Overcoming saltwater erosion with a bespoke sealing solution in Gibraltar
In the space of three months, our innovative team created a game-changing solution to overcome saltwater erosion impacting coastal manhole covers, which is set to save endless hours of maintenance time and high ironwork replacement costs. After receiving an enquiry from Interbuild in Gibraltar, detailing the need for bespoke manhole covers that offer longevity and match existing chambers in the Marina Bay area, we got to work. Our solution was a specialist glass reinforced plastic (GRP) sealing cover merged with several of our existing manhole cover offerings, including Highway, Hercules and Vault. Not only did the combination provide protection from damaging saltwater that is unavoidable in Gibraltar, but it also offered lasting protection from other contaminants that may pose a risk to the ironwork’s integrity. Contributing to the ongoing, multi-million-pound regeneration in the Marina Bay area of Gibraltar, our solution has removed the previous requirement for regular and unscheduled ironwork replacements. In total, we provided 100 bespoke manhole covers, made to measure and designed by our technical lead Dave White – who specialises in GRP designed products. Our manhole covers with a GRP sealing plate are the only solution of its kind in use by Interbuild’s client – HM Government of Gibraltar – proving to be a unique and successful answer to a long-standing and frustrating problem. 
Eddie Lucas, Managing Director at Interbuild, said: “We approached our principal manhole cover supplier Wrekin to support us with a bespoke requirement for GRP sealed units, as we needed a large number of castings able to resist brackish water attack. "Gibraltar has a clever and environmentally friendly system in which all WCs use salt water from the surrounding seas. However, this aggressively attacks any bare steel, so ductile iron and GRP seals have proven to be the only viable option and solution to our saltwater drainage problem. "We are pleased to say that not only did Wrekin’s solution meet our client’s exacting and high expectations, but the local council has now approved these heavy-duty GRP seals for use across all of Gibraltar’s ancient sewer system going forwards." This project proves our endless commitment to creating solutions for new or age-old infrastructure challenges, helping our customers to save time, money and energy – which can be reinvested elsewhere to support wider development plans and ambitions. Our technical lead Dave White said: "Without our relationships across the merchant network, it would be more difficult for us to identify client challenges. Thanks to close collaboration with Interbuild, we were able to build a bespoke solution and supply the significant quantity of products required. Knowing that this is a problem likely faced elsewhere, we’re excited to have wider conversations about how we can continue to design, manufacture and supply products that will truly make a difference." Related products
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