, against
the grain...
● MD John Finley standing with Gary and
Julie Finley inside one of the main
structural columns for the NAREC contract
Welcome to our spring 2012 issue of our
company newsletter, keeping you up-to-date
on everything about Finley Structures.
While many firms in the construction industry
are struggling to survive, we continue to go
from strength-to-strength.
With a turnover now approaching £12m, we
have recently increased our workforce to 49
and are winning contracts from 50-tonne to
2000-tonne nationwide. Our client base
includes major contractors such as Balfour
Beatty, Howard Russell, Shepherd
Construction, Carillion, Willmott Dixon and Sir
Robert McAlpine.
The company's strength and position in the
market is thanks to significant investments
over the last two-to-three years and the
dedication of the team who continue to strive
in order to be the best in the business.
We continue to build on our recent success
with a string of contract wins and positive
developments, these include Unipres, a new
factory in Sunderland working with Sir Robert
McAlpine Ltd; Tallent Automotive, a 660-tonne
factory in Newton Aycliffe working with
Howard Russell Construction Ltd, a new
Travelodge in Hartlepool, working with Jomast
Developments Ltd, and a new waste transfer
station for Total Recycling in Darlington.
I would like to take this opportunity to
congratulate Julie Finley on her appointment
of Joint Managing Director within Finley
Structures Ltd and Gary Finley on his
appointment of Joint Managing Director of
SCH Site Services Ltd.
As usual, our newsletter is packed with news
and information about Finley Structures,
including a little insight to my American road
trip last summer and my lifelong love of bikes!
I hope you enjoy this spring issue.
Regards
John Finley
Managing Director
Issue 3, Spring 2012
News
Seafront’s new Vertical
Pier taking shape
A stunning new pier which will dominate the
skyline of a North-East seaside resort is starting to
take shape.
Finley Structures have completed the steel
framework for the Vertical Pier, due to open later
this year, as part of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s
multi-million pound redevelopment programme.
More than £290m is being spent in the Borough to
regenerate the area, while an estimated £4.5 billion
of private investment is expected to create around
14,000 new jobs and 600 new businesses.
A total of £40m is being spent on Redcar seafront,
including £30m on new sea defences and enhanced
landscaping, and £8.3m on ‘The Hub’, a Creative
Industries Centre on the site of the old Palace
Theatre.
The new Vertical Pier, costing £1.8m, will stand at an
amazing 80ft high and will provide spectacular views
up and down the coast.
Construction firm Willmott Dixon Group subcontracted the steel fabrication and installation
work to Finley Structures, who have recently
completed the job.
Construction manager Andy Braid, pictured outside
the vertical pier, said: “It was a pleasure to work on
an exciting project which will have such an obvious
impact on Redcar seafront.
“It’s also further testament to our versatility and the
diverse range of projects we’re capable of delivering
to high standards.
“The artist’s drawings of the Vertical Pier look
absolutely stunning and it promises to provide the
focal point of what is a major regeneration
programme in the town.”
The seafront’s new beacon will provide Redcar with
a new icon. The ground floor will be used primarily
as café space with indoor and outdoor seating
areas. This will also be used as an exhibition space
as well as providing the location for public toilet
facilities.
A series of unique studios and workspaces that can
be leased by the creative industries sector will be on
the six levels above the ground floor.
Each level of the Vertical Pier will be accessible by
lift or stairs and open to the public free of charge.
The building has been designed to create a dynamic
experience on the journey to the top of the
building, with views of local landmarks framed by
the outer foils wrapped around the tower.
At roof level, with its open air viewing platform,
there will be a panoramic view across the dramatic
seascape and surrounding landscape.
The building will be open seven days a week
between 9am and 10pm during peak season. There
will be constantly changing exhibitions housed
within the building.
The project is part funded by the NE ERDF
competitiveness programme 2007-13.
Head adds ‘Golden Bolt’
A head teacher has added a specially-made Golden
Bolt to his new £14.5m school which is in the
making.
