CRITICAL ROLE AS QAB ENHANCES SAFETY

Established in 2013 and based at Helensburgh just north of Glasgow on Scotland’s spectacular west coast, QAB Systems was born out of necessity.

The business has definitely filled a niche according to Commercial Manager Gary Wood who has been with QAB for two years.

“QAB Systems is part of the WCC Group,” explained Gary “which focuses on landscaping and civil engineering and is based nearby at Garelochhead. Founded in 1994 by forestry worker Chris Johnstone, WCC supply services to local MOD establishments as well as many other clients across the UK.

“QAB Systems was set up by Chris in order to provide a certified lifting and access system that could safely attach 358 security mesh to lifting equipment. Previously, in order to lift 358 security mesh, companies were using a variety of “Heath Robinson” systems that could not be verified… blue polyprop rope or bits of wire for instance. The QAB brackets give a certified attachment point to lifting equipment.

“QAB has expanded and is now involved in the supply of innovative security fence lifting and access systems as well as supplying height safety, confined space access and rescue equipment,” added Gary who has been involved in the height safety and rescue sector for over two decades.

The business, which currently employs four as part of a total WCC workforce of 30, supplies directly to fence installers as well as via some of the major manufacturers and distributors of security mesh in the UK.

Gary went on: “The brand has grown over the last 18 months with significant interest from Australia and the Middle East. We’ve also achieved recognition with Chris winning the 2022 AFI JB Corries lifetime achievement award as well as our lifting bracket being named as a finalist at the “Intersec 2023 Dubai” in the “Perimeter protection product of the year” category.

“Despite not winning the category, the publicity and exposure within the Middle Eastern market has proven to be invaluable.

“We are also visible within the MOD showcase at Larkhill in Wiltshire which gives us exposure to governments around the globe and enables us to have a point of contact with the UK Government,” added Gary.

QAB will be showcasing its range of products at FENCEX 23 (11th October, Stoneleigh) and 2023 is already looking positive with a number of business ‘wins’ in relation to HS2 and other high-security projects.

Gary continued: “We cover the UK and have sold some products into Europe but we are always looking at developing overseas markets.

“Major fencing brands have become supporters of the QAB System with Heras, for example, opting for several items to assist contractors with the manual handling and installation of their product.

“We are always available for onsite demonstrations of the systems and the PPE we supply to show how the QAB systems can not only improve safety but reduce powered access and installation times,” concluded Gary.

It seems that necessity really is the mother of invention with QAB Systems playing a crucial role of ensuring safety for fencing installers everywhere.

www.qabsystems.com

01436 810540