November 7, 2024
Tubular Fencing Tips and Requesting an Estimate for Your Project

Tubular Fencing Tips and Requesting an Estimate for Your Project

For both business owners and homeowners wanting to improve security while blending style and durability, tubular fencing is becoming a top choice. Are you trying to secure a pool? Enhance your property’s appeal? Or maybe you simply just want to reinforce security. Tubular fencing is versatile enough to cater to

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

November 7, 2024

XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain UK open new multi-functional warehouse to support customer experience in Wakefield

XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain UK open new multi-functional warehouse to support customer experience in Wakefield

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has opened a new warehouse site in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with its long-term partner Saint-Gobain UK. The Wakefield Northern Distribution Centre is a dedicated operation for Saint-Gobain UK (SGUK) in the north of England and designed to operate as a multi-functional site with the customer at its heart. The centre supports multiple manufacturing operations in the North and the Midlands, providing new distribution capability for Saint-Gobain UK brands and enabling Saint-Gobain to accelerate its plans for multi-brand site deliveries for customers. Dual-branded with XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain livery, the site operates as a multi-brand one-stop shop for warehousing, backhaul and distribution to end customers. In addition, by focusing on backhaul activity, both partners can significantly reduce carbon emissions from their logistics operations and benefit from a positive Health and Safety impact. Anika Sharma, Customer Service & Supply Chain Director, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions UK, said: “This new site is strategically vital for us, and we are delighted to have created it in collaboration with one of our key partners, XPO Logistics. The centre strengthens our existing logistics offering and allows us to expand and explore exciting new opportunities to benefit our customers.” The site has been leased long-term and provides a strategic stock-holding location for Saint-Gobain’s manufacturing facilities, including where XPO Logistics will offer several value-added services such as accelerating consolidated product delivery across multiple Saint-Gobain brands. This will result in multiple Saint-Gobain brand products being delivered to the customer on one vehicle, as opposed to orders being received on multiple delivery vehicles, which was the case in the past. The warehouse can store 2.5m square metres of plasterboard and has 1,500 racking locations for palletised goods. The forklift trucks on site are all electric, further reducing CO2e emissions. Other warehouse innovations in the pipeline include use of ATVs, robot sweepers, a proprietary warehouse management system, and stock–taking drones. The latter development significantly impacts health and safety, thanks to the reduced need for colleagues to work at height. Dan Myers, managing director—UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “It’s great to see what our teams collectively have achieved with this new distribution centre. Working together, this facility is a significant step for Saint-Gobain’s supply chain, helping to support our partner’s sustainability agenda whilst enhancing its customer service. I want to thank the team for the seamless delivery of this project against ambitious timelines.” The eventual aim is for the site to become a fulfilment centre stocking products from across the Saint-Gobain UK brand family that can be dispatched directly to the consumer. XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£10,000 from Macleod Roofing kickstarts Elsie Normington Foundation’s fundraising project

£10,000 from Macleod Roofing kickstarts Elsie Normington Foundation’s fundraising project

A five-figure donation from the Highlands’ leading roofing company has provided a welcome boost for a charity supporting children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities. Macleod Roofing has donated £10,000 to the Elsie Normington Foundation’s upcoming Dragons’ Den fundraiser, set to take place on April 25, 2025. Following this commitment, the company is now calling on other local businesses to join them in supporting this impactful event, which aims to empower Highland charities and foster community development. Elizabeth Mackintosh, who has been patron of the Foundation for three years, explained: “Next year we are holding a Dragon’s Den dinner, raising money not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation but also five local charities that might not otherwise have access to funding. “Charities will have the opportunity to put their case forward to our panel of ‘Dragons’ who will decide how the money will be divided up. “Macleod Roofing has kindly started this off with a very generous £10,000 donation. We are so grateful for their support, and hope that other businesses in the area will follow their example and support great local causes.” Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, echoed Elizabeth’s sentiments, saying, “The work that the Elsie Normington Foundation does for people and families in the north of Scotland is extraordinary, so we are proud to support them in their mission to provide vital facilities in Inverness. Both Elizabeth and Elsie are true inspirations, dedicating their time and efforts to make a difference in our community. “At Macleod Roofing, we believe that supporting local charities not only strengthens the fabric of our community but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging. By investing in our neighbours, we can tackle the unique challenges we face together and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.  “For this reason, I’m calling on other local businesses to join the Elsie Normington Foundation in this important mission. When we come together to support local causes, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change in the Highlands.” The Elsie Normington Foundation was founded 11 years ago by disability campaigner and author Elsie Normington, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy when he was just four years old. Realising the need for specialist services and facilities for children and young people in similar situations, and their families, she spearheaded the construction of the Haven Centre in Smithton, just outside Inverness. Over the past ten years, Elsie and a team of dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers have raised over £4 million to turn this into a reality. The Haven Centre is Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, comprising a specialist play centre which is run by partners, SNAP, and includes sensory and art spaces. The Haven Centre includes 3 respite suites for short breaks, overnight stays and emergency respite. The Haven Café, which is also situated on site, is open to all and provides teas, coffees, breakfast, lunches and delicious home baking.  Elsie Normington, Chair and Visionary of the Elsie Normington Foundation said: “We decided to think out of the box to deliver a new fundraising event and came up with the Dragon’s Den format.   “This event will not only benefit the Elsie Normington Foundation but also other local charities, who will pitch to the dragons for a share of the prize pot.  Each charity taking part will receive a share of the prize pot.   “We are very excited to be launching this event and look forward to working with our sponsors and partners in the coming months to orchestrate an unforgettable event, which will not only provide a funding boost to the charities involved but also greater awareness of these fantastic local charities who do so much good in our local community.” Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk. For more information about the Elsie Normington Foundation’s Dragons’ Charity Den, visit www.havencentre.org/dragons-charity-den-inverness and for information about the Haven Centre, visit www.havecentre.org.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Tubular Fencing Tips and Requesting an Estimate for Your Project

