Standing 152 feet tall, the M004 Chimney at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMND) Devonport is an iconic feature of the largest naval base in Western Europe. Built in 1961, this towering structure in Plymouth plays a critical role in supporting the 650-acre site – which boasts 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, and a history dating back to 1691 with the Royal Navy.
When the time came for essential remedial works to this immense metal chimney, the Ian Williams team were brought on board. The project included preparation, cleaning and redecoration of the chimney to ensure it remained a reliable vent for the entire dockyard.
The project was no small feat. The chimney’s sheer height – equivalent to 27 scaffolding lifts – posed unique challenges, including high winds and structural sway. Preparation was critical, and Ian Williams chose PPG Duraprep 88 Degreaser to remove deposits of oil and grease from the previously painted surface, before using a range of other PPG coatings for a durable, flawless finish.
To withstand the hot steam ejected from the top of the chimney, 16 litres of specialist black PPG Hi Temp paint was applied to the top eight metres. The heat-resistant coating protects metal surfaces from corrosion in extreme conditions, making it ideal for this demanding environment. For the remainder of the M004 Chimney, the team applied a whopping 272 litres of light-grey PPG Sigmacover 435. Known for its durability and surface tolerance, this two-component epoxy coating offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance, making it a trusted choice for harsh environments like marine and industrial settings.
Mike Trainor, Business Manager for the Plymouth team at Ian Williams, said: “It was a tough project to complete. Working that high in the air and dealing with challenging conditions required skill, precision, and a lot of teamwork.
The team did an incredible job and we couldn’t be prouder of the results. We want to say a big thank you to PPG for providing the specialist coatings that made the chimney look good as new and will protect it for many years to come.”
The teams’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Ian Williams was crowned a winner at the 40th Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards, taking home the Commercial and Industrial Award.
Megan Esmond, PPG Marketing Director UK&I, said: “The competition at the Painter of the Year Awards gets tougher and tougher every year – the talent out there in our industry is just remarkable. But when it came to the Commercial and Industry category, there was a clear winner. To work at such heights while battling the elements – and still be able to deliver such an impeccable finish – is commendable. A huge congratulations to Mike Trainor and the team at Ian Williams!”
The 41st Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards will take place in April 2025 at Aerospace Bristol, and entries for the 42nd edition will open later this year.
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