Guala Closures, Gartcosh

A collaborative approach delivering an integrated steel solution from Tata Steel UK.

The new Guala Closures facility in Gartcosh, Scotland stands as a benchmark in collaborative design and integrated construction. This new £52m facility was commissioned to deliver a modern, sustainable, and efficient manufacturing plant supporting the Scottish whisky sector, and its structure and building envelope is a fully integrated solution from Tata Steel UK.

The project led by Convery Prenty Shields Architects and supported by structural consultants Grossart Associates had a clear design brief which placed sustainability at the heart of the development and every design decision, which was probably best exemplified in the primary structure design which favoured trusses rather than open section steel due to the large open spans, explained by Grossart Managing Director Hector Munro.

"Trusses were the favoured choice as they create the spans, while also providing the support for internal cranes and space for services within their depth. On one side of the building there are two 30m-wide spans, while the other has three 20m-wide spans"

The steelwork from Tata Steel site in Corby was fabricated by Walter Watson (Steel fabricators) was fabricated in two pieces allowing them to be transported to site in a vertical position to eliminate the disruption otherwise caused by wide load procedures. It also allowed the sections to be installed directly from the trailer thereby avoiding further handling and possible damage on-site.

Collaborative Design from the Ground Up

At the heart of the project’s success was a truly collaborative relationship between Building Systems UK and Convery Prenty Shields Architects. Early engagement enabled the design to evolve with buildability and performance in mind — ensuring the architectural intent was fully realised within the building envelope utilising the Platinum Plus system.

Working closely with Convery Prenty Shield Architect Gordon Gibson ensured that product information, coating selection and specification flow was accurate from an early stage, to ensure that the architectural intent was never compromised and the key sustainability targets were achieved and supported by best in class Environmental Product Declarations.

The roof specification of Trisomet Sandwich panels was developed to provide a robust platform for the installation of 2.4MW of PV array, incorporating HPS 200 Ultra the Confidex guarantee provided for the coating ensures long-term durability and inclusion for those areas below the PV protected from regular rainfall, with the Platinum Plus guarantee system capturing accurate component and ancillary product inclusion to provide operational efficiency and durability, ensuring that the complete roofing system is supported by credibility from Tata Steel UK throughout the life of the building.

Whilst Trisomet sandwich panels were also used on the vertical walls of the production facility, the wrap around office space utilises Trimapanel architectural wall panels. All insulated sandwich panels manufactured by Building Systems UK are certified for fire performance by Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to LPS 1181-1 and also FM Global to FM4880/4881/4471.

The Guala Closures project showcases how Building Systems UK’s system-based approach, early design collaboration, and technical expertise can deliver exceptional results in complex industrial developments.

By working hand-in-hand with Convery Prenty Shields, Grossart Associates, Luddon Construction, Walter Watson and FC Roofing & Cladding, Tata Steel UK provided more than a structure and a factory enclosure, we delivered a complete, coordinated building solution that met the client’s needs for sustainability, efficiency, and long-term performance.