YourNews: Derbyshire firm’s innovative product helps vehicle users in London to see the light
Completing a project at a prime site in a fashionable part of London has topped the highlights of the year for an Ilkeston firm which designs and makes aluminium building products.
The work, which helps thousands each day see what has been described as a world class advertising installation, is a first in what has been a boom year for Dales Fabrications of Crompton Industrial Estate.
The company makes bespoke aluminium products, including fascias, soffits, and rainwater systems that enhance the appearance of a variety of buildings, but this latest innovative project has been more technically demanding, and the company hopes it will attract new business.
Dales has produced curved aluminium solar shading units for digital advertising screens above Piccadilly Underpass between Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge, popular with wealthy international tourists.
These panels allow motorists to see the advertising in bright sunlight in a similar way to low daylight or night.
Managing director Karl Prosser said: “This is the first time we have designed and produced curved extruded aluminium profiles to this extent – covering an area 15 by 13 metres.”
“I see the work regularly when I go to London and I’m immensely proud of the efforts of our team, with help on the bending operation from ABS of Mansfield, in bringing this high quality and innovative project together in one of the capital’s most prestigious areas.
“Technically, this has been the most challenging project in the history of our company which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. The company is hopeful that this will open new avenues for us.”
A spokesman for Outdoor Plus, the company that commissioned and are managing the screens on behalf of Westminster City Council, said they were extremely pleased with the outcome, including the canopy works by Dales.
“They certainly do finish it off to a very high specification adding to the overall high quality aesthetic appearance,” he said.
Dales is working on two other major schemes – a flagship BMW dealership in Gloucestershire and luxurious apartment blocks on Chelsea Waterfront, both of which involve cladding and other products.
These works have boosted sales this year by £1m to break the £4m barrier, beating the previous best figure by almost £1m.
Karl said the results were down to better equipment, improved customer relations and better project support.
The company has increased the number of project managers from four to six, two of whom are studying for masters degrees – one at the University of Derby, the other at Coventry – with help from Dales, which is financing their studies.
The company’s training commitment enables it to help others among its 41 employees, including three apprentices at different educational levels.
It has also invested in new equipment this year at a cost of around £400,000.
