The Kennedy Watts Partnership was established in 1994 and, today, has offices in Bradford and Hull. Founded by Brian Kennedy and Nick Watts, who collectively had 40 years experience in the steel industry, the company foresaw the potential in offering structural fabricators a detailing service using the most modern computerised techniques and software available.
In April 2008 a management buyout saw Brian and Nick step into semi-retirement as consultants, leaving a new management team consisting of Robert Hirst, Ashley Schultz and Dave Nuttall responsible for the running and future direction of the company.
According to Robert Hirst, Managing Director, “Since the inception of the company our aim has been to provide the steel fabrication industry with a quality and proven service in 3D modelling and design. It is true to say that we have been instrumental in the continuing development of the industry-leading Tekla Structures 3D modelling software and this has enabled us to take the detailing of steelwork to new levels, certainly for most UK steel fabricators. We also provide a full frame and connection design service that streamlines the information workflow for our clients.”
Over the last 10 years, Tekla Structures has rapidly established itself as the worldwide standard for structural solid modelling, fabrication detailing and production. Close cooperation between Tekla Oy and Kennedy Watts’ modellers has enabled the company to become one of the most proactive users of the software. Kennedy Watts now claim the following advantages:
Fast, accurate production of quality, consistently presented fabrication drawings; effortless supply of accurate CAM/NC data; presentation quality general arrangement drawings and 3D model visualizations; interaction and data compatibility with most 3D design and modelling software.
As one might imagine with this level of expertise, Kennedy Watts has been involved in and continues to be involved in some extremely prestigious projects across a number of important sectors. In London, for example, the steelwork for the iconic Shard of Glass Tower is being modelled and detailed for Severfield-Rowen PLC using the TeklaStructures 3D modelling software. It is on complex projects such as this, with its challenging geometry, that the software and the company’s expertise really come to the fore.
Many more of the landmarks visible against the London skyline were modelled by Kennedy Watts and fabricated by Severfield-Rowen PLC. These include most of the More London development, the Westfield Shopping Centre at White City, the University of East London and the 12,000 tonne Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, which is topped by a 44m high mast, making it the tallest building in the UK until overtaken by the Shard of Glass which will be the tallest building in Europe when completed.
Work has not been limited to the UK either with previous projects being completed in the USA, Turkey, Singapore, Romania, Kasakhstan and most recently Australia. Projects include petro-chemical, airport, stadia, multi-storey offices and retail centres and range in size up to 40,000t (Heathrow T5, UK).
Summing up, Robert Hirst says, “We provide an excellent solution to short or long term in-house resource problems by providing a full consultancy service from estimating through to concept and final design – attending meetings on your behalf or simply advising staff on best industry practice. This service can be as flexible as you need it to be – advice on project management, Tekla Structures usage and problems, meeting attendance or simply complementing your own in-house resource.”
For further information please telephone 01274 874368 or visit www.kennedywatts.co.uk.
