We hope you will find the the newsletter both informative and useful. The next issue of CoGri News will be available in March 2009.

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• In situ testing in various locations, for example, reception areas, canteens, lift lobbies, station concourses, shopping centres and warehouse floors.
• Laboratory testing of proposed flooring materials, including assessment of different finishes.
• Interpretation of results including the Pendulum Test Value(PTV).
• Road surface testing.                  

The test results and data gathered may be used for:        

• Evaluation of floor cleaning materials.
• Accident investigations.
• Evidence for litigation purposes.

Surfaces which can be tested include concrete, ceramic tiles, resin finishes (epoxy, acrylic), natural stone, terrazzo, clay or concrete pavers, timber, glass and flexible (Vinyl, Rubber, PVC).

"FACE has over 20 years experience in floor flatness and associated testing including accelerated abrasion resistance. Slip/Skid Resistance is something that really interests us, and has done so for some time. 

Figures from the HSE suggest that there is one serious slip accident every 3 minutes.

So when we decided to extend our portfolio of services this was a natural choice.

We purchased a Pendulum Tester back in July this year and all our engineers have attended an operators training course at the manufacturers laboratory.

The Pendulum is the most commonly accepted and specified method of checking Slip Resistance and when using the Pendulum in accordance with BS 7976-2 2002, we can offer our Slip/Skid Resistance Testing either at customer sites or on flooring samples in our laboratory.

We have great commitment and pride in what we do and this is reflected by the fact that we are the only company who have UKAS accreditation for carrying out floor flatness testing, for example.

We are very excited about this new service and hope that this will enhance our range of services available to both existing and new clients.", comments Duane Scarfe, Operations and Quality Manager of Face Consultants Ltd.

For further information, please contact Duane Scarfe on +44 (0) 1484 600090 or email: duane.scarfe@face-consultants.com

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The warehouse had an existing wide aisle double deep racking installation, which needed to be transformed into a VNA facility.

As the warehouse was required to be kept operational throughout the development, the project required meticulous planning, where work would progress in 5 stages.

These included:                                          

1. Racking modification
2. Floor flatness survey
3. Joint repairs
4. Laser Grinding
5. Wire guidance installation

The double deep racking was split to form the narrow aisles. Once the racking was repositioned, CG was able to commence work on each new aisle. The racking modification was handled by Alghanim so CG was able to work directly with the client, offering maximum flexibility, working to timescales and deadlines.

Each new aisle way was then surveyed by Face Consultants, to identify the areas that were not compliant with the desired DM2 specification. This meant that only the non-compliant sections of aisle way were to be ground using the Laser Grinder®, which in turn, reduced not only the time spent in each aisle, but also the cost to the client.

Before performing any Laser Grinding, CG repaired 5 steel armoured joints per aisle, removing the steel and reinstating the joints with an extremely durable epoxy mortar application.

Keeping to strict schedules, CG utilised 2 Laser Grinding Teams, working on a double shift rotation. In total, 30 narrow aisles approximately 119m long were laser ground for full compliance to the TR34 Appendix C specification, totalling over 3.5km (2.2 miles). Once complete, each aisle was then surveyed again by Face Consultants to prove full compliance with the DM2 specification.

The installation of the wire guidance system was managed and co-ordinated by the CG team. To minimise down time, the wire guidance was installed in 4 separate phases, meaning that once several aisles were completed, these were handed over to the client for immediate occupation.

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Underfloor heating systems remain popular and CGFS ensured the correct flooring system was delivered to meet different client requirements. The ground floor of one new build house project received the Fastrack Anhydrite Screed system, which was delivered to site and pumped within a few hours. Another client received the Anhydrite Screed to the ground floor and the more traditional sand/cement screed to the upper floor. A Scout Group unit benefitted from our professional service, when a sand/cement screed floor was installed to cover the underfloor heating in an upgrade to one of their facilities.   

