CA Building Products has announced that it has completed work on the two new entrances and passenger bridge which opened this Easter at Reading Station.
This marked a critical phase in Network Rail’s £985 million project to improve services for commuters travelling through one of the most overcrowded and congested stations on the network.
The roofing and cladding manufacturer, was tasked by Lakesmere Building Envelope Specialists with delivering the bespoke facade solution, which covers the station’s new platform canopies. Lakesmere has described the result as a shining example of British manufacturing in action.
Neil Alderson, Commercial Director for CA Building Products, explained: “Our main objective at Reading Station was to facilitate the installation processes of Lakesmere by delivering a reliable, quality product capable of being installed first time (each panel was manufactured to within 0.01mm) and delivering the appearance which had been promised, within a stringent timeframe.
“The solution was devised together with Lakesmere and follows a sequential pattern that involves each component part being assembled according to its allocated position – a process which required meticulous planning and attention to detail, due to the fact that some elements were assembled on site and others were brought in, ready assembled, from an off-site facility in Dorset.
“In order to keep the installation flowing and minimise any risk of the panels being fitted incorrectly, the individual pieces were shipped and installed as soon as they rolled off the production line.”
The combined project teams devised the solution using 3D modelling techniques which enabled them to achieve a complex geometrical design, to the highest quality standards. The installation features a combination of CA Building Product’s Rainscreen panels and its complex facade fabrications (including, Aluminium PPC Facias, Galv & PPC Aluminium Pressings, Soaker Units, and Pre coated Aluminium Panels).
Mick Higgins, Senior Contracts Manager for Lakesmere, added: “The completion of the platform canopies has transformed the appearance of the station, giving a real indication of how the finished station will look and feel. We’re proud to be able to say we worked with a British manufacturer on the project - the efforts and commitment of the team at CA Building Products were crucial in hitting this milestone.”
Neil concluded: “Our work, in partnership with Lakesmere at Reading Station, showcases the fact that British manufacturers like CA Group, who have invested in the right equipment and have lean processes, can deliver complex designs on time, on budget and to an extremely high standard. We would like to thank everyone involved for allowing us to demonstrate our capability, and look forward to seeing the project through to completion”.
The remaining work at Reading Station is expected to finish by Summer 2015.