Case Study – Industrial

Project: Robert Wiseman Dairy, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset
Client: Robert Wiseman Dairies
Architect: Stone and Partners
Main Contractor: A&H Construction and Development

Laidlaw ironmongery for Europe’s biggest milk bottling plant

For Robert Wiseman Dairies’ new 325,000m2, £80 million milk bottling, food processing and distribution centre in North Petherton, near Bridgwater, architects Stone + Partners specified Laidlaw Solutions ironmongery. The flagship project won the 2008/9 RIBA / Guild of Architectural Ironmongery Specification Award for Best Commercial Building and is said to be the most environmentally advanced dairy operation in the UK. With an ultimate capacity that will rise to 500 million litres per annum, it will not only become the largest organic and 'value added' milk processing facility outside the USA, but will account for 10% of the UK’s milk needs.

The plant was constructed by A and H Construction with Laidlaw Solutions supplying large quan ironmongery. Calibre of ironmongery was crucial in terms of the requirement for high durability, long service life and low maintenance. The building was commissioned in stages with differing requirements for each and in addition to fitting out conventional interiors, outbuildings and workshops were also supplied. Laidlaw spokesman John Isaacs explained, “We had to be flexible in terms of product supply times and liaison with other disciplines was far more extensive than we encounter on conventional projects. There was a degree of cross-over with specialist suppliers on this project and a wide number of variations in door specification.”


Orbis Premier closers, together with Orbis Commercial pull handles and signage in Satin Stainless Steel were used to provide a stylish, contemporary finish to the doors. Orbis Premier was chosen as it is a fully co-ordinated range of hardware which includes unique lever and pull handle designs which can be combined with a distinctive backplate system. Its features combine with an unrivalled finish and a 15-year guarantee.

Stone + Partners’ Peter Moat commented, “The specification for this project required significant design input from the doorset supplier, in addition to on-site management throughout the build. The fast track nature of the negotiated contract meant that there was only 15 months between inception of construction and commencement of production. Smooth supply of doorsets was one of many critical factors that enabled the project to be completed on time”.

The scale of the Robert Wiseman project provides further illustration of Laidlaw’s ability to maintain a high standard of service under exacting situations to projects in all construction sectors.