In June 2008, Derby County entered into an 8 year programme with Whittle to keep the stadium’s steelwork looking fresh and clean at the start of every season. In Year 1, the steelwork up to the roof section was completely repainted prior to the commencement of the season.
Akzo Nobel compiled the specification on the steelwork, which was to wash down with a 'T' wash and apply one full coat of Metalshield Zinc Phosphate primer and two full coats of Metalshield.
Access was a problem to certain parts of the stadium, particularly over the main entrance to the ground due to it being used 6 days per week. This was overcome by hiring a lorry mounted platform on the day available. The remainder of the ground was accessed with a 28 metre platform. Planning on a daily basis with the client was required when it came to access over the car park, conference and ticket entrances in order to minimise disruption.
On completion the stadium looked very eye-catching, with the upper steel in light grey and white, and black to the lower sections depicting the Derby County Team strip.
Whittle return annually every July to inspect and clean the steelwork and repaint the lower sections of the black uprights, and to carry out any other works as required.
Martin Smith, who is the Maintenance Manager at the ground, is highly delighted with the way the painting works are carried out and says Whittle are always the "first port of call should any painting works needs carrying out".
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