HAHN Plastics appoints new General Manager amid UK expansion
Max Cardona brings over 30 years’ experience in engineering, process automation and business management He joins the Manchester-based manufacturer as it continues a multi-million-pound investment in its UK operations HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Cardona as General Manager, amid continued investment in its UK operations. Based at HPUK’s Manchester site, Max brings more than 30 years of experience across engineering, process automation and business management. He joins at a pivotal time, as the HAHN Group, HPUK’s parent company, progresses with a multi-million-pound investment programme to future-proof its UK manufacturing operations and support long-term growth. In his new role, Max will help deliver HPUK’s five-year expansion plans, scaling up production as the business continues to invest in its UK operations. As HPUK expands its manufacturing capacity, the investment will also support the UK’s ability to process more recycled plastic domestically, helping to prepare the country for the upcoming Flex Collect requirements and reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Max joins HPUK from a top-tier engineering manufacturing firm, where he served as Sales Director. Prior to that, he held a number of senior sales and management roles, including more than a decade as Managing Director in his native South Africa, leading complex engineering and production-led businesses. As part of the HAHN Group’s long-term growth strategy, the business continues to develop and scale hanit®, its high-performance recycled plastic material used as a durable alternative to traditional materials such as wood, concrete and steel. Commenting on his appointment, Max Cardona said: “I’m excited to be joining HAHN at such a pivotal time for its UK growth. The scale of investment underway shows a business committed to doing the right thing for its people, its customers and the environment. “I’m looking forward to using my experience in manufacturing and process automation to help develop a site that is fit for the future. There is a strong team already in place, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we take the next steps together.” Dave Watson, Managing Director of HAHN Plastics UK, added: “Max brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership, automation and business growth, making him a strong addition to the team at a critical time for HPUK. “As we continue to invest significantly in our UK operations, Max’s expertise will help us optimise our processes, support our people and deliver the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.” Founded in 1993, HAHN Plastics UK leads the market in manufacturing high-quality alternatives to virgin plastic, wood, concrete and steel, made entirely from recycled plastics. The business transforms post-consumer waste into durable, long-lasting products such as hanit®, supporting sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wallace Whittle strengthens Northern capability with senior Leeds hire
LONGSTANDING, independent MEP, sustainability and ESG consultancy Wallace Whittle continues its strategic expansion across England with the appointment of Andrew Smith as location director for its Leeds office, covering Yorkshire and the North East. This senior appointment strengthens Wallace Whittle’s existing regional footprint and reflects increasing demand for its engineering and sustainability expertise across the North of England. From Leeds, the team will support residential, commercial, mixed-use, healthcare, life sciences, data centres, education and industrial sector projects, while collaborating closely with clients and the wider supply chain on a regional and national basis. Andrew brings more than 30 years’ experience in the built environment, combining a strong technical background with an entrepreneurial approach to business growth. Having led and grown his own consultancies alongside senior leadership roles, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams and delivering a diverse and complex range of projects. Andrew’s long-term focus will be on growing the Leeds office organically, investing in people and creating a strong regional platform that reflects Wallace Whittle’s values. Talent development and mentoring the next generation of engineers will be central to his leadership approach, alongside a commitment to delivering projects that have a legacy across the UK. Andrew said: “Leeds feels like the right place at the right time, both for Wallace Whittle and for me. Leeds is a central hub, well connected by rail and road, which allows us to support clients across Yorkshire and the wider North in a very practical and efficient way. “What really stood out to me about Wallace Whittle is its culture. In an industry facing a real shortage of talented and aspiring engineers at every level, building and retaining strong teams matters now more than ever. My priority is to grow the Leeds office in the right way, investing in people’s professional development and choosing projects where we can make a meaningful, long-term impact. Being part of a business with a clear growth plan and strong values is incredibly exciting.” Andrew’s appointment forms part of Wallace Whittle’s wider strategy to align its expertise across a growing UK network, providing clients with local insight backed by national capability. It also builds on the success of projects such as the prestigious Hungate development – 670 central York apartments – and the major Dyecoats development in Leeds, which achieved Gateway 2 approval through Wallace Whittle’s support, enhancing its reputation for strong communication at every stage. Allan McGill, managing director at Wallace Whittle, said: “As Andrew steps into lead our Leeds office, strengthening our presence is a key move in delivering our continued growth across England. Andrew brings a rare combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience that will help drive our regional expansion. His vision for building a strong team, focused on quality, culture and long-term relationships, aligns perfectly with our approach at Wallace Whittle. We’re looking forward to the benefits this will bring for not only our team but also our clients across the North, as we strengthen our presence.” For more information, visit: https://www.wallacewhittle.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Davison rejoins Delancey as Capital Markets Managing Director
