Project Update: Stellar UK’s Shotton Paper Mill Development
Stellar Heavy Industry UK’s ambitious redevelopment of the Shotton Paper Mill in Deeside, North Wales, is well underway, transforming the 85.6-hectare site into a modern hub of paper manufacturing. As the principal contractor, Stellar UK is leading the development of the Tissue Paper Machine (TM1) building and its auxiliary facilities, laying the foundation for a significant shift in the UK’s paper manufacturing industry. Here’s an update on the work completed and what’s coming up next.
What’s Been Achieved So Far
The team has made substantial progress since the start of the project, setting up key areas and initiating crucial foundation work:
Site Setup and Mobilization: The mobilization area has been established, and site offices are now in place, setting the stage for efficient coordination throughout the project’s duration.
Foundation and Structural Preparations: Significant groundwork has been completed, including SFA piling and driven piling installations at the Reel Storage Building and Mezzanine Extension areas, preparing these structures for their future roles.
Access Roads and Foundation Preparation: Earthworks and backfilling have been completed to prepare for access roads and building foundations for the reel storage, mezzanine, and bale handling areas, allowing easy movement around the site.
Concrete Foundations: Concrete has been poured to lay solid foundations on the ground floor of the TM1 building, supporting critical components such as the dump chest, equipment, and tank foundations. This phase also includes foundation work for the main Yankee dryer equipment, which will be integral to the tissue production process.
Structural Steel Prefabrication: The prefabrication of the main structural steel members of the existing building has begun, ensuring that once the foundations are in place, the structural build can proceed efficiently.
What’s Next in the Project
As work progresses, Stellar UK is preparing to move forward with additional foundations, structural elements, and architectural finishing. Upcoming tasks include:
Concrete Pouring for Main Buildings: Concrete will be poured to complete the foundations for the main buildings, including the Reel Storage and Bale Handling facilities. Completing these foundations is key to maintaining the project’s schedule.
Completion of Existing Foundations: Foundation work in the existing TM1 building will be finalized, allowing for the installation of the main Yankee dryer equipment foundation.
Structural Steel Erection: The next steps include erecting structural steel for the new buildings and reinforcing the existing structures. This will cover the Reel Storage, Bale Handling, and TM1 buildings.
Cladding and Façade Works: External cladding and façade work will begin soon on both new and existing structures, enhancing the buildings’ durability and aesthetic appeal.
Architectural and MEP Works: Architectural details and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations will progress in both the new and existing buildings to equip each area for full functionality.
Landscaping and Sitewide Improvements: The sitewide landscaping efforts will continue to create a cohesive and visually appealing environment. Infrastructure installation, especially for the south road connection, will also commence, ensuring streamlined site access and functionality.
Stellar UK’s progress on the Shotton Paper Mill project exemplifies its commitment to creating a world-class facility that will establish the UK as a leader in the tissue paper industry. With the completion of each phase, the project brings the UK closer to self-sufficiency in tissue paper production and positions it as a competitive exporter. Stay tuned for more updates as Stellar UK drives this transformative project forward!