George Harris says pupils at Dene Community
School in Peterlee can’t wait for their new building
to be opened in October 2012.
He added a Golden Bolt to part of the construction,
which is being built by main contractors Carillion
Building.
“We’re all very excited to see the new school
beginning to take shape,” said Mr Harris.
“There’s still a long way to go yet, but it’s getting
there gradually and we’re delighted that the site
hasn’t interfered with our learning flow whatsoever.
“The only snag is that our teachers have had to draw
their blinds to keep their pupils concentrating
because they can’t take their eyes off it!”
Carillion are keen to involve the school in the
construction as much as possible.
A couple of months ago they arranged for pupils to
visit Finley Structures in Newton Aycliffe, the steel
firm tasked with fabricating and erecting the new
structure.
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
Youngsters saw how raw steel will form the core of
their new building; they signed a steel plate with
their initials, which was then incorporated into the
construction.
Carillion’s community liaison manager Jane
Braybrook said: “It’s important for the school and
the pupils to have ownership of the new school so
we’ve been working hard to involve them as much
as we possibly can.
“We take the young people to see the steel being
made and we’re also taking them to see the bricks
being produced, so they get a real insight into how it
all comes together, so when it’s completed they’ll
feel they’ve been involved in it every step of the
way.”
John Finley added: “We’ve had youngsters from
Dene School visit us and they hopefully learned a lot
about how the raw steel comes to us, is fabricated
and then erected.
“It’s always nice to involve the young people
wherever we can and it’s rewarding to see them
come in and learn about our operations.
“On this occasion, they took a great interest and
asked lots of questions which is great to see!”
Carillion plc is one of the UK's leading support
services and construction companies.
As well as the 213-tonne new-build at Dene School,
they are also currently working on a 105-tonne newbuild at Hebburn School, a 50-tonne extension at
Glendene School in Easington and a 213-tonne newbuild at SEN1 in Bedewell, Hebburn.
Carillion are working on 22 schools in the North-East
including six in Durham.
Issue 3, Spring 2012
News
Road trip re-ignites a
love affair…
A dream road trip in the USA has re-ignited
John Finley’s love affair with bikes.
The Finley Structures MD motorcycled 1,800
miles in all weathers during a 10-day boys’ trip
in the States last summer.
This was the first time John had rode a Harley
Davidson and enjoyed the experience so much
that he decided to purchase his very first
Harley!
During a chance visit to the Arlen Ness
motorcycle shop in Las Vegas, John took a
liking to several bikes, but it was this 2003,
1130cc Harley Davidson V-Rod, which
particularly stood out, and it’s no wonder with
only 1,120 miles on the clock. Virtually all
chrome, and with an engine designed by
Porsche, it’s an eye-catching machine.
“I remember walking past it and thinking to
myself, ‘that’s a lovely bike’,” says John.
“I went back and took a quick snap of it on my
phone. I ended up taking quite a few around
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
the shop; there was a wonderful collection of
bikes.
“We went home and looked up the shop on
the internet and it was still this V-Rod that
stood out.
“I hadn’t heard it, I hadn’t been on one, and I
just knew it was the bike for me.”
John and six friends flew from Heathrow to
San Francisco last summer, where the 10-day
road trip started, and took in Mariposa, Lake
Isabella, Death Valley, Furnace Creek, Las
Vegas, Hoover Dam, Bullhead City, Victorville,
Ventura and Monterey before returning to San
Francisco for the flight home.
After owning a bike for more than 40 years –
his first was a 1966 500cc Triumph Tiger 100
SS, which he still has to this day! – John admits
the experience has re-opened a big part of his
life and has already planned his next trip this
summer through Spain and Portugal along
with two friends from the US trip taking their
partners along for the experience.
“I’ve had bikes since I was 14, I learnt to ride
on a 650 A10BSA and then went onto
motorbike and sidecar racing. I started a
family and then went into business in 1981,
my love of bikes took a back seat” he says.
