EDITORIAL – LEICESTER COLLEGE OPEN NEW CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

Daltons Wadkin equip new Wood Trades Workshop Leicester College celebrated the opening of its new 1.6 million Construction Technology Centre on 3 November at their Freemens Park Campus on Aylestone Road.

A breakfast reception was arranged which was attended by college personnel, sponsors and suppliers and Verity Hancock, the College Principal, addressed the gathering stressing the importance of the new development to the people and city of Leicester whilst at the same time acknowledging the contribution from investors, contractors and suppliers as well as teachers and heads of department, all of whom had been essential to the completion and success of the project. She said, “The opening of the new Construction Centre is vital to the College’s plans to invigorate this important industry in Leicester and Leicestershire, enabling us to better support existing and future learners while meeting the growing demand for construction-based training and education.” The mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, was also on hand to cut the tape and declare the department officially ‘Open’.

Daltons Wadkin were chosen as the supplier of equipment for the Wood Machine Shop which was immaculately presented and set out. A Kimla CNC Router was put through its paces during the event to great interest from the visitors, this being installed and commissioned by Daltons Wadkin in addition to new Sanding, Planing and Bandsawing machines by Wadkin and machines for moulding, crosscutting and ripsawing. Also installed is equipment from the college’s original workshop including an Elcon Vertical Panel Saw, Thicknesser and Tenoner, all of which have been serviced by Daltons Wadkin, together with two heavy duty Wadkin machines which the company rebuilt specifically for the college, ie a Wadkin JTA Disc and Bobbin Sander and a Wadkin MF Chain/chisel Mortiser.

The company also supplied a complete new Dust Extraction System, operator training and a full delivery and installation service.

The machine supply project was handled by Alex Dalton who was impressed with the new facility and delighted with the opportunity of reinforcing Daltons Wadkin’s connection with Leicester College, adding “It is a superb workshop in a high profile situation and something we can be proud to be associated with.”

Further information concerning equipment and services available from Daltons Wadkin can be obtained from the website (www.daltonswadkin.com), by contacting the sales team on 0115 986 5201 or email info@daltonswadkin.com