Wetherby Wins Aldi Contract

Wetherby Building Systems, the UK’s leading designer and distributer of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, has won a new contract to provide a range of EWI and render systems to national retailer Aldi, for its store new build and refurbishment programme.

The first 12 months of the deal will see Wetherby supplying its systems to 70 Aldi stores across the UK, 50 of which will be new-build, in addition to 20 refurbishment projects, as the retailer also looks to upgrade its existing outlets to match the more modern façade used on the new buildings.

The new store concept, to bring all stores in line with a uniform design, meant the retailer required an EWI partner which could provide a product solution that met the complex design criteria, while aiding the build process and still maintaining a high performance finish.

A high proportion of the store exterior comprises glazing for a modern, clean look and, previously, above the glazing, sand and cement render was applied onto masonry and then painted to create the desired effect. However, this approach was proving inefficient in both installation time and costs; with sand and cement difficult to mix and apply in poor weather conditions, it was causing delays on site and the additional time of painting was then adding further set-backs.

The solution from Wetherby, which has been specified as standard for all future stores, is a 60mm Phenolic insulation board applied directly to a carrier board on a lightweight steel frame above the windows, finished with a white silicone render. This construction method negates the need for masonry and significantly reduces build time and costs. The high level masonry is then finished with a matching through coloured silicone render applied to a polymer reinforced basecoat, avoiding the need for sand and cement.

Monaghans, who provide cost consultancy services to Aldi, was involved in the sourcing of an alternative render product. Monaghans commented: “Aldi has been reviewing options from the sand and cement and traditional construction methods for the Aldi stores. The EWI system and through coloured silicone render from Wetherby was chosen as a solution, as not only does it save time during the installation, but offers a better finish for the client.”

Speaking about the contract win, Paul Kirby, sales director for Wetherby, said: “This is a fantastic win for us and helps us to build on our strong retail portfolio. Aldi has embarked upon an ambitious growth plan to open 700 stores within seven years and we are looking forward to working with them as they deliver this programme.”