United Utilities installs commemorative LGBTQ+ access cover in partnership with Wrekin
A bespoke access cover celebrating diversity and inclusion has been installed at United Utilities’ headquarters in Warrington, Cheshire, the latest in a growing series of commemorative covers created by Wrekin Products. The installation, a collaboration between Wrekin and United Utilities, builds on the success of our previous LGBTQ+ cover designs, including the UK’s first commemorative Pride-themed cover, unveiled in Reading in 2021 with Thames Water. Crafted from robust ductile iron and engineered to last, the Unite D400 cover features the iconic rainbow colours, including black and brown to represent LGBTQ+ people from marginalised communities. The design celebrates United Utilities’ visible commitment to fostering an inclusive culture within the utilities sector. To achieve the vivid finish, our engineering team employed an advanced CNC machining process, operating at 26,000rpm to etch fine details into the cover’s surface. These precision-milled designs were then hand-cast with pigmented epoxy resin before being polished by hand to deliver a bold and lasting statement.
The chosen location at United Utilities’ headquarters ensures maximum visibility for employees, visitors and the wider community. It’s more than just a functional piece of ironwork, it’s a daily reminder of the values that underpin both organisations. This latest cover joins a growing list of bespoke designs developed by Wrekin, including tributes such as the Abbey Road commemorative cover celebrating The Beatles and the Whitechapel Road cover marking the infamous 130-tonne ‘fatberg’ discovery. Each of these projects showcases what’s possible when functionality and purpose come together. With the United Utilities installation, we’re once again demonstrating how civil infrastructure can be a canvas for meaningful expression - and a commitment to making every day better. |