“I remember during a Christmas holiday in the
US many years ago, with my wife Valerie, I saw
a load of Harley’s motoring down the strip at
Las Vegas, and I said to myself ‘I’d love to do
that’.
“That dream came true years later as I was
part of a group of Harley’s driving down that
very same strip, it was a great feeling.
“It’s opened my life up again to what used to
be a big part, other than business.”
Issue 3, Spring 2012
News
£1.3m waste transfer
station nears completion
A state-of-the-art recycling facility in
Darlington is nearing completion.
The two-year wait for Total Recycling Services’
£1.3m waste transfer station is due to be
finished and open for business in the summer.
Finley Structures were employed as Main
Contractor for the new facility. Their work
included foundations, floor slab, steel, brick,
cladding, doors and push walls. Work on the
site, next to Orange on Lingfield Way,
Darlington, is almost complete.
Total Recycling managing director Alex
Foreman, pictured at the firm’s new plant,
says it’s an exciting development for the firm.
The station will create six new full-time jobs,
including a chemist to examine hazardous
waste, taking the total number of employees
to 36, and is expected to increase Total’s
annual turnover by £1.2m to £6.3m a year.
“It’s a really exciting development which will
be two years in the making by the time it’s
finished,” said Mr Foreman.
“The new waste transfer station will be a
state-of-the-art facility which will enhance our
growing business and increase our reputation
as one of the market leaders in recycling and
waste management.”
John Finley added: “This is the first time we’ve
worked with Total Recycling and they’ve been
a pleasure to work with.
“They’re delighted with the work we’re doing,
and everyone is looking forward to seeing the
new facility up and running very soon.”
Total Recycling was established in August
2009, born out of a desire to provide a onestop-shop waste management services for
companies throughout the UK.
Its team combines 25 years’ experience in
both the hazardous and non-hazardous waste
disposal industries.
MD Mr Foreman has a wealth of experience in
waste management, having previously been
operations director and commercial director
with another large North-East waste
management company.
Total Recycling now boasts an experienced
sales team fully trained in site audits, while
waste requirements analysis are supported by
an administration team. They also have a large
team of waste management operatives
working from their recycling depot and head
office in Darlington.
SCH’s new £500k factory
A secondary steelwork firm has moved into
its new £500,000 premises in the region.
SCH Site Services has just moved into its new
factory on Aycliffe Business Park.
The firm works alongside Finley Structures,
focusing on structural steel installation and
secondary steelwork packages, as well as
working for other external clients.
The new site, adjacent to the Finley site in
Aycliffe, is a £500,000 investment which
created 10 new jobs and boosted SCH’s
workforce to 31.
Construction manager Andy Braid, pictured
(centre) with contract managers Andy Davies
(left) and Steve Rowley (Right), said: “We have
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
developed the secondary steel work side of
our operations in recent months
and this new site is a natural
progression for SCH.
“It makes sense to segregate the
secondary steel work into the new
premises in order to maintain our
specialised workforce in the
separate areas of the business.
“Our range of secondary steelwork
includes barriers, bollards,
flooring, handrails, railings and
staircases, while we also supply
and install balustrades and
canopies.”
Issue 3, Spring 2012
Projects
Unipres
Sunderland
Main Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Tonnage: 800
Start: Phase 1 December 11,
Phase 2 April 12
Tallent Automotive
– New Factory
Newton Aycliffe
Main Contractor: Howard Russell
Construction Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 661
Start: 31st October 2011
Finish: End Nov 2011
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
Issue 3, Spring 2012
Projects
Into Newcastle
Newcastle University
Main Contractor: Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 100
Start: June 2011
Skegness Academy
Sub-station
Cobalt 9C
Skegness
Main Contractor: Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 300 (over 3 phases)
Start: Phase 1, 22nd August 2011 (2-week
programme); Phase 2, April 2012; Phase 3, February
2013.
