Troax UK Limited has used its Toledo modular cleanroom partitioning system to design a new global R & D laboratory at the Sandvik Hard Materials manufacturing facility in Coventry. Unusually, the series of seven laboratories incorporate two large, flush glazed vision panels around their entire perimeter to create clear viewing areas for staff outside the cleanroom areas. Sandvik Hard Materials’ strategy has always been to invest heavily in the research and development of new products and production methods. The objective of the R&D activity is to increase value and productivity for customers. Sandvik Hard Materials see their investment in the new laboratories in Coventry as an investment in the futures of both of their organisation and their customers.
Toledo’s modular, easily demountable construction made it an ideal solution for constructing the laboratories which will be using the latest quality control, product development and testing techniques, focusing on new product and process development. Sandvik wanted to be certain that they had the flexibility to alter the layouts of the laboratories in the future should their requirements change.
The laboratories occupy the whole of the ground floor area of a building totalling several hundred square metres. The area is divided into seven separate laboratories around the perimeter, with low level barriers bordering a central area.
Two flush glazed wall panels have been incorporated into the laboratory’s design to ensure that the area is light and airy and also to enable staff to view work going on inside the laboratories from outside. Sliding doors, also constructed by Toledo panels and incorporating circular, stainless steel frame vision apertures have also been installed.
Troax worked on the project with contractor Martins’ Fixings, who installed the partitioning at Sandvik and recommended the Toledo system to the architect, Ark DM of Sheffield, who designed the laboratory.
Ark DM were impressed by the Toledo system after seeing a similar cleanroom project that Troax and Martins’ Fixings recently carried out for Abbott Diabetes Care in Witney, Oxfordshire.
Toledo’s versatility was a key reason for its specification for the Sandvik project as Tony Gavin at Martins’ Fixings explains: “Because of its modular design Toledo partitioning is extremely versatile; it’s simple to install and can be easily demounted if layouts need to be altered in the future which was an important consideration for Sandvik. Toledo’s flush glazed panels also allowed us to construct the large vision panels that Sandvik requested, creating a practical and useful viewing area for staff working outside the laboratory.”
“We regularly work with Troax on large, high profile projects like this and as usual their service was brilliant. They know how we work and fit in well with our own team to ensure each project is completed successfully. Sandvik have also commented on the high quality of Troax’s products.”
Specially designed for cleanroom applications, the Toledo system is produced in a steel, monobloc construction and uses an inert and non-particle shedding infill finish. To prevent the collection of particles and ensure easy to clean, smooth surfaces, Toledo is coated in powder paint and has a two-line panel junction and flush line double glazing, resulting in a minimalist appearance.
Troax UK Limited
Tel: 01793 542000
Email: info@troax.co.uk
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