FSC-certified Brazilian plywood has been specified for a £130m tunnel at Heathrow Airport.
Phenolic film-faced plywood boards produced with tropical hardwood veneers by Gethal Amazonas are being used as the framework for thousands of concrete segments forming the exterior of 1.3km twin bored tunnels, which will link the central terminal with remote buildings.
The shipment, worth several hundred thousand pounds, was arranged by sole UK agent for Gethal, Essex-based Wood International Agency Ltd, with Montague L Meyer Ltd importing the plywood.
The nine-ply 180g/m2 WBP Gethafilm boards have sealed waterproof edges and are highly resistant to abrasion. Main contractor Laing chose the product because it helps create a smooth finish to the concrete exterior of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, both Gethafilm boards and Gethal’s medium density overlay boards are being earmarked for the terminal five building.
Alan Lamont, director of Wood International Agency, said: “The Gethal boards are marvellous quality and very strong. The plywood is being used on several major projects this year in the UK with excellent results. We are very hopeful the contractors will continue to use it for terminal five.”