Killingholme
Main Contractor: J Murphy & Sons Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 55
Start: Feb 2012
North Tyneside
Main Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd
Design & Build
Tonnage: approx. 260
Start: April 2012
Pools on the Foreshore
Blyth
Main Contractor: Shepherd Construction Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 951
Start: March 2012
South Shields
Main Contractor: Graham Construction Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 385
Start: January 2012
Finish: March 2012
Total Recycling Ltd
Waste Transfer Station
Main Contractor: Finley Structures Ltd
Design & Build
Start: February 2012
Finish: June 2012
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
NAREC
Travel Lodge
Hartlepool
Jomast Developments Ltd
Tonnage: approx. 120
Start: March 2012
Cobalt 4A
North Tyneside
Main Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd
Design & Build
Tonnage: approx. 150
Start: April 2012
Issue 3, Spring 2012
What we do
Design Services
Site Installation
Design and build contracting forms an integral part of our
activities and it is for this reason we’ve employed a
chartered structural engineer with over twenty years
experience in the particular skills that design and build
requires. Currently working on several school projects with
a number of main contractors and in line with current public
policy on government buildings Finley’s are undertaking
level three BIM co-ordination utilising their own 3D design
and detailing software in conjunction with Navisworks and
Revit Architecture.
Finley recognise and appreciate that engineering decisions
can greatly affect the success of a project, and thus have a
particular skill base and vast knowledge that can benefit
their clients, not only in terms of cost, but programme
duration.
Our Engineer uses the latest analysis software and 3D
modelling packages to find the optimum solution to any
structural engineering problem.
This design facility is at the forefront of modern industry
techniques, and is able to offer the complete service to the
construction industry, from individual connections on
consultant led projects to full design of the most complex
structures on a ‘design and build’ basis.
All design information is able to be imported directly into ‘3Dimensional’ CAD systems, providing immeasurable speed
and accuracy.
Finley Structures can offer clients the full solution to our
structural steelwork requirements. Our flexible approach
allows us to undertake work ranging from simple beam
work to complex building frames.
Our aim is to forge long-term relationships with clients to
satisfy their requirements throughout the design and
construction process.
We recognise that no matter what is achieved in our
workshop and offices, it is our site performance which is
where we are most visible.
We employ in-house erection teams supplemented by longterm partnered sub-contractors.
Finley Structures shares the aims of the Main Contractors
Group (MCG) in pushing for higher levels of training for site
workers.
In accordance with the MCG Charter, 100% of Finley
Structures site employees hold CSCS certification.
our experienced and fully-trained site teams work hand-inhand with an appointed contract manager to ensure that
the frame is erected on time, and most importantly in a safe
manner. The contracts manager will be empowered to take
decisions on behalf of the company, attending site meetings
and accepting site instructions.
Finley Structures work closely with not only the client's
professional team, but also other site trade contractors, to
plan and execute site activities efficiently. Through our
extensive experience, we’re able to
suggest unique installation
techniques when faced with
complex site constraints. When
faced with challenging site issues,
we’d always search for a solution to
minimise any consequential impact
to the project.
Well before we start on site, a
method statement and risk
assessment are developed including
a detailed description of the work
procedure including the Crane Lift
Plan.
All erectors are fully briefed and
committed to the method
statement, this commitment is
carried through to the site
inductions and once the site is live
the same commitment is reinforced
with regular toolbox talks.
Finley Structures accept no
compromises on safety, and their
independent health and safety
advisors carry out routine
inspections of all their sites, while a copy of the site report
is always sent onto clients for discussion.
Detailing
Finley’s drawing offices are equipped with the latest
structural steel CAD draughting software. The main software
packages being used are:
• Ace Cad Strucad
• Tekla X-Steel
Linked to the Fabrication Department, the Drawing Offices
are able to download construction and fabrication drawings
direct to the factory CNC machinery for steelwork
preparation.
