Custom design solutions
Bespoke manhole covers
Alongside our standard manhole cover ranges, we also offer bespoke designs. We have been lucky enough to work on some amazing projects, such as an iconic LGBTQ+ access cover with Thames Water and commemorative covers for Abbey Road and the Whitechapel Fatberg, amongst others.
Whether you are looking to subtly to disguise your access cover or something extravagant to shine proud and celebrate, we are able to help design and manufacture the perfect solution for you.
Custom Ductile Iron Manhole Covers
A FUSION OF FUNCTIONALITY AND BEAUTY
At Wrekin Products, we pride ourselves on our ability to blend the robust requirements of civil engineering projects with the nuanced demands of aesthetic appeal and customisation. Our bespoke ductile iron manhole covers are a testament to this unique approach, offering not just unparalleled durability but also an opportunity for expression and brand identity on the streets of the UK.
PRECISION ENGINEERING MEETS CREATIVE VISION
Our journey to create each customised manhole cover begins with cutting-edge CAD software, where ideas transform into precise 3D models. These models serve as the blueprint for CNC mills, guided with precision by toolpaths to carve out designs with a high level of detail.
We employ tungsten carbide tools, some as fine as 1.5mm, allowing us to slowly but accurately mill the design into the ductile iron, all while ensuring a constant flow of coolant to maintain the integrity of both the tool and the material.
THE ART OF FINISHING
Post-milling, we can utilise abrasive rotary tools to eliminate any sharp edges, burrs, and tool marks, ensuring that each cover is safe to handle and aesthetically pleasing. This attention to detail can be crucial for many of the intricate designs we undertake, such as the iconic Abbey Road album cover for The Beatles or the vibrant LGBTQ+ themed covers for Thames Water, which not only tell a story, but must still serve a functional purpose.
A PALETTE OF POSSIBILITIES
The final touch in our creation process, involves the application of specialist paints, enhanced with corrosion inhibitors to ensure longevity, even in the most challenging environments. This paint is applied by hand roller, allowing for a level of precision and care that machine application simply cannot match. Features such as text and logos can be carefully highlighted by removing the top layer of paint with a sanding block, revealing the metal beneath in a striking contrast.
For designs that demand colour, we can infuse the covers with vibrant, colourful designs, using a special technique that allows the hues to stand out against the metallic backdrop. This process adds a splash of colour to the urban landscape and must also stand the test of time.
Every rainbow needs a little water to shine
LGBTQIA+ Cover
We created and installed the first ever commemorative access cover, commonly referred to as a manhole cover, dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The revolutionary cover, which was created as part of a partnership between Wrekin and Thames Water, was designed to symbolise and immortalise the organisation's loyalty and commitment to increasing diversity on the streets of the UK.
A unique milling and colouring process was followed so that icons, logos and the iconic rainbow colours can be showcased on the exterior of each ductile iron cover, ensuring pedestrians will not fail to miss the one-of-a-kind design.
50th anniversary celebration
Abbey Road
There aren't many more famous roads in the United Kingdom than Abbey Road. Over fifty years ago, four men in flares walked in sync across a zebra crossing in North London and created one of the most memorable LP covers of all time.
To symbolise this historic landmark, we created a one-off, tribute manhole cover. The Abbey Road LP album cover art has now been immortalised in ductile iron thanks to a partnership between Wrekin Products and Thames Water.
STEEL ACCESS SOLUTIONS
Bespoke Steel Products
We offer a comprehensive range of bespoke steel products and services. We work with you to understand your project requirements and are happy to attend site surveys and provide bespoke CAD design services where required. Our range includes steel access covers, headwall products including trash screens, raked gratings, hand railing systems and sewers for adoption compliant safety grilles, to ladders, steps iron, safety chains and signs.
We can also make covers to suit niche applications or specialist requirements. A recent example is our cover for Sidmouth Amphitheatre, which required a unique design as well as a one-of-a-kind opening mechanism.
Bespoke covers on display
Contact us
Whether you are looking for live project support, or are in the initial stages of specification, we are always on hand and happy to help.
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