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WGG
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WGG Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd
WGG Technical Services Director David Nobes
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd
Offering a whole host of benefits, steel is one of the most commonly chosen materials in the rail sector – used in everything from large components, such as track and overhead gantries, through to smaller nuts and bolts.
Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it also boasts durability, longevity, and impressive sustainability credentials too. And with ever-evolving national, business, and personal environmental targets being introduced, many within the rail industry are seeking to further reduce their carbon footprint, make future-proof commercial decisions, and proactively promote sustainable solutions.
But, steel is highly prone to corrosion – especially so when exposed to harsh environments and weather conditions. In fact, it’s estimated that worldwide, one tonne of steel corrodes every 90 seconds – essentially meaning that for every two tonnes of new steel produced, one is made to simply replace rust. So, an appropriate finish is required to ensure that the steel items remain inherently durable, fit-for-purpose and sustainable.
One company at the forefront is Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd: the largest hot dip galvanizing organisation in the UK. Having supported many companies across the rail sector for over 150 years, they’re committed to providing the highest quality service to customers, as well as helping them to become more environmentally-friendly, and supporting them in implementing and introducing innovative initiatives to achieve this.
David Nobes, their Technical Services Director, explores the winning combination that galvanizing boasts, and shares why it’s the original green solution. Plus, he delves into the latest advancements that are being made across the sector to enhance eco-friendly expertise, and explains why Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is on a mission to become a ‘truly’ sustainable business – for today and all of our tomorrows:
“Hot dip galvanizing dates back to the mid-1700s, and provides the finish of choice for many projects within the rail sector. As the original green solution, it’s the perfect option from both a commercial and environmental perspective. Plus, with an ever-increasing focus on protecting our landscapes, and the wildlife and nature within them, as well as striving towards low emission railways, it’s unsurprising that galvanizing continues to be a popular finish of choice across the industry.
“The galvanizing process is totally unique, in that it produces a metallurgic bonding to the steel – no other coating can do this. It offers the greatest resistance to mechanical damage, which is especially important for rail professionals who need to ensure a smooth and seamless transition during handling, transport and construction.
“A single immersion in molten zinc will entirely cover the steel component inside and out – even the hard-to-reach areas – protecting against rust and corrosion for up to 70 years (and longer, in the right conditions). No additional maintenance or time, labour, or resource-intensive support is required, meaning minimal downtime, limited inconvenience and business disruption, and low lifecycle costs – all of which are especially important in the current climate.
“There’s little to no waste, as due to its non-ferrous properties, any unused zinc can remain in the galvanizing bath to be used for the next project. And, opting for a galvanized finish doesn’t hinder the lifecycle of steel – it only enhances it. At the end of the project, the items can be recycled with scrap steel; or stripped down, re-galvanized, and used again, and again, and again…
“While the process itself is – clearly – incredibly impressive in terms of sustainability, many galvanizing companies across the globe are seeking solutions to further enhance this. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but to also support forward-thinking rail companies in their quest to improve the credentials of their own projects.
“This is something that’s been accelerated post-pandemic, and is a true indicator that the world is undoubtedly changing. It’s apparent that we’re now in an era of education. Businesses in the rail sector (and their customers) are becoming increasingly more curious – seeking information about the process, potential challenges and how they’re overcome, and the sustainability credentials from the very start of projects through to completion. In part, this could be due to the ever-evolving legislation that governs the sector, but it’s incredibly positive and exciting to spark these conversations and promote a truly authentic and transparent relationship to ensure all parties are empowered, fully-informed, and striving towards the same objectives.
“At Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, we’re no exception. We’re proud to be making significant steps with regards to sustainability, and we’re wholly dedicated to being advanced, novel, and pioneering in our triple bottom line approach.
“For example, as part of our wider promise, we’re on a carbon reduction journey towards net zero – something that’s been high on our agenda for years, with many advancements being made over the past decade. Over 10 years ago, we introduced a bespoke rainwater harvesting system, which is now in place at all 14 of our nationwide plants. Additionally, we’ve been exploring changes to the galvanizing process itself, and are proud to be one of the only lead and chrome-free galvanizing companies in the UK – part of our commitment to finding effective alternatives that are much kinder to our environment, safer for our team, and which enhance our overall sustainability strategy.
“While this isn’t a new phenomenon for us, we recognise that it’s not something we can achieve overnight. Nor is it a simple tick-box exercise. It’s something that our team is hugely passionate about – so much so, we’ve developed a Sustainability Commitment that we’re eager to progress, evolve, and encourage Group-wide. Plus we’ve established a ‘Futures Team’ to drive forward our objectives and to keep us all accountable on our journey to achieve our long-term goals.
“We’ve also collaborated – and continue to collaborate – with customers, and work with suppliers industry-wide to find innovative solutions to challenges across the sector. As a result of this, we’ve recently invested in world-first technology, which has led to an impressive company-wide 35% carbon emission reduction. This includes: smart-fire furnaces which analyse and monitor temperatures, heat exchangers which transfer waste heat back into the galvanizing process, lagged tanks which retain heat, and low-temperature degrease tanks which work just as productively with an innovative chemical at much lower temperatures. And we’ve recently invested over £350,000 into installing EV chargers across our 16 sites to assist our team and visitors on their personal quests to achieve this.
“Testament to this long-term commitment to our planet, we’ve recently been shortlisted in the Sustainability category of the Midlands Family Business Awards – recognised for our dedication to investing in the future, our journey to net zero, and our passion for giving back to both our employees and local communities.
What’s Next?
“We’ve dedicated significant resources and spent decades striving to enhance the way we do business, on a mission to improve the sustainability credentials of our galvanized steel even more. Not just because companies across the rail sector are seeking partners that share their values, morals, and ambitions, but because how we care for each other and our planet really matters.
“We’re privileged to have partnered with many significant players in the rail industry to assist in future-proofing their projects through the galvanizing process. For example, we’ve been supporting customers with the HS2 high speed rail line – the largest infrastructure project in Europe, as well as the multi-million pound development on the Midland Metro line, and the refurbishment of the iconic Hull and Barnsley railway bridge.
“While we’re making great advancements company-wide, and we’ve seen an increase in other companies implementing similar approaches, we’re committed to encouraging this as the norm across the board. We’re not naïve to the fact that (as an organisation and a sector) we still have a long way to go. This is a long-term commitment to becoming equally as advanced and novel in our approach to sustainability as the galvanizing process itself is, and to supporting our customers to do the same.
“Deemed to be the next industrial revolution, it’s vital that we all make conscious, considered, and careful decisions to work collaboratively for a greener tomorrow. Our triple bottom line (our people, our planet, and our profits) is something that we’re wholeheartedly passionate about, and will continue to champion to ensure companies from across the rail sector (and beyond) can become truly sustainable businesses. As the largest galvanizing organisation in the UK, we know we have a responsibility to lead the way when it comes to introducing and implementing new-and-improved ways of working.”
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.
For more information, please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing
on 01902 601944, or visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk
Contact details
www.wedge-galv.co.uk
01902 601944
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