Neaco’s bespoke solution offers high performance at York Theatre Royal
The historic building, which dates back to 1744, commissioned the design and construction of a new wheelchair ramp to support inclusivity. Neaco developed a high-performance, DDA-compliant solution in conjunction with Lizzy Tulip Landscape & Garden Design and WGC Landscapes. The new installation has been designed to support a 1.5kN loading to accommodate a high volume of pedestrian traffic calculated with reference to the theatre’s maximum capacity.
Neaco’s ramp solution included toughened glass panels and an offset handrail with a modification to its standard dimensions to accommodate the design of the parapet wall. The original design brief required stainless steel handrails and stanchions but due to restrictions Neaco supplied a value-engineered alternative in the form of powder-coated white aluminium providing a durable, non-chip finish which is warm and comfortable to the touch.
York Theatre Royal has green-lighted extensive re-development in recent years, including a ‘pocket park’ providing a public open space in the centre of York for the whole community. The project was overseen by Lizzie Tulip Landscape and Garden Design.
“Neaco’s specialist expertise in ramp design enabled us to secure this specification at one of the city’s most famous venues. We often supply a standard ramp solution in the form of our Rail2Ramp system which adjusts to varying ramp dimensions and angles, facilitating quick and easy specification. The project at York Theatre Royal required a different solution with a bespoke approach to meet the specific needs of the built environment and traffic calculations. We are very pleased to see the finished installation providing a stylish contemporary aesthetic in keeping with the theatre’s glass façade.”
– Alan Green, Neaco Ltd
Neaco welcomes Bridlington School to encourage Engineering Careers
Dan Verity, the factory manager, took the students on an extensive tour of the factory. The tour included demonstrations of the swage press and bending machinery, in which the students were nothing short of impressed.
“All the students got so much from it and the bus journey back was fantastic – they were so enthused by everything they saw and they fired dozens of questions at me about engineering and career opportunities.”
– Head of the Technology and Engineering Department at Bridlington School Ι Mr Andy Grayshan
During this tour, Verity explained the importance of apprenticeships in the engineering field and how hands-on experience could help them with their career paths. He guided the students through the production process at Neaco, beginning in the flooring department where Neaco manufactures its modular aluminium flooring.
The students witnessed:
The aluminium flooring being punched by the Denley multi-punch machine.
The flooring being fed through the 150-tonne swage press machine which achieved the swage-locking technique making our flooring have superior strength.
How all Neaco’s engineers study the CAD drawings of the projects before cutting the flooring to shape with the cross-cut saw to ensure precision.
Ultimately, witnessing first-hand the finished product including all the inspection checks before going to the packing department.
Verity then took the students to the fabrication department where the balustrade is manufactured. They experienced two demonstrations of the Mewag hydraulic man drill bending machines, including the health and safety of using the different machinery.
The students were also shown how the tubing is cut precisely to the correct curvature on the Kaltenbach automatic circular saw.
Once the aluminium tubing was ready, the students then got to witness the tubing being coated in Neaco’s polyester powder coating plant.
For the finale of their visit, the students visited the CAD department and then received insight from the Sales department. This insight revealed how Neaco proceeds from an enquiry, to technical and then to manufacture. This meant the students received inside information on the whole process and where their engineering careers would fit within a construction company’s product cycle.
“The demonstrations were really informative, and the ability for the students to see how raw materials are processed into a finished product range really helped to understand all the theory I teach them in the workshop. I just want to thank you for all the time you gave our students today. It really has made a huge impact on them.”
– Andy Grayshan
Neaco marks 50th year with Constructionline Gold Membership
Neaco had two causes for celebration this week when we reached the milestone of 50 years in business and completed our Constructionline Gold membership.
Neaco was formed in 1972, setting up a design team and a factory in Malton to engineer building products from aluminium alloy. We started with the production of industrial walkways before diversifying with the development of multi-purpose architectural grilles, decking, adaptive bathing aids and a range of balustrade and balcony systems. Five decades later, Neaco has navigated the peaks and troughs of the construction sector to establish a global reach supplying some of the world’s most significant architectural projects.
