Marshall-Tufflex Ltd

Electrical engineering contractor Meckel has installed MT Supertube and Wire Basket to ensure an efficient, compliant and durable cable management system as part of the £105m major redevelopment works at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital. The products were crucial in meeting the stringent requirements of the hospital environment, contributing to the success of this significant healthcare development.The substantial project, procured through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework, which started in 2022 and is due for completion by Summer 2025, involves constructing a new clinical building to improve maternity, neonatal, theatres and critical care services. The five-storey acute services and ward blocks will house modern and enhanced facilities, including a delivery suite, midwifery-led birthing and neonatal intensive care units with parent accommodation, ambulatory surgery, theatre suites and a critical care unit with bespoke accommodation for relatives.Working in collaboration with Kier Mechanical Electrical Division (KME), Meckel was contracted to carry out all the electrical installation works, including cable containment. As the specification of the right cable management solution for the extensive project was critical, Meckel approached Marshall-Tufflex to discuss the requirements and the suitability of MT Supertube and Wire Basket solutions.After confirming that these products met the specific needs of the hospital’s environment, Meckel has used MT Supertube and Wire Basket extensively throughout the project. MT Supertube is a unique, three-layer heavy gauge conduit comprising polyethylene internal and external layers over a continuous aluminium tube that provides additional mechanical strength. It was chosen for its LS0H properties and excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) screening performance – all of which are essential for ensuring continued, issue-free performance in a healthcare setting."MT Supertube with EMC fittings was chosen for the ELV services as it provides a fully compliant solution. It also has the further benefit of being supplied in coils which means it’s easy to move around the site and the amount of wastage from off-cuts is kept to a minimum."Mark Turnbull - Director, MeckelMeckel specified the Wire Basket for cable routing at Luton & Dunstable Hospital as the company had used it on a previous job and was impressed with its performance. As a result, it is now Meckel’s preferred product and is being installed in several other healthcare projects. The Wire Basket is made from steel with an electro-zinc finish and offers a unique rippled design that enhances strength while remaining lightweight. Importantly, Wire Basket is very quick to install, thanks to integral ‘quick-fit’ connectors. It also provides easy cable threading, high load capacity, resistance to flexing, and an excellent aesthetic finish."Marshall-Tufflex’s Wire Basket is a great product. It is quick and easy to install and cost-effective. We’re pleased with the overall cable management installation. The products are quick to install and provide a long-lasting, robust solution that meets the demanding requirements of the hospital environment."Mark Turnbull - Director, Meckel

Whilst developing the new Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) at the University of Central Lancashire, contractor NG Bailey required a durable trunking system that would have the capacity to accommodate large data cables. After discussions with Marshall-Tufflex, a high-quality PVC-U solution was specified.Founded in 1828, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the UK’s largest, with the student and staff headcount approaching 38,000. As part of its continuing efforts to shape the future of its students, the university is currently building the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC).Supporting the future of engineering skills development within the North West, the EIC will be a state-of-the-art facility located on the Preston campus. Exploiting the location of the university, the EIC will be at the centre of one pof the most active engineering and manufacturing areas in the UK and will establish UCLan as a leader in engineering innovation.It was decided that larger than standard Cat 6a copper clad aluminium data cables would be used throughout the EIC. As such, Sean Chaplin, site engineer for NG Bailey, required a cable management solution that would not only achieve a sleek, professional finish, but also be durable and large enough to house the chosen data cables.After onsite discussions with Dave Burt, National Contract and Sustainability Manager for Marshall-Tufflex, Sean specified the PVC-U XL dado trunking system to be placed in various classrooms, engineering workshops and flight simulator rooms.As the students would be using the rooms for a range of engineering courses, including aerospace, mechanical and robotics, cables needed to be protected by a robust solution that would prevent any data from being compromised. Able to house all cables up to Cat 7a, the versatile trunking is easy to install and was supplied with Charcoal accessory boxes, to ensure compliance with Part M.In addition, an Inscreed Underfloor to desk system was also specified, including floor boxes and junction boxes to accommodate the large data cables. This was to ensure health and safety within the centre as no cables would be loose in the engineering rooms.“NG Bailey installed the products whilst I oversaw the work. This is a prestigious project, and with the centre expected to experience high volumes of traffic on a regular basis, we required a high-end cable management system that would stand up to the day to day knocks from a busy environment. In line with the EIC’s state of the art facility, the product also needed to look good too. We were able to install the dado trunking incredibly easily, and the product’s gloss finish looks fantastic in the classrooms.”Sean Chaplin, NG BaileyThe Marshall-Tufflex PVC-U XL dado trunking also comes with the additional benefit that the profiles have been manufactured from 70% recycled material. This is in line with the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing.“We’re thrilled to see our work become part of an innovative centre at the heart of an esteemed university. It is our vision that by 2028, all PVC-U products installed in buildings should be manufactured using at least 50% recycled material and being part of this build we can continue to promote that message.Our PVC-U products are manufactured using PVC-U from post-industrial windows - meaning the trunking is incredibly robust as the raw material was designed to withstand external elements. This ensures a quality product that is environmentally beneficial.”Dave Burt , Marshall-Tufflex

