Speedy rebuild for fire damaged complex

Steel construction has played a vital role with the successful rebuild of the fire damaged Wealmoor fresh produce packaging warehouse in Atherstone, Warwickshire.

The facility hit the headlines in November 2007 when a devastating fire gutted a large portion of the warehouse, while four firemen were tragically killed putting out the blaze.

Wealmoor had been working out of a temporary depot during the rebuild programme, but has now relocated all of its employees back to its enlarged former premises.

Working with main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland Building Services, Caunton Engineering erected 300t of structural steelwork for the project. This consisted of a new twin portal frame main warehouse which measures 82m x 67m and includes an internal two storey office block, and a separate 27m x 65m packing building.

“The main building is attached to the part of the existing warehouse which didn’t burn down,” said Gareth Skelton, Caunton Contract Manager. “For the old building we supplied new steelwork, a service gantry, along with a brand new gable end.”