North Devon engineering firm helps install new cranes on the London Eye
The new cranes will support ongoing maintenance on the 135-metre wheel, giving engineers safe access for inspection, repair and upgrade work, according to Nick Sampson Mechanical Engineering Services.
A Barnstaple engineering company has helped install two new cranes on the London Eye, replacing equipment that had been in service since the attraction opened more than 25 years ago.
Nick Sampson Mechanical Engineering Services worked with lifting equipment specialist Hiab and the technical team at Merlin Entertainments on the project.
The company said the work involved almost a year of planning and was completed over five overnight shifts, while the London Eye remained fully operational for visitors.
One of the most challenging parts of the installation saw the new cranes manoeuvred through the spokes of the wheel with extremely tight tolerances, while the structure was slowly rotated into position. The company said the operation required precise coordination between several specialist teams working on and around the landmark.
The new cranes will support ongoing maintenance on the 135-metre wheel, giving engineers safe access for inspection, repair and upgrade work.
Nick Sampson, director of the company, said it had been a privilege for his team to be involved in a project on such a well-known structure. He said the planning and coordination were on a completely different scale to most engineering projects, and that every movement had to be carefully controlled so that the installation was completed safely and efficiently.
He added: “Our team worked closely with Hiab and Merlin Entertainments throughout the project, and we’re extremely proud to have played a part in helping maintain one of London’s most iconic attractions for years to come.”
The company specialises in mechanical engineering, lifting equipment, specialist transport solutions, complex installations and engineering support services, and works on projects across the UK.