Bespoke solution fits like a glove

Date: 02/10/2019

YORKSHIRE’S premier sheet metal manufacturers came up with a bespoke solution to a tricky issue for specialist electrical engineers charged with refurbishing a 1960s Scottish sub station.

The new doors fit in with the existing 1960s fixtures and fittings giving access to the back of the new protection panel.

While dismantling the 132KV sub station in Saltcoats, one of a number being upgraded and refurbished for Scottish Power, engineers from Idec Technical Services found that two of the electrical panel doors were no longer fit for purpose.

Colleagues at Idec’s Wakefield office put Project Manager Scot Macdonald in touch with Normanton based Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication where CAD engineer Scott Walker worked closely with Idec to turn rough sketches, photos and measurements into detailed drawings from which two tall slim steel doors measuring 2180mm x 410mm were produced.

“We needed to replace the broken doors but the replacements had to be in keeping with the rest of the 1960s building,” explained Scot Macdonald.

“Yorkshire Laser created a set of bespoke lockable doors, complete with original 1960s sourced hinges, which look almost exactly like the existing cabinets. They gave us a good solution to a tricky problem. The doors fit like a glove and were right first time and you can’t ask for more than that!”

Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication has worked with Idec for a number of years producing a wide range of metal components for use in the power industry ranging from brackets and plates to full enclosures and panels. As a result of this latest project they are well placed for future contracts.

“I will definitely be working with Yorkshire Laser again. They will be a supply chain partner for solutions of this kind in future and other Idec managers are also in contact with them,” said Scot.

Yorkshire Laser Fabrication’s MD Matthew Orford said they were pleased to be able to help. “It was important that the new doors fitted in with the existing panels and fittings and didn’t stand out. We’re delighted that our modern day technology was able to recreate the 1960s look so precisely,” he commented.