Olympic contract for Severfield-Rowen

STRUCTURAL steel firm Severfield-Rowen is providing the structural steel work for the iconic AreclorMittal Orbit at London’s Olympic site.

Construction started in January and is expected to be complete towards the end of the summer.

The contract is being delivered by the firm’s Watson Steel Structures subsidiary.

Watson’s managing director and Severfield-Rowen’s chief operating officer, Peter Emerson, said: “We are very familiar with taking a drawing board concept and turning it into a reality.

“However, in the case of the ArcelorMittal Orbit project, the degree of precision required was higher than usual. Its unique design meant that it would not be possible to make adjustments to the structure once construction commenced.

“We have therefore had to machine the components to their exact specifications, to enable them to fit precisely together. The asymmetric shape also requires far more frequent stage by stage analysis, to ensure full stability. I am pleased that we are equipped for this challenge.”

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is the brainchild of award-winning artist Anish Kapoor and has been developed in collaboration with one of the world’s leading structural designers, Cecil Balmond of Arup.

It consists of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel 115m in height. When completed, it will be 22m taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York and offer views of the entire 250 acres of the Olympic Park and London’s skyline from a special viewing platform.

Mr Tom Haughey, chief executive of Severfield-Rowen, said: “We are extremely proud to be involved in such a prestigious and iconic project. It has been a privilege to work with Anish and Cecil, and with ArcelorMittal. This structure will be a lasting legacy to London and its Olympic Games and we are delighted that we have been able to contribute.”