Neaco Managing Director, Alan Green, said:
“Fifty years is exceptional longevity in construction, which is regarded as a bellwether sector for the wider economy and has experienced some of the most challenging downturns over the past five decades. There have been two in the past two decades alone – the 2008 financial crash and covid – but we have always been able to adapt. Research and Development has been a big part of Neaco’s operation from the start – we have a policy of continuous product development and we established a diverse portfolio from a very early stage. It has broadened the range of markets we serve and means that whenever one product range has been impacted by a slowing market, our other product ranges have compensated with revenue in other markets.”
“With its low carbon footprint and 100% recyclability, aluminium has become increasingly preferred in construction as sustainability has risen up the industry’s agenda. Its non-combustibility has also become a valuable attribute in a post-Grenfell sector which has given long-overdue attention to the importance of fire safety.
“Developing business overseas has also been a huge factor in Neaco’s success. An extensive international network enables us to supply complete solutions for projects in every region, from Europe and the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Our products have been used on some massive international projects, from flagship airport and infrastructure developments in Jeddah to $200 million football stadiums in Mexico. We’ve also been specified at some of the UK’s most iconic locations, from Wimbledon Centre Court to Buckingham Palace. Our factory in Malton has recently been expanded over the years to 52,000 square feet and we are now preparing for the next 50 years on a very strong footing for a new phase of growth.”
That footing has been further strengthened with the enhanced procurement credentials provided by our Gold Level Membership of Constructionline, the UK construction industry’s leading register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants.
A long-established member of Constructionline, Neaco have completed a rigorous audit process to achieve an upgrade in accreditation which demonstrates to buyers that our organisation has been subjected to enhanced scrutiny around governance and risk management. Gold status will allow Neaco to bid for an even wider range of projects and secure specifications for a diverse product portfolio which includes multi-purpose architectural grilles, decking, adaptive bathing aids, balustrade and balcony systems.
Constructionline’s database is accessed by over 2,000 organisations including central government, local authorities and main contractors which require suppliers to be accredited as part of the tendering process, assuring quality and compliance throughout the supply chain. Gold accreditation assesses a range of additional areas including environmental management, quality management, equalities and diversity.
Neaco Managing Director, Alan Green, said:
“Constructionline helps both sides, buyers and suppliers, to bypass typical problems associated with the tender process, saving everyone time, money and hassle. Neaco achieved our first Constructionline accreditation in 2009 and we have been Silver Members since 2019. We have invested a lot of time in reviewing our operations and systems to ensure that we meet all the requirements for Gold Membership. Together with our SSIP accreditation and CSCS qualification, it puts Neaco in a very strong position to develop new business across the supply chain.”
Neatwalk Lite
The new Neatwalk Lite is a lighter version of our popular Neatwalk aluminium plank decking.
Cost Effective
Neatwalk Lite is over 20% lighter than the original Neatwalk and by reducing the amount of material within the decking we are able to provide our most cost-effective plank solution yet.
A1-A2 Fire Rated
Adhering to all current legislation and government advice, the Neatwalk Lite achieves an A1 Fire Rating when mill finished and an A2 Fire Rating when colour coated.
Great Spanning Capability
As well as being ideal for any budget, it is able to span as far as standard traditional timber and composite decking; this makes the Neatwalk Lite a great option for refurbishment projects.
Lightweight
As it is made from 100% aluminium and weighs just 1.4kg per linear metre, Neatwalk Lite is the ideal decking option to have on site as it can be easily transported and manoeuvred.
Traditional Aesthetics
Similarly to the original Neatwalk, Neatwalk Lite is laid with gaps between the planks in order to create a free draining solution and replicate the aesthetic of traditional timber decking. As with all Neaco decking products, Neatwalk Lite is available in aluminium mill finish or in one of three standard colours.
Slip Resistant
Neatwalk Lite is categorised as a ‘low risk of slip’ in both wet and dry conditions, making it a much safer option than traditional decking. Test data is available as both SlipAlert and PTV.
Maintenance Free
Unlike traditional timber decking, Neatwalk Lite requires virtually no maintenance and has a design life of 80 – 100 years.
If you’d like more information about our products, call 01653 695 721, email sales@neaco.co.uk
or download the Data Sheet here.