In a move outside our normal area of operations, CGFS were approached by a fashion company from Greece, about the possibility of installing an industrial floor finish for one of their outlets at the new Westfield shopping complex in West London. During the consultation process it was agreed that Fastfloor-IT should be installed. The existing floor had to be built up by 30mm using base screed before the Fastfloor-IT could be pumped. CGFS undertook all preparation and installation works in what was a challenging environment because of the grand scale of the overall project. Close liaison and forward planning ensured the new floor system was delivered on time, allowing other trades access to complete the fit out programme ahead of schedule and ultimately enabled the client to be ready for the grand opening of the mall.

A further two retail units at Westfield Shopping also received the Fastfloor-IT industrial finish, one of them a well known designer label on the high street was particularly impressed, not just with the finish, but also the speed of application and professionalism shown during the flooring works.

In the UK, a 7,500m² warehouse floor, at a prestigious motor company in Milton Keynes, received a clean up in an attempt to limit dusting within the warehouse. The existing floor was shot-blasted and then sealed with a clear industrial grade floor sealer. Work was also undertaken to repair failed joint details in the warehouse floor and the work was completed within five working days, with minimum disruption to the clients operation.

Intra-group working has proven to be a highly valuable asset within the market place, with CGFS working with both Concrete Grinding and Face Consultants to ensure the correct skills and area expertise are utilised in the successful delivery of projects. CGFS installed an industrial High Build Epoxy Coating to aisles that had been ground by Concrete Grinding and the compliment was repaid when Concrete Grinding Small Works Team  provided much needed expertise for joint repair requirements as part of the store refurbishment work for a wholesale firm in Edinburgh.

FACE also got in on the action by providing professional services on a project, for an automotive design, engineering and testing company, where approximately 200m² of floor directly in front of the weigh bridge was required to be at a flatness tolerance of + / - 3mm. Working to a 1m grid pattern, FACE directed preparation work which involved scabbling and planing the surface down to an acceptable level, screws were inserted and set at the correct level ready to receive Fastfloor-IT. Although a relatively small area, the key to the success of this installation was the time and effort afforded to the preparation works, which ensured the refurbished floor met the required standard, first time. This is a level of professional service where we firmly believe we cannot be matched. A project in Avonmouth saw CGFS working for FACE by providing grinding services to remove high spots, as directed on site by FACE, to ensure their clients floor met the required specification.

Recent months have seen CGFS involved in a number of different projects that have challenged and stretched our imagination and resources. However, the professionalism and willing attitude to ensure we deliver a first class service and product has shown what is possible in the ever demanding market place.

Alan Yuill, CGFS Director

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Based in Singapore, CGAP has been involved in providing high tolerance Superflat floors in Asia since 1994. The company was founded on the back of a Laser Grinding project. Kevin Dare brought his new Machine to Singapore to upgrade a VNA floor built by Colin Thoms. That first project led to the incorporation of Concrete Grinding (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd. In 2001 the company branched into construction of direct finish superflat floors. Since then Concrete Grinding has gone on to build floors in: Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore

Laser Grinding remains one of our core services, but the construction side is a larger part of our business. We have found that people perceive us only as a grinding company simply because of our name. The change to CoGri (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd gives us a better opportunity to market our suite of services and aligns us with the CoGri Group Branding.

CoGri Asia Pacific’s current services  include:                                             

• Superflat Floor Construction                       
• Large Area Pour by Laserscreed                        
• Joint Free Construction by Laserscreed                                  
• Upgrading Narrow Aisle Floors by Laser Grinder®                                  
• Wire Guidance Installation                 
• Joint Repairs                                     
• Bespoke flooring solutions

As part of CGAP’s rebranding, the new CoGri Asia Pacific Pte Ltd name and logo were launched at the SCM Logistics World 2008 exhibition.

The show was held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore on 13 to 16 October 2008.

For more information about CoGri Asia Pacific, please visit our at www.superflatasia.com

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CG worked with their long established agent in Italy, Trimmer S.r.l., to provide a suitable flooring solution for the client. This began with a Digital Profileograph survey of the installation.

The job was awarded to CG after the client had 1 aisle Laser Ground as a sample of the quality and the high standard of work that CG can achieve. The Laser Grinding sample to the nominated aisle took just over a day to complete and left the client with a taste of what to expect. Once the client ran their trucks down the aisle, they immediately took the decision to proceed with the rest of the work to the remaining aisles.

