Dura Composites recently installed GRP grating and profile in a bespoke sand colour at Conway Fishing Pier, Wales. The colour was chosen to enhance and blend with the existing landscape, as well as create a durable, long-lasting, hard-wearing solution, says the company.

Dean Fuller, marine and leisure sales manager for Dura, says producing GRP grating in a bespoke colour can pose challenges. “These largely revolve around production techniques and quality control. The most common colours in the industry, for example, grey or green, are tried and tested over many years. They are subject to extensive UV testing and weathering for example. However, we’ve evolved our processes to include bespoke sampling and batch testing to ensure client satisfaction.

Dura Composites side view of sand coloured GRP pier in Wales

“We’re often contacted for challenging solutions, and sometimes that includes providing a bespoke colour for our GRP products, especially where the client is keen for the new structure to stay in keeping with current surroundings,” Fuller continues.

“The project that springs to mind that encapsulates this, is the seven kilometres of grating we provided for the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree. We were selected to provide grating walkways for the pontoons. We were able to manufacture a bespoke peach colour at the client’s request, which blended in seamlessly with the other styling and detailing of the marina and complemented the breathtaking views.”

Back in Wales, non-corrosive GRP products were selected to help deliver a new designated area away from the busy tourist routes by Conwy County Borough Council, and contractors, Alun Griffiths Ltd. It was important to them that the new fishing platform worked in harmony with its surroundings, so the special order sand colour (RAL1001) was produced in GRP Profile and Standard Mesh.

The client opted for composite secondary profile beams over the existing steel sub-structure. Dura says its lightweight grating and profile, and precise design, allow for easy manoeuvre on site, with minimal maintenance required.

“We wanted a durable and reliable solution that could withstand the harsh marine environment while providing safe access for the end user,” says Iwan Pritchard, project manager at Alun Griffiths.

“Dura Composites provided a fantastic service throughout the design period and supported us during the installation.”

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