Tubular Fencing Tips and Requesting an Estimate for Your Project

For both business owners and homeowners wanting to improve security while blending style and durability, tubular fencing is becoming a top choice. Are you trying to secure a pool? Enhance your property’s appeal? Or maybe you simply just want to reinforce security. Tubular fencing is versatile enough to cater to your needs. Interested in knowing more about this fencing type? You’re in the right place. Let’s discuss some essential tips for selecting your next tubular fence and how to request an estimate. Read on! Tubular Fencing Tips Let’s start with the essential tips to keep in mind when going for tubular fencing. Here are some of the main ones: Material Selection Choose a durable material that ensures longevity and security. There’s aluminum that’s one of the most weather-resistant materials you can find today. You can also go for tubular steel fences, such as those ones offered by Grays Fences and Gates. They don’t only have this undeniable strength but they’re also highly customisable. Then add powder coating to the equation and you’ve got topnotch rust resistance. Still, don’t forget to consider the level of maintenance required for different materials. Height and Design How should the tubular fence look and how high should it be? Base these decisions on your specific needs. Is the fence for security, privacy, or aesthetics? Also, consider any local regulations or guidelines regarding fence height and design. Gate Access Plan for adequate gate access. Do you have vehicles or equipment that needs to pass through the fence? If so, then make sure it’s wide enough. Consider incorporating a locking mechanism for added security. Professional Installation Is it a good idea to hire professionals for installation? It’s often the best choice actually. The fence will be properly installed, and you can be sure that it’s level and secure. You won’t need to worry about future issues as well as professionally installed fences prioritise longevity. Maintenance Just like any other added property feature, regular inspection and maintenance of your tubular fencing is crucial. Doing so addresses issues such as rust, loose bolts, or damaged sections. Want to prevent costly repairs? Want your fence to continue to serve its purpose effectively? Proper maintenance is the answer. Customisation Again, a tubular fence is highly customisable. What does that mean for you? Well, you can ensure that it suits your specific needs. What’s your preferred fencing style? You can choose fence panels that match it. Got a specific shade in mind? Powder-coated tubular fencing is also available in various colours. You have virtually limitless options. When you opt for a tubular fence, you’re not only investing in security but also making an artistic statement! Requesting an Estimate for Your Tubular Fencing Project Once you’ve decided to embrace the numerous benefits of tubular fencing, what’s the next step? It’s obtaining an estimate for your project. Unsure how to go about it? Here’s how: 1. Research and choose a supplier: Begin by researching local fencing companies or those with a good reputation for installing tubular steel fencing. Look for businesses offering a comprehensive service, including installation and a selection of tubular fence panels. 2. Request a free quote: Many companies will offer a free quote. It’s a good idea to contact multiple suppliers to compare prices and services. Describe your project in detail, including the dimensions and specific styles you desire. 3. Discuss customisation options: Make sure to inquire about customisation options, from the type of coating used to the design of the panels. It will help ensure you get a tubular fence that perfectly complements your property. 4. Evaluate the estimate: Once you’ve gathered several quotes, take time to evaluate them based on cost, time frame for installation, and any additional services offered. Don’t forget to consider the long-term benefits and potential maintenance costs associated with different types of steel fencing. 5. Schedule a consultation: It’s beneficial to schedule a consultation to discuss your project in detail. A face-to-face meeting allows you to get expert advice and potentially negotiate the terms or explore additional options you may not have considered. Taking the above steps can help you get the best deal for your tubular fencing project, whether it will be a pool feature at home or a security reinforcement around your business premises. Bringing Your Tubular Fence Project to Life You’re not just putting up a barrier when installing a tubular fence. You’re also enhancing your property’s safety and aesthetics. And whether you’re a homeowner seeking to secure a pool or a business owner aiming for robust security, there’s a tubular fence style out there perfect for you. Want your investment to meet your expectations? The secret lies in selecting the right materials and fencing experts. Jumpstart your tubular fencing project today and boost the safety and appeal of your property for years to come.

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