The new warehouse, which operates wire guided VNA trucks, required 18 aisles in total, each measuring over 110 metres long, to be ground to full compliance with the DIN 15185 specification, (for racking over 6m high), to enhance warehouse efficiency.

Once CG commenced work on the outstanding 17 aisles, 2 wheel tracks 380mm wide were ground in each and every aisle. To keep to the project schedule, 2 Laser Grinders® were used. One Laser Grinder® was used for the first week, which was joined by the second Laser Grinder® for the remaining 3 weeks. After grinding was complete, CG applied an anti-dust sealer which suppresses any dust that could be created by the MHE traffic.

In addition, there were 23 joints running across each and every aisle which were in need of resealing, this totalled 414 joints. CG resealed these within the ground tracks, where the wheels of the MHE would make contact, rather than across the whole aisle. This provided the most cost effective method.

The project took 4 weeks to complete and to deadline.

The crew working on the project included Giovanni Pedrini (Pedro) of Trimmer and the CG Team, who were Nick Mawtus, Wesley Thompson, Sean Guy, Mark  Buchan, Gordon Kilty and Leon Burgin.

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The Team includes Jason Blackmore (Managing Director), Jung Taek (Sales and Marketing Director), Choi Seok Soon (Branch Manager of Face Consultants Korea), Kim SuNa (Finance Manager), Andrew Lee (Operations Manager), Bill Kim (Site Manager), Steve Oh (Sales Manager), Jeena Byun (Accounts and Administration Assistant) and Mike Park (Site Supervisor). In addition LGA Logis has recently employed two trainee Site Staff being Kenny Kang and Eddie Jang. 

With the exception of Andrew Lee (taking the photo) and the two new staff, the LGA Logis team (including ‘How’ the LGA Laser Screed Operator based in Singapore) can be seen in the photo.

Due to the current work load, LGA Logis is currently considering employing additional Management staff including a second Sales Manager and a second Site Manager. 

Although already recognised as the best quality Flooring Contractor in Korea and the most qualified in the Construction and Upgrading of High Tolerance Floors, LGA Logis is aiming to become the leading Specialist Concrete Flooring Contractor in Korea. More details can be found at: www.lga-logis.com

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Sixteen year old James joins Concrete Grinding Ltd, straight from Holmfirth High School in Huddersfield. He is working as an Engineering Apprentice, working closely with Justin Hanks and Kevin Greenwood in the Concrete Grinding Works unit, based at Dene House, the Group’s Head Office.

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EDS Ltd was shortlisted for the New Business of the Year Award, along with two other companies. There were 11 categories in total.

More than 300 people attended the glittering black-tie dinner, held at the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, where winners were announced.

EDS guests list included Denby Dale District Councillor Elaine Ward, Colin Horsefall & Darren Gaunt of Synergy Health Care, Richard Bennett of Holroyd Solicitors, EDS Directors - Richard Bailey, Kevin and Lynn Dare, and EDS team  - Margaret Knott, Louise Wibberley and Susan Smith.

The Awards ceremony was hosted by BBC Look North presenter, Harry  Gration, accompanied by guest speaker, Paul Fletcher. The former footballer helped to develop the Galpharm Stadium – then the McAlpine – during his time as chief executive of Huddersfield Town.           

Although the winning award was scooped by another local firm, EDS came away with a Highly Recommended Award on the night.

“We are very pleased with the Award and would like to thank our guests and those who have supported the company since its inception in 2007.”, said Richard Bailey.

For further information, please visit www.edslimited.co.uk 

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The event was held on Sunday 23rd -Tuesday 25th November.

The show featured companies from different industries, including Road Haulage, Warehousing, Rail Freight, Air Cargo, Container and Reefer Manufacture, Ports Management, Materials Handling and Security, to name a few.

FACE ME, a member of the CoGri Group, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, acts as a Liaison Office for the CoGri Group of Companies, offering the full range of group services to the Middle East state.

Representing FACE ME were Malcolm Godbold, General Manager of FACE ME and Kevin Dare, MD.

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