Delancey, a leading UK-focussed property company and investment manager, has appointed Lesley Davison as Managing Director of Capital Markets, with particular focus on the firm’s growing credit and debt strategies. Lesley will rejoin the business in March 2026, having previously spent 14 years as Director of Banking and Treasury, managing all third-party financing, banking and treasury functions and relationships. With a 25+ year career in real estate investment, Lesley brings extensive experience across multiple geographies and sectors, including residential, office, retail, hotels, education, debt, distressed assets, and lifetime mortgage products. Since leaving Delancey, Lesley served as Chief Investment Officer at workspace investor-developer Seaforth Land before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Telford Homes, where she led operations and strategy during a period of intensive restructuring. A strong advocate for innovation, other roles held by Lesley have included Head of Commercial Strategy at GoSpace AI, a scale-up pioneering ‘space-allocation-as-a-service’. In her new role, Lesley will lead Delancey’s capital markets strategy in credit and debt, overseeing both lending and borrowing activities, working alongside the existing highly experienced team. As well as managing existing relationships, she will support the development and execution of new investment mandates and platforms. Lesley’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Delancey, following the DARE strategic partnership with Aware Super, its lending partnership with Cynergy Bank and, most recently, the launch of a new bridging finance platform, AlbionArc Capital. Lesley Davison, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Delancey, said: “I am thrilled to return to Delancey as Managing Director of Capital Markets and look forward to leveraging my learnings from the past six years to help build on new and exciting future mandates. “In a market where there is an increased focus on segregated mandates, I believe Delancey’s deep UK market knowledge and extensive experience across all major sectors gives the agility to react to macroeconomic or geopolitical changes while providing investors with highly bespoke access to deals and relationships, and therefore the highest investment return potential.” Stafford Lancaster, Delancey CEO, said: “Lesley rejoins Delancey at a pivotal time, with an expanding credit platform, major strategic partnerships and further new strategies planned. Her decision to rejoin us after her previous 14-year tenure I believe reflects the strong culture we have built at Delancey over our three decades and has been a critical ingredient to our growth and success. The Delancey team are excited to work with Lesley on the opportunities ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
5 Best International Architecture Studios in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s architectural landscape is defined by density, terrain, and global capital. As one of the world’s leading financial centres, the city attracts internationally recognised architecture studios capable of operating at scale while navigating complex regulatory frameworks and limited land supply. From high-rise commercial towers to cultural institutions and refined residential projects, international firms continue to shape Hong Kong’s evolving built environment. The following five studios represent a cross-section of global design leadership with relevance to the city’s architectural market. 1. Alexis Dornier Studio (Indonesia/Germany) Founded by German architect Alexis Dornier, the studio has built a strong international reputation for refined, climate-responsive architecture. While much of its built portfolio is located in Southeast Asia, the practice’s design approach aligns closely with Hong Kong’s emerging demand for bespoke residential and boutique hospitality projects. Dornier’s work is characterised by structural clarity, strong geometric composition, and a sensitive relationship between interior space and landscape. Projects such as Atacaya House and Umah-Padi House demonstrate how environmental intelligence and luxury design can coexist through passive ventilation, layered volumes, and controlled daylight. As demand increases for architect projects in Hong Kong that move beyond conventional glass tower typologies, there is growing interest in practices capable of delivering bespoke, atmosphere-driven architecture. Dornier’s approach prioritises spatial experience and material depth over spectacle, positioning the studio well within the city’s high-end residential and lifestyle segment. In a city where premium residential architecture increasingly prioritises atmosphere and spatial refinement over spectacle, this design philosophy resonates strongly. 