Pictured above: FSP's SOLO SLIDE, with a unique key
enabling single person operation, in use
Midlands manufacturer Fabweld Steel Products is stepping in to
assist customers left in the lurch by the sudden closure of a
county manhole cover company.
FSP has seen a rise in enquiries and orders from specifiers,
merchants and contractors for its range of recessed covers after
competitor Jones of Oswestry went into administration last
month.
Orders currently under way include requests for FSP's FAB Pave
range, including the new SOLO SLIDE™, as well as FAB GRATE
and FAB TRAY products, all similar to Jones' main Suprabloc,
Telebloc, Supragate and Suprasteel lines.
Managing director Richard Hilton said Telford-based FSP's
portfolio of products could easily be substituted for ranges
previously available via Jones of Oswestry, allowing continuity for
ongoing projects.
Mr Hilton said: "Jones of Oswestry was a respected name in the
steel fabrication industry for more than five decades and we
were obviously saddened to hear of the job losses on site.
"However, we are also aware that more jobs in the supply chain
could be lost if projects relying on products from Jones' are
delayed. We've already taken orders for products similar to those
in Jones' portfolio from customers left in the lurch.
"We can also replicate Jones' Tree Products including the
Rootbox and Arborslot fabricated recessed tree surrounds for hard
landscaping projects thanks to our bespoke design and manufacture
capabilities.
"FSP has the best lead times in the industry, and given our
flexibility to create bespoke as well as standard products with a
quick turnaround, we are expecting our order book to increase.
"If any contractors or specifiers are now in the position of
having to urgently source a new supplier, we are able to help.
Thanks to our investment in a new Trumpf laser machine, we are able
to ensure the best quality as well as the most cost-efficient and
quickest service to customers."
Mr Hilton said many enquiries had related to FSP's newest
addition to its FAB Pave range, the SOLO SLIDE™, a recessed
cover and frame fabricated from mild steel which can blend in with
the surrounding area.
It has been designed to be filled with a solid material, such as
brick paviours, flagstones or asphalt, which means the cover blends
in with the area in which it's fitted. A unique feature of the SOLO
SLIDE™ is an ergonomically designed key which allows for
single person operation, eliminating health and safety
concerns.
FSP's FAB Pave product is suitable for external use and is ideal
for all paved environments particularly where an aesthetically
pleasing finish is important. Typical applications are retail parks
and public areas of high prestige. FAB Pave covers can be seen in
all major city centre locations across the UK.