Galvanizers bear up against weathering

An Essex company is celebrating a long-standing partnership which has seen it provide ongoing services to one of the nation’s best-loved zoos.

South East Galvanizers has been working with Colchester Zoo for over five years to provide its steelwork with a protective molten zinc coating, used on a wide range of projects from animal enclosures of all sizes, through to smaller fixtures and fittings.

Paul Maguire, Estate Manager at Colchester Zoo, explained: “We’ve been using the services of South East Galvanizers for a number of years now and we’re pleased with the high quality of service they provide. We often use steel to create homes, including trap systems, for many of our animals and because the enclosures are often open to the elements, galvanizing is so important.”

The plant has also played a part in the zoo’s new Bears of the Rising Sun facility, an extensive state-of-the-art enclosure which houses two sun bears, Jo-Jo and Srey Ya. South East Galvanizers hot-dip galvanized the steelwork, weighing approximately 12 tonnes, and in addition, galvanized the elements for the zoo’s Elephant Kingdom shelter, weighing 10 tonnes, and poles used to create the leopard enclosure roof which measure 7.5metres in length.

Neil Pearson, Commercial Manager at South East Galvanizers, explained: “We’re delighted to be working with such a well-respected organisation such as Colchester Zoo. The investment in the new facilities and enclosures such as the Bears of the Rising Sun is fantastic and which we’re sure will please many visitors in the months and years to come.”

Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing organisations in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.