Steel sector combines to build school for hurricane devastated island

REIDsteel is leading a consortium of steel firms supporting the construction of a new primary school on the hurricane-devastated island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

A team, that also includes Tata Steel, National Tube Stockholders, Joseph Ash Galvanising, Ayrshire Metal Products and BAPP, are helping in the reconstruction of Enis Adams Primary School that was damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.

Locally-based main contractor Newton Construction is leading the construction work and will erect the steelwork.

Virgin Islands businessman Peter Haycraft, who was a longstanding client of REIDsteel with his former business has pledged a large sum of his own money for the school reconstruction in order to help the local community.

Four cargo containers full of steelwork are being shipped across the Atlantic, with three more to follow in the coming months.

REIDsteel Commercial Director Tim Cook said: “We have built strong personal and professional relationships over many years in the Caribbean.

“It was terrible to see the damage wreaked by the hurricanes last year so we’re very grateful to Peter Haycraft for giving us the opportunity to help him give something back to Tortola.

“Our thanks to our suppliers and business associates who rallied around immediately. It is great to see the first shipment depart and we’re looking forward to the school rising from the ashes.”

Tata Steel is helping with the supply of ComFlor® floor decking and providing Colorcoat® pre-finished steel cladding including Colorcoat Prisma®,

Thirsk-based National Tube Stockholders has given steel tube and steel hollow sections, Joseph Ash Galvanising is hot-dip galvanizing the structural steelwork, Ayrshire Metal Products has given cold rolled purlins and Barnsley-based BAPP has supplied industrial fasteners and bolts.