Excellence in Galvanizing
Wessex has played an important role in the creation of a lasting legacy for a place of religious importance in Mauritius.
The plant has teamed up with long-standing customer, REIDsteel, to galvanize some unusual steelwork – a two metre high religious cross and lantern –which was installed at the shrine of French Catholic Priest and Missionary, Jacques-Désiré Laval (known as Père Laval).
The project, which was commissioned by the Society of the Holy Spirit and The Sacred Heart of Mary, saw the plant galvanize the cross and lantern which have been installed above the shrine dedicated to the priest. Père Laval is recognised as a champion of the poor and ill in the country, and upon his death in 1864 his grave at the Sainte Croix Church became a place of pilgrimage, with many people from around the world still making the journey every year on the anniversary of his death.
Andy Davies, Production and Quality Manager, explained: “We have designed, fabricated and shipped many steel structures in Mauritius so were pleased to be asked to design and supply the new features for the shrine dedicated to Père Laval. We’re proud to be part of a national monument which is set to be visited by millions of pilgrims in the years to come. In Mauritius, you are never far from the coast so galvanizing was the natural choice, it requires little maintenance and it’s protected from all the elements.”
Richard Whiddett, Sales Manager at Wessex Galvanizing, said: “It was great to partner with REIDsteel once more and a real privilege to play a role in such an important structure for the people of Mauritius and those who visit each year. The project was quite different to our usual work, and really demonstrates the diversity of galvanizing as a finish.”
By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd