A West Midlands company is celebrating the success of its latest
project, which saw it play a part in the rejuvenation of a
community facility.
Wednesfield-based Edward Howell, part of Wedge Group
Galvanizing, was called upon to provide its specialist hot-dip
galvanizing treatment to a new sign installed at the entrance of
the refurbished 'The Vibe' youth club in Birmingham.
The sign, which has been supported by the Youth Opportunity
Fund, measures approximately 6ft by 6ft and has been designed by
the youngsters who use the centre, with help from renowned local
artist John O'Hanlon. It depicts the 'The Vibe' name at the centre
of a sun, along with 18 'rays of sunlight' incorporating mosaics
and messages such as 'respect', 'youth' and 'retro'.
Jim Lindsay, Commercial Manager for Edward Howell, said:
"Galvanizing the framework of the sign, which involved dipping the
steel into molten zinc at temperatures of up to 450˚C, ensures
it is protected long-term against rust and corrosion, meaning that
The Vibe's message will be clear to see for generations to
come."
Leon Hylton, Youth Worker for Birmingham City Council and
Manager of The Vibe, said: "The new sign is a fitting culmination
of all the hard work that has been put in to getting the youth
centre up and running. The youngsters came up with a fantastic,
eye-catching concept, and now the team at Edward Howell has carried
out its galvanizing work, the final version will be protected
against the elements."
The sign marked the end to a major renovation project carried
out at the youth club, which has moved from its previous base on
Bierton Road to its current home on Holder Road, South Yardley.
Formerly a disused tenants hall, the new centre has been revamped
with the full involvement of the youngsters who use the facility,
and incorporates a music recording studio and computer suite.
As well as playing host to the youth club on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Saturdays - and hosting youth club band practices on
Thursday evenings - the new hub is also used by the wider local
community, with kickboxing classes, dance sessions, scout groups
and band practices amongst the events held on a regular basis.
Wedge Group Galvanizing is one of the largest hot dip
galvanizing organisations in the UK with a history dating back over
150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country,
they offer a truly national galvanizing service.