Caparo Wire manufactures a wide range of specialist cold heading, bedding & seating and galvanised and engineering wires and, at its Wrexham site, had to frequently replace its flooring due to its non-slip properties wearing down.
An epoxy grit floor had originally been specified – however it was highly susceptible to wear due to the use of water in the manufacturing processes. Caparo found that the floor needed full replacement every 8-12 months due to the grit detaching and floor surface becoming smooth and slippery – which at an annual cost of £4,300, represented excessive avoidable expenditure.
The Caparo team called in long-standing strategic partner Buck & Hickman to identify a solution which would help extend the life of the existing flooring, while simultaneously reducing the downtime and inconvenience caused by the frequent replacement. A further key criterion for the selection of a new flooring system was the health & safety of employees, with Caparo specifying non-slip flooring to minimise the risk of falls.
Upon investigation of the site, Buck & Hickman identified that the best course of action would be to cover the existing flooring surface with specialist, durable non-slip matting. Based on the results of the trial coupled with the cost benefits, Caparo installed the Ergodeck matting throughout the site which has maximised health & safety for employees as well as eliminating the downtime associated with the replacement of the original floor.
