Wedge company takes on search and rescue role

Edward Howell Galvanizers of Wednesfield - part of the Wedge Galvanizing Group - is supplying galvanized steel sections for an Urban Search and Rescue Centre.

West Midlands company, Edward Howell Galvanizers of Wednesfield - part of the Wedge Galvanizing Group - is highly experienced in galvanizing structural steelwork, including fabrications for brand new buildings designed to last for many years.

But its latest contract is somewhat different - supplying galvanized steel sections for an Urban Search and Rescue Centre which simulates a building that has already collapsed!.

The facility is being built at the national fire service training college at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, where firefighters will be trained to carry out emergency rescues.

The steel-fabricated beam and column building is able to provide emergency workers with a variety of simulated environments which they would encounter when searching for survivors in a real disaster zone.

Edward Howell Galvanizers was contracted to galvanize approximately 50 tonnes of steelwork for the three-story building by fabricators Midland Erection of Brierley Hill, West Midlands - a regular business partner on a wide range of previous successful galvanizing contracts.

Jim Lindsay, Sales and Commercial Manager of Edward Howell Galvanizers says: "Normally our steel is designed for structures which are going to stay up as long as possible, not be collapsed on purpose".

"I have worked in the business for 24 years and this is the first time I have seen anything like this.".

The galvanized steel has been successfully delivered on schedule by Edward Howell Galvanizers to the Fire Service College for completion of the new Urban Search and Rescue facility.

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