2. Foster + Partners (United Kingdom) Foster + Partners has had a lasting impact on Hong Kong’s skyline. The HSBC Main Building remains one of the city’s most significant architectural landmarks, celebrated for its high-tech structural expression and flexible interior planning. The practice continues to deliver large-scale commercial, transport, and mixed-use projects globally, bringing advanced engineering and sustainability strategies to dense urban markets such as Hong Kong. 3. Herzog & de Meuron (Switzerland) Swiss practice Herzog & de Meuron is known for material experimentation and sculptural precision. In Hong Kong, the firm designed the M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, one of Asia’s most important contemporary art institutions. The building’s façade system and strong waterfront presence reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a cultural capital within the region. 4. Zaha Hadid Architects (United Kingdom) Zaha Hadid Architects is internationally recognised for fluid geometries and large-scale civic architecture. The firm has contributed to infrastructure and masterplanning projects across Asia, bringing advanced parametric design and structural innovation to complex urban sites. In high-density cities such as Hong Kong, expertise in transport integration and mixed-use coordination is particularly valuable. 5. Kohn Pedersen Fox (United States) KPF specialises in high-rise and mixed-use developments across global financial centres. With extensive experience delivering premium commercial towers, the firm brings façade performance optimisation, vertical planning efficiency, and sustainability integration to competitive property markets like Hong Kong. Its global portfolio reflects a consistent ability to respond to dense metropolitan contexts with technically rigorous design. International Architecture in Hong Kong Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, including the Buildings Ordinance and strict site utilisation controls, requires international studios to collaborate closely with local consultants and licensed professionals. Successful projects depend on technical coordination as much as design ambition. As land values remain high and development pressure continues, the city’s architectural future will rely on practices capable of balancing performance, density, and refinement. The studios listed above represent a range of global expertise influencing Hong Kong’s built environment today.
Most Affordable Transformer Repair Services Near Me
Although transformers are durable and low-maintenance, they age and wear down over time. Even new equipment can fail immediately after installation, delaying projects and leading to cost overruns. Whether you need occasional servicing to maintain peak condition or emergency transformer repair services to fix an unexpected breakdown, you need to know who to call. 5 Affordable Transformer Repair Services National providers blend the rapid response capabilities of a large enterprise with the localized expertise of a small-town partner. Here are the five best options with reasonably priced services. Sunbelt Solomon is a leading service provider, as evidenced by its size, expertise and speed. In addition to offering the industry’s fastest lead times, it is one of the world’s largest industrial electric equipment providers, with service centers throughout the United States and Canada. Despite its size, it is three times safer than the average operation. Each facility is strategically located, so the field technicians can service your equipment within hours. As an EPA-certified recycler, the company is qualified to handle, recycle and dispose of your old power distribution equipment. In case of emergencies, they respond 24/7, 365 days a year. You also have access to real-time inventory to streamline processes. Since this company is the product of a merger between Solomon Corporation and Sunbelt Transformer, it has over 100 years of experience with transformer repair services. Thanks to its national network and high inventory volume, it offers low pricing. To get a more accurate estimate, spend a few minutes with its online quote builder. You will get a quote within 24 hours. RESA Power is a national transformer solutions provider with over 50 locations across the U.S. and Canada — including testing laboratories and specialty distribution centers. Regardless of your location, it can send field technicians to you. It currently supports clients in every major metropolitan area. Its offerings comprise electrical and acceptance testing, diagnostics, maintenance and repairs, and engineering studies. Each service is carried out by a certified technician with decades of experience. Whether they are diagnosing or fixing a problem, they adhere to strict safety standards. The company also employs project managers and material procurement specialists. In case of emergencies, it will always respond promptly. Once repairs are complete, you gain access to free online diagnostic resources. It provides transformer data around the clock to maximize equipment longevity at no extra cost. Emerald Transformer has strategically placed its full-service facilities across the U.S., enabling it to promptly respond to repair requests nationwide. Since its establishment in the 1970s, it has over half a century of experience in transformer services. Many of the parts in its extensive inventory are available for immediate shipping, providing fast lead times. It can repair, remanufacture and recycle transformers. All of its equipment is backed by a three-year warranty. Field technicians can perform on-site diagnostics, maintenance or commissioning, while laboratories can determine the condition of oil-filled