Future-Proof Your Projects With A1 Fire Rated Decking
Fire Safety
Current legislation expressly prohibits the use of combustible materials in buildings with a floor above 18m in height.
Although legislation allows for combustible materials below 18m, a government advice note released in January 2019 recommends that non-combustible materials should be used on residential projects regardless of building height. It is possible that, in time, this advice will become legislation.
How To Future-Proof Your Project
Decisions surrounding fire safety are constantly changing, be it legislation, NHBC recommendations or government advice.
In order to future-proof a project against any potential legislation changes, it would be wise to incorporate products that are able to achieve the highest possible fire rating.
As we manufacture all of our decking in our 52,500-square-foot factory in North Yorkshire, we are able to provide both A2 powder-coated decking and A1 aluminium mill finished decking.
Mill Finished Aluminium Decking
Choosing an aluminium mill finished decking option means that an A1 Fire Rating is achievable, which is the highest rating and the safest possible choice.
We are able to provide a mill finish to all of our modular decking options (Neatdek, Neatdek 188 and Neatdek HW) so any drainage, privacy and design requirements can be achieved.
Fade To Grey
The initial shiny appearance of aluminium can be off-putting in certain instances. However, it is important to note that, over time (usually between 1 – 12 months), aluminium will oxidise and create more of a light grey finish.
Other Benefits
As well as the aforementioned Fire Rating benefits that come with a mill-finished product, mill-finished decking is highly durable, virtually maintenance-free and comes with a class-leading 25-year guarantee.
If you’d like any further information about our modular decking options, or if you’d like to send us an enquiry, please call 01653 695 721, email us at sales@neaco.co.uk or fill out our contact form here.
Neaco Modular Balconies Provide an All-In-One Solution
Neaco modular balconies provide an all-in-one solution and are manufactured to your specific design requirements.
An All-In-One Solution
In partnership with Ancon (part of the Leviat brand), we are able to provide an all-encompassing solution that includes stub brackets, thermal breaks, cantilever arms, balcony bases, soffits, modular, Fire Rated decking and balustrade systems. As well as all of the physical elements that make up a balcony, we provide specialist technical help and structural calculations specific to every individual project.
Balcony Bases
The bases of our modular balconies are manufactured from 100% recyclable aluminium, making them an environmentally-friendly solution that could help to increase a project’s BREEAM score. Aluminium is an extremely lightweight yet durable metal so this, along with the glide-on system that is incorporated, allows for a quick and easy installation. This glide-on system also allows us to adhere to the requirements outlined in BS 8579 2020, which condemns any balcony design that calls for workers to be beneath the balcony during installation.
Balcony Decking
Neaco modular balconies are unique as the main elements of the balcony – the decking and balustrade – are also of modular construction. Our modular decking is manufactured in bespoke-sized panels so the fixing of the final sections, after the balcony install, is extremely quick and no additional cutting is required. We manufacture a variety of modular decking options that cater to different drainage, privacy and aesthetic requirements (soffits can also be provided if needed).
Neatdek
A free-draining solution as standard but can be installed with inserts to make it directionally draining.
Neatdek 188
Incorporates an overlapping surface that provides complete privacy while also allowing water and other liquids to drain freely.
Neatdek HW
Constructed with an integrated drainage channel to allow for a directional drainage solution.
Balcony Balustrade
The aesthetic requirements for modular balconies can be extremely varied, which is why our modular balustrades are available in a wide range of configurations. Our balustrade systems are manufactured from aluminium, stainless steel or a mixture of both with a vast selection of infill options; structural glass, toughened glass with stanchions, and vertical infill are just some of the options available. As with all Neaco products, our balustrade systems are manufactured to bespoke requirements.
Non-Combustible
All materials that we incorporate into our modular balconies are A1-A2 Fire Rated, are non-combustible and adhere to all of the latest building regulations and government advice regarding fire safety.
Colour Options
We manufacture all of our products in our 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility in North Yorkshire. Within this facility, we have our own powder coating plants, where we are able to powder coat to any required RAL colour in both nylon and polyester.
For more information, or to send us a modular balcony enquiry, call 01653 695 721 or email sales@neaco.co.uk.
