Paper mill expands with steel

Townsend Hook Paper Mill near Maidstone in Kent is currently undergoing a large scale upgrading programme which involves the construction of a 162m long steel framed manufacturing hall.

Site owner Smurfit Kappa says once the project is complete later this year the plant, which specialises in the production of recycled cardboard packaging, will increase output by 8% per annum.

Atlas Ward Structures is fabricating, supplying and erecting 2,200t of steelwork for the project. The majority of the tonnage is needed for the portal framed main hall, which features a 32.5m wide span and is constructed with a series of 22m high 914 UKC columns which are required to support crane beams for a pair of 50t capacity gantry cranes.

The steelwork contract also requires Atlas Ward to erect a 25m x 8m electrical room lean-to, three smaller buildings and supply and install 14 steel staircases and 14 steel stair towers.