Shropshire landscapers invited to trial manhole cover
Landscapers and home paving specialists in Telford are being offered a chance to trial an innovative manhole cover being launched to the sector this month.
Developed by Fabweld Steel Products for paving and driveway specialists, the SOLO SLIDE™ Driveway for hard landscaping is a new recessed access cover combining strength and rigidity with a unique feature which removes the need to physically lift the cover.
The award-winning fabricator, based in Madeley, Telford, is now searching for five companies to trial the access cover and frame, giving feedback which will aid future product development for the growing company.
The pioneering product is fabricated from mild steel and has been designed to be filled in with solid material to blend in with the surrounding area. A unique feature of the SOLO SLIDE™ Driveway, part of FSP's FAB Pave range, is an ergonomically designed key which allows for single person operation.
Managing director Richard Hilton said a similar product had already been installed successfully in city centre and street locations but the new SOLO SLIDE™ Driveway for landscapers had been designed with lighter loading in mind.
He said: “We know from talking to landscapers that they need a cost-effective frame and cover which is high quality. We have responded with a frame and cover for use in a variety of locations, including driveways, gardens and town parks, offering great value for money without losing the product's integrity and benefits.
“But it is important to us that we continue to innovate and design products which are fit for purpose, which is why we are inviting local landscapers to contact us if they'd like to trial the product.”
“Existing metal frames on the market can be heavy to lift manually and the cover can become jammed in the frame. Plastic frames are not the best option for these types of applications, but when the market is price driven, plastic is often used even though it can be difficult to fit as the frame isn't rigid.
“We've combined strength and rigidity, within 3mm mild steel, making the frame much easier to install. The unique ergonomically-designed metal lifting key enables single person operation, lowering maintenance costs for services inspection as well as eliminating health and safety concerns.”
The SOLO SLIDE™ Driveway also has a load warranty, with the cover tested unfilled to FACTA standard and can be manufactured in a range of standard and bespoke sizes and depths.
Mr Hilton added: “When both the public and private sector want to reduce costs, customers want a cover which has a longer life because of the material thickness and, because the covers are interchangeable, there's no need to replace the whole unit if an area is being re-surfaced. This is a price driven market, and we believe we've responded to the market with an innovative product for the landscaping sector which also ticks the box on price.”
