These are exciting times for Midland Steel which is moving to a new depot, is also in the process of rebranding and restructuring, and was one of the big winners at the 2024 Irish Steel Awards.
Representatives of the Mountmellick-based steel reinforcement company made the short trip to The Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, October 4 last to pick up the ‘Extra Miles Award – Export’ for its successful delivery of the Rolex Building, Fifth Avenue project in New York using its flagship Fasterfix product. The innovative product, which is a process of off site pre-fabrication and installation of steel reinforcement modules on the construction projects, once again demonstrated itself as the most effective rebar placing system in the world in what was Midland Steel’s first US project, and was completed in conjunction with ECD NY.
The Rolex Building is the new US headquarters for the world-famous Swiss watch brand and manufacturer. Located at 665 Fifth Avenue in Midtown, the 20-storey commercial building is 419ft tall and comprises 199,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space.
The Irish Steel Awards celebrate and showcase achievements and innovations in the metal fabrication sector, attracting entries and participants from all over Ireland. They recognise and honour the exceptional contributions and accomplishments of individuals, companies and organisations within the steel industry.
“We were delighted to be recognised for our work on the new Rolex building. It presented lots of challenges, but yet again Fasterfix proved its capabilities,” Midland Steel Human Resources Manager Sean O’Donoghue enthuses.
“Our expansion into the US market was made possible through Fasterfix and our partnership with ECD NY. Fasterfix is a BIM-based collaborative process which enabled us to export to the US where installation was carried out by ECD NY. It’s a very simple solution which took a decade to design.
“Fasterfix has brought some great solutions to the industry, including sustainability. It has seen us transition from being a traditional reinforcement supplier into a specialist reinforcement constractor providing off-site steel reinforcement solutions for the construction industry.”
For construction projects seeking speed and cost savings, Midland Steel’s range of superior offsite modular products and technical services are transforming the construction industry. Its modular rebar solution, Fasterfix, ensures a stronger and faster way to build, keeping your project on time and budget, reducing labour, cost and time savings every step of the way.
Fasterfix is a BIM-based collaborative approach with a focus on quality and expert logistics. The goods are sustainable, responsibly sourced and reliable, conforming with all relevant industry standards – strong reinforcing elements which are not just rebar. Involving Fasterfix in your projects means the best material is incorporated in the most efficient way possible.
Fasterfix is 75% faster to install, requires 80% less labour and also reduces preliminaries by 30%. This is significant at a time when there is a labour shortage and the average age of a steel fixer in the industry is 55. It is the fastest solution for the reinforcement of concrete elements in structures where conventional on-site steel fixing for in-situ concrete elements is substituted for innovative modules of prefabricated off-site reinforcements.
Delivered under the BIM Level 2 certification, Fasterfix’s detailing standard is in line with the Engineer’s Design Intent (DI) which is optimised following a DfMA design approach. Fasterfix modules are designed as assemblies that can be configured as drop-in elements. The final configuration can then be implemented based on project constraints and client preference.
By leveraging BIM solutions, Fasterfix solutions offer a common data environment, enabling the seamless flow of information among project stakeholders. FasterFix solutions are detailed with Tekla Structures and offered for collaboration through the Trimble Connect solutions with full IFC support for exchange of information with other software solutions.
Fasterfix is offered within a BS ISO 45001:2018 Health & Safety Management System and is certified by CARES in conformity.
Fasterfix is the brainchild of Midland Steel’s Founder and CEO Tony Woods whose vision for his company is becoming a reality.
“Tony learned a lot of lessons from his time as a steel fixer and is revolutionising how rebar is manufactured and placed on projects. He set out our current 5 year corporate plan two years ago and has already delivered on everything that was in that,” Sean explains.
“We’re looking forward to our SMART manufacturing facility in Portlaoise early in the New Year and are currently positioning to launch a range of additional FasterFix product to market for 2025.”
Among Midland Steel’s recent innovations is the cutting-edge Robotic Welding Cell, which has been meticulously integrated by the renowned experts at Design-Pro Automation. This state-of-the-art cell combines the precision and power of the Kuka Robotic Arm with the efficiency of the Fronius Welder, revolutionising the way rebar welding is accomplished in the industry.
At Midland Steel, they understand the demands of modern construction and the need for seamless and rapid processes. Their robotic rebar welding cell is a game-changer, capable of executing an impressive 90 welds in seven minutes. This unparalleled speed not only boosts productivity but also ensures timely project completion, saving valuable resources and costs for its valued clients. Embracing automation with this technology not only accelerates production, but also champions environmental responsibility
From humble beginnings in 1998, Midland Steel has grown to employ 220 people at its now five depots in Mountmellick (Midland Steel Supplies Ltd), Portlaoise (Midland Steel Supplies Ltd), London (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies Ltd), Bishop Auckland (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies UK Ltd) and Motherwell (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies GB Ltd). These locations were selected to provide good coverage, ensuring a responsive delivery service to the company’s growing client base.
The company has grown exponentially since adopting BIM in 2012 and enjoys a successful partnership with Bastal AS. Both are family-based businesses with similar values striving to be one of the best service providers of reinforcement in the Norwegian market.
Midland Steel’s mission is to propel the global adoption of FasterFix Modular Rebar, ensuring a safer and more sustainable industry as well as guaranteeing substantial savings for its clients. Team work has been central to the company’s success. It fosters a collaborative environment where diverse skills and perspectives unite, empowering individuals to work together toward shared goals. Through open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to supporting one another, Midland Steel achieves superior results and continuous innovation.
Midland Steel Supplies Ltd
Mountmellick,
Co. Laois.
Telephone: +353 (0)57 8679650
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.midlandsteelreinforcement.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March 2025, Vol 11 No 3
featured, Midland Steel Supplies
