South East Galvanizers, based in Witham, has completed work to replace its galvanizing bath – a major investment by its parent company Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd to ensure continued high quality, structural integrity, and performance.

During the works, around 392 tonnes of molten zinc – equivalent to two large blue whales – had to be relocated in order to carry out the change. The plant’s old bath was replaced with a like-for-like bath measuring 10.5m x 1.7m x 3.3m, weighing 48 tonnes. 

Now in situ, the bath will store molten zinc at temperatures of around 450 degrees Celsius, with steel then lowered down and dipped in the bath to form a layer of zinc which can protect it against corrosion and rust for decades. 

The process is relied upon by many industries from construction and engineering to architecture, artwork and farming. It’s also one of the most demanded steel protection methods due to its inherent sustainability – providing long-term protection with little or no maintenance required. 

Lee Russell at South East Galvanizers, said: “We’re delighted to have reopened our plant with the addition of our brand new galvanizing bath. Although it’s a large task to undertake and requires a lot of thorough planning, it’s also vital to carry out replacements such as this due to degradation over time and to ensure quality remains high. 

“Our plant was reopened in January 2025 and the new bath will set us up for another 12 to 15 years of servicing our customers across the region.” 

Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 155 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service. For further information, please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing on 01902 601944 or visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk. 

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