A Midlands diamond drilling and sawing company has been helping
to restore a national treasure.
D-Drill, which has headquarters in Shilton, near Coventry, as
well as offices across the UK, was called in to complete a crucial
drilling job as part of the restoration of the Cutty Sark.
The ship, synonymous with the UK's maritime heritage and
overseas trade, is undergoing a major conservation project after it
was hit by a blaze in 2007.
A series of contractors are working to ensure it is ready to be
reopened to the public in 2012 and D-Drill was called in to drill
holes where multiple layers of steel are being reinforced inside
the museum and exhibition area.
"We used 5no drill bits for 11 holes," said Emma Wood, of
D-Drill's London office.
"It was great to get the call to work on the Cutty Sark and
shows the high regard in which D-Drill is held. It was quite a
difficult drilling job and that's why they called in an expert.
"The ship is regarded as a national treasure and everyone is
looking forward to seeing it reopened in 2012. We are delighted to
have played a part in that."
The latest work follows on from a previous job carried out by
D-Drill on the Cutty Sark to help install a bridge to access to the
ship from a walkway.
In that instance, one 107mm diameter hole was drilled at
precisely a ten degree angle, three metres deep.
A second hole was drilled at an 18 degree angle. Again it was
107mm in diameter and also drilled at three metres deep.