Developer cites commercial benefits as key to selecting SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus panels for city centre scheme

A multidisciplinary construction and property company based in the East Midlands has used  SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus, from West Fraser, for the hoardings around one of its latest residential projects, close to Derby City Centre and its own head offices.

Aside from the practicalities of the ready-to-use panels offering time-savings when erecting a safe and secure site hoarding, INCO Construction & Development Consultants – (part of The Berry Group) cited the smart and professional appearance of West Fraser’s new product as being a primary reason for moving away from the use of standard OSB or plywood.

The company’s procurement & estimating manager, Lewis Sloan, commented: “As part of the Berry Group, we offer construction and development expertise to clients ranging from homeowners to sub-contractors and property developers with tailored packages that can take a project from conception through to final completion. In the case of Slack Lane, The Berry Group is the client for a student accommodation project with 44 study bedrooms across ground, first and second floors, while Berry Construction is carrying out the work and INCO providing all the construction management and consultancy services in which we specialise.  The site itself was derelict land flanked by houses and some commercial properties.

Over the years, we have purchased standard OSB and rollered it white before spraying on our logos using stencils or applying transfers. Then, our Travis Perkins representative brought the West Fraser product to our attention.  We regard hoardings as an important part of our branding: not just for the impression it creates with the local public, but also the trade contractors and other parties who visit the site during the build programme.  Not only does the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus present a smarter finish, but from a visual perspective it does what the company claims and stays smart for longer and we expect we will be able to reuse most of the panels on other jobs without any redecoration unless, for example, the project sponsors change.”

With a 30-metre stretch along the main elevation and returning around two of the other sides to the site, the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus was screw-fixed to a timber frame braced off the scaffold rails during a three-day installation. 

David Connacher, West Fraser’s Marketing Manager, added: “SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is a genuinely versatile product – not just suitable for site hoardings. It is also ideal for use in exhibitions, theatre and the arts.  We were keen to engage with INCO as a pathfinder project partner and supplied half the pack of boards with the company’s name and other details printed on the prepared surface.  We are seeing a lot of interest from across the sectors.”  

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/