Yorkshire-based steelwork specialist Tadweld has completed a series of access and structural steelwork upgrades at Refresco’s Pontefract manufacturing site, improving engineer access across new and existing production equipment while the facility remained operational.
The work followed a programme of line upgrades at the beverage manufacturing site, where changes to equipment layout created new access requirements across several areas of the factory. Tadweld designed and installed bespoke platforms, stairways, multi-stair crossovers, and structural modifications to allow engineers to reach critical assets without interrupting production flow.
One of the most time-sensitive elements was a filler access installation completed in two weeks, from initial survey and material procurement through to final installation. The package had to be delivered against a compressed programme while maintaining safe working arrangements around live operations.
The project required Tadweld to work from third-party drawings and adapt designs as equipment positions and production constraints were confirmed on site. Large crossovers were installed between conveyor systems, existing platforms were relocated, and high-level walkways were modified to accommodate new packaging lines. The final position of the new filler unit was confirmed only at the point of installation, requiring the access arrangement to be adjusted without adding downtime.
Chris Houston, of Tadweld, said: “We’re proud to have supported Refresco with a project that demanded both precision and flexibility. Working in a live production environment always brings added complexity, but through close collaboration and careful planning, we were able to deliver safe, efficient access solutions without impacting operations. The speed and adaptability of our team were key to the project’s success.”
Access steelwork is a critical part of production line modernisation, particularly in food and beverage plants where maintenance, inspection, hygiene, and operator movement all depend on safe routes around closely packed equipment. Poorly configured platforms, stairs, and walkways can extend maintenance interventions and create unnecessary operational risk after line changes.
At Pontefract, the installation centred on integrating new and existing structures rather than treating the work as a standalone fabrication package. Existing walkways were modified to improve workflow, high-level platforms were repositioned, and new components were fabricated to fit around equipment already in operation.
Richard Marsh, Engineering Projects Manager at Refresco, said: “Partnering with Tadweld has been a seamless experience from start to finish. They delivered safe, efficient access solutions quickly, with minimal disruption to our production. Their flexible approach and professionalism made a real difference, and we’re very pleased with the results.”
The completed access system gives Refresco a more flexible structure for current production requirements and future line changes. Further details are available in Tadweld’s Refresco project case study.
