FORDINGBRIDGE
INNOVATION IS KEY FOR ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR
For over 50 years , Fordingbridge plc , an independent firm in West Sussex , has been providing solutions to enhance outside space . From humble beginnings manufacturing polytunnels for commercial horticulture , the company has evolved to design and build an industry leading portfolio of bespoke canopies , covered walkways and pre-fabricated statement buildings .
Working in multiple sectors including education , commercial , healthcare and leisure , Fordingbridge have a team of industry experts in each field , providing information and design notations from an early phase throughout to programme delivery . “ The ethos we work to is very much a collaborative approach with our installation process ,” explains Fraser Dixon , Business Development Manager at the firm . “ We ensure the clients requirements are fully understood , from both a design purpose and also to the works schedule . Our team achieve this through clear communication , engaging with the programme team as a whole and working with both the architects and end client . With a large volume of our work coming from education and healthcare , we understand the importance of a tight works programme , so always pre-fabricate our structures offsite to allow for a smoother installation with minimal disruption to the site . Our work in healthcare especially , which has included a number of ambulance bay canopies , requires careful planning . Working closely with other contractors , the paramedic unit and of course the NHS Trust themselves , means that we can stage a build to ensure the department can continue to function and crews and patients can access emergency departments .”
The team also take the longevity of the end product into account , meaning that the claims of ‘ industry leading guarantees ’ are valid . “ Our complete process is in-house , from design through to manufacture and installation ,” Fraser continues . “ This means that we can take ownership of the brief , and monitor quality of our output closely . We understand that the value of a product isn ’ t just about price , it ’ s about how well it delivers over time . Our clients understand that while something may cost a little more , they will see the return on that investment through the overall lifespan of the product . If we take a school canopy as an example , where ours may cost a few per cent more initially , our steel structure would be guaranteed for an additional 15 years when compared to a competitor ; 25 years in total . Add to that the point that we always ensure our education canopies are subject to full site-specific structural calculations , the overall value of our offering is very attractive .”
Fordingbridges ’ experience in the leisure industry also adds to the diversity of the firm . With projects including roof-top skybars , Zoo Visitor Centres and animal enclosures , the businesses design team have chance to flex their drawing metal when working with architects and planners . Building with steel and glulaminated timber as primary construction materials , Fordingbridge specialise in the creation of statement buildings which are as efficient as they are aesthetic . “ We understand the buildability aspects of design , so it is always beneficial when we are engaged early ,” Fraser explains . “ As we have the design capabilities in-house to complement the construction and engineering aspect , we can help alleviate some of the pressure architects face on more complex installations . Similarly , we can assist in initial planning . A good example of this is some forthcoming work we have at a popular zoo . We have worked closely with the businesses architect and owners to come up with a design which will be functional , environmentally conscious , deliverable and stunning ! Sometimes the buildability aspect may be overlooked which can lead to extra costs for the client , but working with us from the outset means these aspects can be incorporated into the design . We want to bring architects works to fruition , and we want to do it as safely and cost effectively as possible .”
www . fordinbridge . co . uk
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