Aneurin Thomas Ploughing (ATP) is a renowned contractor specialising in the installation of cables, ducts, and pipelines using “Trenchless Technology”. This technology leverages a plough system to lay the essential infrastructure for gas, water, electricity, and fibre optic networks in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way. As the company evolved, ATP remained committed to delivering quality services, with safety at the forefront of its operations.
Before engaging with Centriforce, ATP faced significant challenges when laying utility protection covers. The market supplied rigid tiles in 1-meter lengths, which were inefficient and impractical for ATP’s operations. These constraints made it difficult to plough Medium Voltage (MV) and High Voltage (HV) cables effectively, particularly when specific protective measures were required.
– Mandatory Utility Protection: ATP was required to install protective covers for all installations, making this challenge a critical bottleneck that needed to be overcome.
– Inefficiencies: The lack of suitable protection covers hampered ATP’s ability to install high voltage circuits, like 132kV and above, within the required standards.
– Failed Alternatives: An attempt to use concrete tiles that cured below ground was explored but was ultimately dismissed due to issues with cost, practicality in remote locations, and quality control.
ATP discovered Centriforce, after hearing of our high quality recycled plastic solutions and professional service. The partnership between ATP and Centriforce began in 2014, with the initial trial of the Stokbord® Utility Protection using ATP’s plough equipment. This trial marked the beginning of ongoing collaboration and continuous development to refine the solution to meet the specific needs of ATP’s projects.
– Product Innovation: Centriforce developed a solution allowing utility protection to be supplied in roll format wound onto timber drums, which could be seamlessly ploughed into the ground. This innovation enabled ATP to handle higher voltage installations efficiently and more safely as workers don’t have to enter the trench.
– Operational Efficiency: The collaboration led to a significant improvement in operational efficiency. For example, during the Seagreen Project, ATP was able to install 1,450 meters of cable in a single day on a 220kV circuit for SSE, a process that would have taken 10-15 days with traditional open excavation methods.
– Safety Enhancements: Stokbord® Utility Protection, as with all of the products offered by Centriforce, has been designed to prioritise the safety of ATP’s operatives. The covers were designed to be handled with drum carriers and mechanical aids, reducing the need for manual handling and minimising the risk of injuries.
– Time Savings: The new solution allowed ATP to complete installations up to 30 times faster than traditional open excavation methods.
– Safety Benefits: The risk of injury was significantly reduced as operatives no longer needed to work in trenches manually laying tiles every meter. Additionally, the need for manual handling of covers from pallets to the trench line was eliminated.
– Team Efficiency: Whilst team sizes remained consistent, their output increased significantly due to the improved installation process.
– Expanded Capabilities: The solution enabled ATP to successfully plough HV cables, opening up new opportunities for higher voltage installations.
– European Expansion: ATP recognised Centriforce’s willingness to share innovations with European customers, enhancing ATP’s ability to expand its operations across Europe.
Continued Partnership
ATP plans to continue its partnership with Centriforce, with intentions to reorder and expand into other projects. The collaboration has proven highly successful, and ATP is confident in recommending Centriforce’s products to other businesses in the industry.
The partnership between ATP and Centriforce exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency, safety, and project outcomes. Centriforce’s dedication to continuous product development has enabled ATP to overcome substantial challenges, ensuring the successful installation of critical infrastructure across the UK and Europe.
