Antarctic coup for glazier

SHEFFIELD-based window and door manufacturer Jeld-Wen is celebrating the successful installation of its first set of windows to be delivered to the Antarctic Peninsula.

They have been fitted at Bransfield House at Port Lockroy – an original research centre converted into a museum in 1996.

The museum attracts more than 10,000 visitors from around the world who want to come and experience the unique Antarctic environment.

The firm has also been chosen to supply windows for a new hut to be built there next year, which will provide accommodation for staff working at the museum.

John Shaw, general manager at Jeld-Wen, said: “We are delighted our windows have been successfully installed into the Antarctic hut and look forward to more windows being fitted into the new hut next year.

“They have high performance levels and are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, which makes them the ideal choice for this type of hostile environment.”

Bransfield House was first used as a British Government base during World War II to report on enemy activity and provide weather reports.

This was part of operation Tabarin, which was a British military expedition to the region. The additional hut which is yet to be built will replace a previous hut that had fallen into a state of disrepair and had to be demolished in 1996.

Tudor Morgan, Project Manager from the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), said: “Port Lockroy and the wider Antarctic region is of tremendous historical importance to Britain, with Ernest Shakleton and Captain Scott pioneering exploration of the continent in the early 20th century.

“Therefore, upgrading the existing hut and building a new hut is an integral element of preserving the history of the area and we are pleased that, as we have connections with JELD-WEN, they are supplying the windows.”