An interview with… our structural engineering teamc

Naylor employs an experienced and knowledgeable technical team which leads its R&D activities, drives product innovation, develops market-leading manufacturing techniques, and applies the highest standards of certification for the business and its products. In our latest blog, we interview the Structural Engineering Team, a core part of the wider technical team, about the support they provide for Naylor Industries and its customers. How many people work in the Structural Engineering Team and what are their roles? Our structural engineering team comprises two experienced engineers and a specialist CAD technician. Masimba Chitakunye, our Senior Structural Engineer, holds a Degree and a Masters in structural engineering, Matthew Hobbs – our Structural Engineer, has a structural engineering degree and is currently studying for a Masters in Advanced Concrete Technology, and Scott Noel is our CAD Technician and a Solid Works CAD expert. What is the team’s primary role within the business? The team provides designs and related calculations for products within Naylor’s ranges of prestressed concrete lintels and precast elements. Their expertise also enables us to develop innovative new production processes. For example, the work being undertaken by Matthew as part of his Masters degree will inform the development of new concrete mixes and alternative production methods which will help us and our clients achieve net zero. The team is also responsible for supervising all third party testing including that relating to fire performance. What interesting projects has the team recently worked upon? Most recently, they developed and launched two, one-part fire resistant ‘XtraFire’ lintels which are designed for use in 100mm walls. They also re-engineered the designs of our ‘Rockwall’ retaining wall units to make them more economical to produce whilst retaining their strength and other benefits. The team has also undertaken extensive research into the optimum effect of heating (curing) concrete. This enabled us to develop and install state-of-the-art heated prestresssing beds at our Barugh Green production facility. What is the team currently working on? The team is currently focussed on two core projects: overseeing the fire testing process for three further XtraFire lintels, and the development of new product designs which will help us and our customers achieve net zero. As a ‘CO2nstruct Zero’ Business Champion and a leading British manufacturer, Naylor Industries is committed to reducing its net zero carbon footprint and the Our Net Zero Carbon Strategy is a fundamental part of our overall business strategy. Along with their colleagues in the wider technical team, the structural engineering team has an important role to play in the delivery of this for the benefit of Naylor, its customers and society as a whole.