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Yale University

Surespan played a pivotal role in the transformation of Yale University's Wright Laboratory, historically known for housing the world's most powerful particle accelerator in 1987. Our involvement in this ambitious renovation project underscored our expertise in designing and manufacturing bespoke engineering solutions.

The Wright Laboratory, originally a concrete bunker accommodating a 100-foot-long atom smasher, was decommissioned in 2011 and disassembled in 2013. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive renovation project aimed at repurposing the space for modern astrophysical research and collaboration.

Christopher Williams Architects LLC was commissioned to reinvent the laboratory into a series of daylight-filled workspaces that encourage interaction among scientists, students, and experts worldwide. The design ethos focused on introducing natural light and fostering a sense of openness and transparency within the facility.

In response to the project’s specific needs, Surespan designed and manufactured a bespoke stainless steel flush floor hatch measuring 2.7m x 4.5m (9ft x 15ft). Our solution was tailored to support a significant live load, with the capacity to withstand slow-moving wheel loads of up to 17 tons, surpassing the requirements for H20 loadings.

Given the considerable weight of the floor door, we incorporated a hydraulic cylinder and an electrically driven power pack to facilitate operation. The hatch’s surface was finished with SureGrip, an anti-slip coating, ensuring safety and durability in a high-traffic environment.

This project exemplifies Surespan’s commitment to delivering customised, high-quality engineering solutions that meet the exacting standards of our clients. The successful integration of our flush floor hatch into the Yale University Wright Laboratory renovation project not only enhances the functionality of the space but also contributes to the aesthetic and collaborative goals of the redesign.

South Clyde Energy Centre

Surespan supplied a bespoke hydraulically operated double-leaf access cover package for the South Clyde Energy Centre, a major Energy-from-Waste facility under construction in Glasgow.

Centenario Ratones Lithium Plant

Project snapshot Project: Centenario Ratones Lithium Production Plant Location: Salar Centenario Ratones, Department of Los Andes, Salta Province, Argentina (3,800m above sea level) Client: Eramine Sudamérica S.A. (subsidiary of Eramet Group, France / Tsingshan, China) Delivery model: Direct supply, Ex Works. Client arranged logistics to Argentina. Scope: 2no. SRHE/50/DL electrically operated double-leaf roof access hatches (5000 x 5500mm structural opening), with electrical control boxes, battery back-up, key switch controls, painted finish, removable lifting eyes, spare actuators, and 5 days supervisory installation attendance. The project The Centenario Ratones plant is one of the most significant lithium projects in South America. Operated by Eramine Sudamérica S.A. — a joint venture between French mining group Eramet (50.1%) and Chinese steelmaker Tsingshan (49.9%) — the plant uses advanced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per year from brine pumped from beneath the salt flat. Representing an investment
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