6:48pm Thursday 28th January 2010
By Richard Garfield
A BASINGSTOKE-based firm – which is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tensile fab ric structures – has created an iconic cover for the North Stand of the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.
The stunning stand (pictured) part of an £18 million refurbish ment to create a 2014 Commonwealth Games venue, has been officially opened by The Princess Royal.
Robert Carter, who is a director of family-run business J&J Carter, said: “The stand had to be both visually striking to suit the calibre of events, such as the Commonwealth Games, and be of high performance, consistent with a state-of-the- art sporting facility.
“We designed, manufactured and installed a multi-bay conic style stadi um structure that enhances the ground aesthetically and meets all performance requirements, including the efficient management of rain water.”
Covering 1,432 square meters, the stand – which is covered with a lac quered PVC-coated poly ester – can accommodate approxi mately 1,200 spectators.
Prior to the games in 2014, the stadium will be used as the training base for the Glasgow Warriors rugby team, for various sporting events and athlete training, and as a training centre for 2012 Olympics competitors.
Delighted with the project, Robert said: “That was a good-size job that was valued at just under £400,000 of work for us.”
Robert said he is optimistic for 2010.
“For everyone in manufacturing, 2009 was a difficult year, but this year we’re very much more positive as our order book is looking healthier.
“We have another big job on at the moment at Gatwick Airport, on the North Terminal Interchange.”
The business was started in 1988 by Robert’s father John, who is still a director. Father and son come from a well-known Basingstoke family of tent and marquee builders.
Employing around 20 people at its Basingstoke site and at a steel factory in Southampton, J&J Carter attracts customers from all over the world.
Describing himself and his brother and fellow director Charlie as fifth generation tent builders, Robert said: “We’ve customers in the United States, down in New Zealand, Australia, and India. We’ve also shipped out to the Caribbean to Trinidad and Tobago, and we’ve been working in the former Soviet Union states.”
The company is currently running a photographic competition for its mar quee rental customers.
“Our customers have an opportuni ty to submit a photograph to us of a job they have done using our equip ment. The winner will win a £500 voucher to spend with us, with a £250 voucher for second prize. Both photo graphs will feature on our website and on our annual year planner.”
Judging the competition will be Councillor Brian Gurden, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane. To find out more about J&J Carter, and to enter the photographic competition, visit jjcarter.com.
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