A solution which guarantees just-in-time delivery of 210.000 tons reinforcing steel

The construction of the T5 Terminal at London Heathrow Airport is an example of STEMA/PEDAX's ability to enter into a close dialogue with the customer – displaying flexibility and creativity and, together with their rebar specialists and site managers, creating a solution that provides the biggest possible advantages.

Offering the customer a complete production plant in the immediate vicinity of the airport area has become the “Eureka, I have found it!” solution, which makes the whole difference: now you avoid driving through heavy traffic with loads of cut and bent reinforcing steel because you produce it on site.

Most of the steel can be delivered just-in-time – thus saving handling and intermediate storage. At the same time, inconveniences such as items which "disappear" and unnecessary handling of items not required for immediate use are avoided.

The construction work was carried out by our partners in the project, Laing O'Rourke, - and STEMA/PEDAX has been chosen as supplier of all machines for the plant - partly because we are able to offer the full range of quality machines and partly because we have the unique Rollmaster 40W, which can produce Rollmat in diameters up to 40 mm.

Experience shows that Rollmat can reduce the number of man-hours for handling by up to 75%, and it is a great "money maker" on a project in which the total consumption of reinforcing steel is expected to reach 210.000 tons. (in comparison 150.000 tons were used for the Øresund bridge). Each Rollmat measures 12 x 100 m and weighs over 5 tonnes. No less than 12 Rollmaster 40 W machines were in operation at the plant to produce the welded rollmats, which makes the operation the largest rebar shop in Northern Europe.

This plant represents a total solution since it also boasts a maintenance section which, in line with customer wishes, we have manned with two technicians. They are specialised in STEMA/PEDAX-machines and, at the same time, act as a means of liaison with the customer. Furthermore, a small stock of spare parts has also been established on site.

This construction project did employ an overall workforce of 5.000 - 6.000 and was scheduled to be completed in April, 2008.