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Even if you don’t recognise the acronym GRP, you probably see a GRP construction on a daily basis. These inconspicuous boxlike structures are usually found roadside, rail trackside, in factories and workplaces, keeping essential services and equipment safe and sound.

 

GRP, or Glass Reinforced Plastic, is a composite material that reinforces plastic with fine glass fibres. GRP bends to your will. The manufacturing process involves layering the glass fibres within a plastic resin matrix, which is then cured to form a rigid and robust structure. The production technique is flexible enough to lend itself to curves, panels and many other shapes.

This versatile material combines the strength of glass fibres with the flexibility and durability of plastic. GRP is celebrated for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it lightweight yet incredibly sturdy. It is only 25% the density of steel and 67% the weight of aluminium. Despite being lightweight, GRP offers impressive strength, making it an ideal material for manufacturing enclosures that require both durability and ease of handling. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in industries such as transportation and telecommunications, where weight considerations are crucial.

It offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for applications in harsh environments where exposure to chemicals or weathering is a concern. GRP is an electrically non-conductive material that won’t block or impede radar or radio signals.

Unlike steel or other metals, GRP has a much lower thermal conductivity and heat distribution gradient, helping to insulate against heat loss.

GRP – a fantastic plastic for kiosks, enclosures and gatehouses

GRP builds find widespread applications owing to their unique set of properties. Its versatility extends to various industries, including construction, rail, marine and telecommunications. GRP products such as enclosures, cabinets and kiosks are widely used for their durability and adaptability to diverse environments.

GRP enclosures are commonly used to house electrical panels, control systems and sensitive electronic components. Their non-conductive nature ensures the safety of equipment and personnel. In the rail industry, GRP enclosures house critical trackside equipment for signalling, communications and power distribution. Every day, over 24,000 UK trains depend on trackside GRP DNO (Distribution Network Operator), LOC (Location Case) and PSP (Principle Supply Point) cabinets.

GRP is also recognised as a maritime marvel. Whether protecting sensitive portside electronics or housing life-saving gear on boats, GRP’s seafaring suitability is undeniable. Its watertightness, corrosion resistance, and lightweight design make it a natural choice for life on the waves. These properties also make GRP a perfect material for enclosures and structures in water treatment plants with ongoing exposure to moisture and chemicals.

In fact any industry needing to protect equipment or people from the great outdoors and unauthorised access will have a use for GRP enclosures. Other typical applications include security gatehouses and specialist enclosures for the telecoms utility and construction industries.

With GRP, we can build strength and versatility in every fibre

Fibaform has been manufacturing quality glass fibre products for over four decades. We can supply products from our standard range or design and manufacture custom solutions to suit your exact size and specification needs. Our custom GRP enclosures can be found up and down the length of the UK in football grounds, airfields, ports, and even on mountainsides.

Our enclosures have a wide range of customisable options, including single or double-opening doors, internal partitions, removable transoms and sills, open bases or integral composite floors. For added security, there’s a full range of locking systems. Our customers can also specify mounting boards, ventilation louvres or cowls, cable entry and gland plates.

For larger structures such as a gatehouse, the finished product can be fitted with electrics, lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. It’s also possible to design internal layouts such as kitchen, WC and shower areas, worktops and storage, control panels and CCTV monitor walls.

The choice is yours when it comes to finishes; interiors can be resin-coated or have a washable textured flecked paint. Fibaform can offer any colour from the BS4800 or RAL ranges.

Get in Touch Today

Contact our expert team today if you’d like to learn more about our GRP solutions and how we can tailor our products. Call us on 01524 60182 or fill out our simple online enquiry form; we’ll gladly help.