Finishing - May-June 2023

24 INSTALLATIONS
Driving force
A West Midlands-based galvanizing firm is the driving force in futureproofing
classic vehicles for a local car enthusiast.
Edward Howell Galvanizers is assisting part-time Formula 1
Contractor, Rob Sapinski with the restoration of his classic car
collection, endeavouring to overcome the frequent challenge of rusting
components.
Rob said: “When I’m not working, I enjoy building Land Rover
Defenders in my workshop. When restored, they’re incredibly
fashionable, sought after, and only increase in value due to dwindling
numbers. Plus, I’m doing my bit for the environment – I won’t be
discarding it as soon as the engine is faulty or it’s done too many miles.
Instead, there’s endless possibilities to change, restore, and update it.
With the help of Edward Howell Galvanizers, and other local
companies who have helped, I’m restoring these Land Rovers so that
they can stand the test of time.
“I’ve completed many of these projects to date, but often my biggest
obstacle is rust. A few months ago, I contacted Edward Howell
Galvanizers for help, and I’m incredibly grateful that a firm of their
stature agreed to accept my Land Rover’s very intricate steel parts – as
others have previously been unable to handle the delicate pieces.”
The major steel components - including the chassis, bulkhead and
axles – are acid dipped at local business, Surface Processing in Dudley,
before Edward Howell Galvanizers collect and galvanize them.
Forging ahead
At the site of Bochumer Verein
Verkehrstechnik (BVV), founded
in 1842, wheels for rail vehicles
are forged and combined to form
complete wheelset systems. In
order to adapt to the increasing
demand in rail transport, the
production plant was gradually
modernized in 2022. This
included a modern, highly
efficient coating line. More
specifically, a solution for singlewheel
coating for primer and top
coat application that can be easily
integrated into the complex
production process. BVV attached
great importance to sustainable
and resource-saving production.
Walther Spritz- und
Lackiersysteme GmbH, together
with J. Wagner GmbH - both
companies of the WAGNER
Group - made it possible to
install such a custom-fit solution.
To meet the different
requirements, the new coating
line is divided into two segments.
In the first segment, the rail
wheels are masked manually and
primed with the WAGNER
AirCoat GM 4700AC manual
gun. In the second step, a robot
applies the top coat fully
automatically with the WAGNER
AirCoat gun GA 4000AC. Both
guns enable excellent
atomization, efficient paint
application with very low
overspray and uniform coating
thicknesses. Ideal, therefore, for
BVV's requirements: the
company can expand its
production capacities while saving
considerable application material.
In addition, the guns are very
compact and easy to operate.
The eagle has landed
A local galvanizing firm has supported a Highlands metal sculptor to
soar to new heights with his latest project.
Ewan Lawrie, a metalworker and sculptor from Fort William, was
commissioned by Nevis Range Ski Centre to create a bespoke
sculpture of an eagle to stand proudly outside of its newly-constructed
hotel, which is due to open later this year. He enlisted local businesses,
MacPherson Welding & Engineering Services Ltd, and Scottish
Galvanizers Ltd, to support the project.
Ewan said, “I’ve always been a keen artist, and with joinery
experience by trade, I recently began working on commissions. Having
used timber previously - which looked brilliant to begin with but
weathered easily - I now work exclusively with steel to enhance
longevity. I’ve worked with Scottish Galvanizers on a previous project,
so was keen to enlist their help yet again to ensure my latest piece
would be protected for up to 70 years.”
Midlands investment
Vestatec UK has announced a seven-figure investment bringing new
machinery to its facility in the Midlands.
Nearly £2 million has been invested into the 20,000 sq ft
Nottingham-based site to streamline its production process and
ultimately reduce costs for its customers.
“As a preferred supplier to some of the world’s leading automotive
manufacturers, strengthening our first-class facilities to support the
growing scale of the industry will make a huge difference to our
processes, and our customers’ pockets,” commented, Mike Bylina,
managing director at Vestatec. “The additional and upgraded
equipment puts us among some of the top tiered suppliers across the
global automotive supply chain.”
Finishing –May/June 2023