Birkenhead-based engineering firm IPS Marine Fabrications has installed bespoke high temperature insulation kits on 80 B&M wagons in the fleet of B&M Waste Services.
IPS undertook the work at B&M Waste Services’ headquarters in Bromborough, Wirral.
B&M is one of the leading waste management firms in the North West offering a wide range of waste services including trade and hazardous waste, secure shredding, recycling and drainage.
IPS director Paul Smith said the work undertaken for B&M is vital to vehicle safety.
“This was a complex insulation job which required the high temperature kits to be specially designed,” he said. “Wagon exhausts can get extremely hot which is a clear hazard when collecting waste, some of which may be flammable. We manufactured the kits from carbon graphite integrated glass cloth combined with high temperature density materials which can withstand heat. There is a real skill in knowing how to combine these materials. We have developed these skills over years having worked extensively on board commercial and naval ships, manufacturing and installing insulation kits to strict safety standards. We have transferred this experience and expertise to the vehicle market.”
Mr Smith said IPS saw a big potential market in providing kits for lorries and wagons where the company also has experience of making high temperature insulation pads for catalytic converters.
“Through this job with B&M we can show that can we provide a high quality, highly skilled service at a good price,” he said. “Our workmanship also lasts longer than competitors as we understand the complex nature of high temperature materials and how to combine them. This durability provides excellent value for investment and a stronger product. We position ourselves as the Duracell of the high temperature insulation market – our product is built to outperform and outlast competitors. This keeps maintenance to a minimum delivering big savings.”
Neil Curtis, a director of B&M Waste Services, said: “We take our responsibilities as a business very seriously and this is demonstrated through various certificates and accreditations covering quality, the environment and health and safety.
“The work that IPS has done on our behalf is in line with our desire to be seen as an innovative and forward-thinking business and for our customers and staff to have total confidence in our systems and procedures.”
IPS has also recently completed a series of high temperature insulation contracts on board ships including for SeaTruck Ferries, Stena Line and Whitakers Tankers. For Seatruck IPS supplied high temperature ceramic fibre insulation for the main engine exhausts Meanwhile for Whitakers IPS made thermal oil pipe insulation pads for the main engine compartments
Elsewhere in the ferry sector IPS recently announced it had completed insulation work for Cammell Laird on the two new build ferries it built for Western Ferries. IPS also installed high temperature exhaust insulation to the main engines of the Stena Line ferries the Stena Lagan and the Stena Mersey.
Mr Smith said the IPS had major ambitions for 2014 after doubling its workforce in 2013 to 30 and investing£80,000 on new sheet metal fabrication machinery, a press brake and drawn arc stud welding machines.
“We are determined to continue driving growth in both the maritime and industrial sectors,” he said. “Insulation work as a whole accounts for around 70pc of sales. However, there is huge scope, and a growing demand, for our sheet metal fabrication service. We make a wide variety of products with a speciality in ventilation and air conditioning systems. Our aim is to grow the fabrication side of the business so it accounts for half of sales.”
IPS Marine Fabrications background
Based in Birkenhead on Merseyside in the North West of the UK, IPS manufacturers insulation products and steel and aluminium, with a particular focus on the marine industry.
It has in-house machining facilities and manufactures to custom requirements for fitting on-site. It undertakes work in the UK and worldwide.
Metal Fabrication
IPS manufactures a wide range of stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium products focussed on, but not limited to, the marine industry. Apart from the specialist requirements of the marine industries, we also manufacture for other industrial and commercial applications.
Insulation products
IPS manufactures custom made high temperature exhaust insulation pads and blankets as well as products for acoustic and structural fire protection to “A” Class.
IPS can use our specialist skills, knowledge and experience to assist with the design process if this is required.