With certain sub-contract elements – i.e. cold rolled
steelwork, we are able to upload our drawings and CAM
data directly to their machines, enabling the quickest turn
around available.
It is our company policy to use e-mail for the transfer of
drawings and information as much as is practically possible.
Steel Fabrication
Finley Structures are strategically located at the heart of the
North East, enabling them to distribute in excess of 200 tons
of steel per week, nationwide, quickly and efficiently.
On a 5 acre plot, their 88,000 square foot, state-of-the-art
production facility incorporates the most advanced
computer numerically controlled machinery (CNC) available.
Their experienced 75-strong workforce can tackle projects
from portal frame and beam and column buildings to the
most complex structures.
All machinery in the factory is linked to the technical
department by a network of fibre optic cables to ensure
speed, efficiency and the elimination of human error. All
processes are completed in one fabrication facility with a
dedicated checker ensuring quality is kept at its highest
level.
A just-in-time manufacturing process is utilised with steel
being supplied from local suppliers in planned 'lots'. Fittings
and main shafts are identified with part or erection marks,
easily identified after erection for the CE marking system
requirements and tractability.
This then ensures the specification of our product complies
with both the manufacturing standards and the relevant
Euro codes for building and construction.
Within their facility, Finley use Kaltenbach saw/ drill CNC
machinery and have full shot-blast facilities, which are
controlled by their production control system. This is
complimented with the two “fabrication speed lines", which
are a form of moving conveyor system, each line being
160m long. Over 28 speed line bogies are used in the
transfer of the steel where they end in a 15,000 square foot
paint hall. This area gives us the flexibility to offer a range of
surface finish specifications.
The site has a loyal, trained and highly-skilled workforce that
work hand-in-hand with shopfloor management and
contract staff to provide a quality product delivered to
programme requirements.
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter
Crane Hire and Contract Lifting
All cranes are available for hire. In addition, Finley
Structures offer a comprehensive package in the absence of
an appointed person to ensure meeting the standards
required to comply with LOLER.
We’ll provide you with appropriate site survey,
documentation and supervision for the lift as well as the
correct support team and any necessary ancillary services.
We’re able to carry out a specific, fully-managed lift where
we’ll plan and supervise the lifting operation, supplying all
the necessary paperwork, personnel and expertise.
Terex PPM AC 35L
Specification: Max. lifting capacity: 40t; Boom: 9.4m –
37.4m; Max. hook height: 48m; Engine: DaimlerChrysler
engine OM 906 LA; Transmission: Automated power shift;
Dimensions: Length: 10.689m, Width: 5.95 m fully rigger,
Height: 3.38m; Transportation weight: 24t.
Tadano Faun AFT 65G-4
Secondary Steel Fabrication
Examples of Secondary Steel fabrications Finley Structures
offer: Balustrade, Barriers, Bollards, Flooring, Handrails,
Ladders, Railings, Staircases (straight flight), Supply and
installation of glass to balustrade and canopies
Examples of Secondary Steel finishes Finley Structures offer:
Primed, Galvanized, Painted, Polyester, Powder Coated,
Plastic Coating For Handrails, Stainless Steel.
STOP AND THINK EQUALS ZERO HARM
All aspects of the business are working in line with Zero
Harm which has been achieved coming up to two years. As
the Company
philosophy is for
every employee to
stop and THINK
prior to them
carrying out any
task in order for
them to ensure
they are working
safely.
Specification: Max lifting capacity: 65t; Boom: 11,0 – 44m;
Extension: 1,6m – 16,0m; Max hook height with extension:
61m; Engine: Mercedes (Euromot 111A/EPA 111) 290kw
(394 PS)/90kw (122 PS); Transmission: ZF-AS-Tronic; Drive: 8
x 6 x 8 (8 x 8 x 8 option); Dimensions: Length 12,39m /
Width 2,55m / Height 3,74m; Transportation weight: 48t
Taxi Version.
Issue 3, Spring 2012