County bolt maker secures contract

Shropshire company is literally helping to put together the London 2012 Games, manufacturing bolts used in the construction of the Olympic Stadium.

Tension Controls Bolts clinched a contract to provide the high-strength bolts which connects the steelwork on the massive stadium.

And tension control studs, also made at the company's Whitchurch factory, are being used in the construction of the Olympic Aquatics Centre.

The firm produces a high-strength bolt that can be used in almost all steelwork connections and has also just secured a contract to supply 400,000 bolts to strengthen the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia.

Tim Stokes, managing director of Tension Control Bolts, said: "We're delighted to be working on the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre. We have worked tirelessly over the past 12 years to gain acceptance for our bolts all over the world.

"Countless tests and trials for various organisations from the Highways Agency and Network Rail to Alstom Power and Rolls Royce have afforded us the credibility required to be involved with London 2012 and with some of the most prestigious construction projects worldwide."

The bolts are replacing conventional high-strength friction grip bolts and swaged collar rivets because they are quick and easy to install using lightweight electric shear wrenches.

High-strength tension control bolts are used in a wide range of applications from bridge splice plates to beam-to-column connections, from stadia roof trusses to rail switches and crossings.

The company's success has been helped by advice and support offered by business advisers at the former North Shropshire District Council and Shropshire Council, which signposted it to help and grant support available from Business Link and Advantage West Midlands.

David Roberts, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for local environment and economy, said: "I'm delighted to see a Shropshire business benefiting from some of the many opportunities that the London 2012 Olympics offers, and enjoying such success across the world."

Shropshire businesses wanting to access London 2012 opportunities are advised to use the London 2012 Business Network's "CompeteFor" online brokerage service at www.competefor.com/london2012business