equipment. The typical turnaround time is five to seven days, but rush options are available. This company is committed to extending the lifespan of customers’ equipment to protect their capital investments. One of its customers has saved $1.1 million since 2012 by using its repair services rather than buying new transformers. Circuit Breaker Sales provides field services nationwide — including remanufacturing and reconditioning to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standard — for all equipment. Its core service offerings include testing, disassembly, component replacement, retrofilling and maintenance. It even has a fleet of portable workshops to provide emergency support. As a charter member of the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recycling League and an International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) corporate alliance partner, it takes service quality seriously. Its life extension program demonstrates its commitment to extending the useful lifespan of circuit breakers, switchgears and motor controls. It aims to increase equipment reliability and longevity. The 200,000-square-foot facility contains the largest inventory of replacement components in the U.S., containing millions of new, used and remanufactured electrical equipment from many major manufacturers. It even has thousands of circuit breakers — comprising almost every type manufactured in America since the 1940s. RMS Energy is a national provider of electrical equipment repair and replacement, with 17 locations across the country. It even has a presence in Canada, so if you ever want to expand operations internationally, you know you will have a service provider you can trust. The technicians can work on all OEM transformers. This company prides itself on safety-first power solutions, following rigorous protocols and mandating ongoing training. This helps minimize workplace risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of safety awareness. It has NETA accreditation, demonstrating its compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and NETA standards. Its field services — which include testing, maintenance, installation, diagnosis and emergency response — follow industry guidance and regulations closely. Like other leading providers, it has a free asset monitoring platform to unify and streamline communication with clients. How to Identify the Most Affordable Options Since each project is unique, most companies offer quotes. Those that list fixed prices may do so to entice you into using their services, only to bait-and-switch you with hidden fees or poor-quality work. Fortunately, there are ways to evaluate affordability without knowing pricing. While companies with comprehensive service offerings may charge more up front, you ultimately save time and money because you circumvent the hidden fees and indirect costs associated with working with multiple vendors. For example, you would not have to pay to handle, ship and recycle transformer oil. Travel and turnaround times are other excellent indicators of value. The faster technicians can get to the site and perform repairs, the sooner operations can return to normal. Those offering rush options are ideal for emergency scenarios. Avoiding project delays is key to keeping schedules on track and mitigating cost overruns. Some of these service providers offer free real-time inventory updates or asset monitoring dashboards. The more information you have, the easier it is to address avoidable issues before they snowball. Sometimes, damage is beyond repair. Some of
Knights Brown powers up East Anglia presence with Norwich office launch
Regional contractor Knights Brown has expanded into the east of England with the opening of a new office in Norwich, strengthening its transmission and distribution capability as demand for energy infrastructure continues to rise. The new base will serve as a regional hub for the company’s growing transmission and distribution team, which now comprises more than 150 direct and freelance specialists. The move reflects increasing requirements for civil engineering expertise as the UK electricity grid undergoes major upgrades to accommodate renewable energy connections and reinforce capacity. Headquartered in Ringwood, Hampshire, Knights Brown operates nationally with additional offices in South Wales, Kent and Scotland. The business turns over around £100m annually and delivers projects across substation and turbine civil engineering, groundworks, grid reinforcements and enabling infrastructure, alongside coastal and port works, water utilities, infrastructure and buildings. David Shillabeer, head of transmission and distribution, said East Anglia is one of the most active regions in the country for renewable generation and grid investment. He described the Norwich office as a clear signal of the company’s long-term commitment to the area, providing local presence and improved collaboration with clients delivering major energy programmes. Steven Price, divisional director for energy, added that the company is already engaged in critical infrastructure schemes nationwide and expects demand for transmission and distribution civils to continue growing as new generation capacity comes online. He said the dedicated hub in Norwich will enhance relationships with network operators, developers and delivery partners, while positioning the firm to support the region’s long-term energy ambitions. The expansion underlines Knights Brown’s strategic focus on supporting the UK’s energy transition through regional investment and specialist engineering capability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals