Structural Steel for ArcelorMittal Orbit
24 February 2011
SEVERFIELD-ROWEN Plc
Watson Steel Structures supports ArcelorMittal Orbit
Severfield-Rowen Plc, the market leading structural steel group, is pleased to announce that one of its principal companies, Watson Steel Structures Limited, is providing the structural steel work for the iconic AreclorMittal Orbit at London's Olympic site. Construction of the ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Olympic site commenced in January and is expected to be complete towards the end of Summer 2011.
Watson's was chosen for this high profile and prestigious project as a result of its unparalleled expertise in producing precision-made steel structures. Watson's has an impressive track record in working to complex specifications, on time and to budget, and has been involved in many of London's best known construction projects. Recent work includes the 2012 Olympic Stadium itself, as well as Arsenal Football Club's Emirates Stadium, the multi-award winning Baltic Millennium Bridge at Gateshead and Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5.
The work required for the ArcelorMittal Orbit presented Watson's engineers with a fresh challenge. Watson's Managing Director and Severfield-Rowen's Chief Operating Officer, Peter Emerson explains:
"We are very familiar with taking a drawing board concept and turning it into a reality. It's what we do and we are the market leaders. However, in the case of the ArcelorMittal Orbit project, the degree of precision required was higher than usual. Its unique design meant that it would not be possible to make adjustments to the structure once construction commenced. We have therefore had to machine the components to their exact specifications, to enable them to fit precisely together. The asymmetric shape also requires far more frequent stage by stage analysis, to ensure full stability. I am pleased that we are equipped for this challenge."
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is the brainchild of award-winning artist Anish Kapoor and has been developed in collaboration with one of the world's leading structural designers, Cecil Balmond of Arup. It consists of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel 115m in height. When completed, it will be 22m taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York and offer unparalleled views of the entire 250 acres of the Olympic Park and London's skyline from a special viewing platform.
Mr Tom Haughey, CEO of Severfield-Rowen Plc, commented:
"We are extremely proud to be involved in such a prestigious and iconic project. It has been a privilege to work with Anish and Cecil, and with ArcelorMittal. This structure will be a lasting legacy to London and its Olympic Games and we are delighted that we have been able to contribute."
Watson's will today be hosting a delegation of representatives from ArcelorMittal and from the media at its plant in Bolton, Lancashire.
For further information, please contact:
Severfield-Rowen Plc Tom Haughey 01845 577896
Chief Executive Officer
Alan Dunsmore 01845 577896
Finance Director
Peter Emerson 01204 699999
Chief Operating Officer
Pelham Bell Pottinger Archie Berens 020 7861 3112 / 07802 442486
Francesca Tuckett 020 7861 3157
About Severfield-Rowen
Severfield-Rowen has attained the unrivalled position as the largest and most successful structural steelwork contractor in the UK, with four principle manufacturing companies and corresponding steel erection resource.
In 2010 the Company began operations in India through its Joint Venture, JSW Severfield Structures Ltd.
The combined resources of the Severfield-Rowen Group of Companies have the design, engineering, manufacturing and installation skills and experience to handle complex projects over a diverse range of market sectors. They can facilitate the production of a wide range of steelwork packages, including projects requiring high added value engineering content to basic structural work.
Severfield-Rowen Group Companies have attained Gold Membership Standard for the BCSA RQSC Steel Construction Sustainability and are committed to maintaining and improving sustainable practices in all of their disciplines.
For more information on the Severfield-Rowen Group visit www.sfrplc.com
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries.
ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.
Through its core values of Sustainability, Quality and Leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources. ArcelorMittal recognises that it has a significant responsibility to tackle the global climate change challenge; it takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change.
In 2010, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $78.0 billion and crude steel production of 90.6 million tonnes, representing approximately 8 per cent of world steel output.
ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).
For more information about ArcelorMittal visit: www.arcelormittal.com
This information is provided by RNS