Marshall-Tufflex’s corrosion resistant Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) cable management trays, have been used to carry all power and lighting services to an unloading station for Parker Steel at Shoreham Harbour in West Sussex.With four 9m high x 120m long gantries plus cranes to power and suspended gantries to light, the mechanical and electrical services company, DW Electrical, needed cable trays for the entire length of the gantries that would not become corroded when in contact with sea spray.Seeking an alternative to metal, DW Electrical chose Marshall-Tufflex’s GRP trays, which are corrosion resistant and equal in strength but up to 40% lighter than steel.They are therefore far easier to handle and can help to reduce the overall weight of heavy structures.Approximately 500 linear metres of Marshall-Tufflex GRP tray was supplied for the installation.In using the GRP cable management system for the first time, Russell Gorringe of DW Electrical confirmed that the product performed to expectation: “It went in well and is a good product that meets the criteria we required. We shall use it again.”To simplify installation, Marshall-Tufflex GRP products require fewer fasteners and benefit from interlocking and self-adjusting couplings for fast, on-site assembly without modification, earth bonding or de-burring.Marshall-Tufflex GRP ladder and tray systems are developed for challenging environments such as rail, road and sea installations, swimming pools, petrochemical and processing plants, where extremes of weather and temperatures are commonplace.

When the power supply within the Stansted Tunnel needed upgrading, Marshall-Tufflex was the only company able to supply Network Rail’s specified Class 1 GRP cable tray system and meet the tight deadlines J Murphy & Sons has to complete the work.

When a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Laboratory was approved in Plymouth in November 2020, the Government required a quick turnaround to set up the testing facility in order to meet demand and tackle the virus. After its proven success in supplying the Nightingale Hospitals, Totus Engineering specified Marshall-Tufflex PowerPoles and Odyssey Bio trunking to complete the fit out.

When specialist construction contractor Soljet required a cable management system that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing for the refurbishment project at the world-famous Belfry Golf Course’s Halfway House, Sterling Curve Profile 1 from Marshall-Tufflex was a natural choice.Situated on the iconic Brabazon Course, synonymous with the Ryder Cup, The Halfway House at the Belfry Golf Course provides a range of refreshments for golfers beside the famous par-four 10th hole.The facility has recently been extensively refurbished, allowing The Belfry Hotel & Resort to accommodate up to 200 guests. It now boasts a BBQ, grill area, and a new decking space with views across the course, ready for this year’s British Masters.A significant part of Soljet’s involvement in the refurbishment project has been the full installation of the kitchen and toilet area and the associated internal and external fixtures and fittings. This included the specification and installation of Marshall-Tufflex’s Sterling Curve Profile 1 Dado trunking system.The project required a trunking solution that provided the necessary functionality as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Working with a local wholesaler, Strike Electrical, Marshall-Tufflex’s Area Sales Manager, Adrian Murphy provided Soljet with samples and specification data of Sterling Curve Profile 1 for final approval.Manufactured from 53% recycled material, PVC-U Sterling Curve Profile 1 is a data compliant medium sized trunking system with three segregated compartments. These compartments have separate cover access and can be subdivided further if required, making the 167x50mm trunking system a flexible solution for any installation.Moreover, the profile’s curved design stops clutter, avoids dust traps and makes cleaning easier. This provided the ideal system for the kitchen and toilet areas at the Halfway House, where maintaining high levels of hygiene and cleanliness is critical.“The trunking had to meet the most stringent specifications and ensure optimal performance within the working area and kitchen environment.We’ve used Marshall-Tufflex products before and know they are high-quality and reliable, so we were confident that Sterling Curve would provide a robust trunking solution. The trunking was easy to install, so installation was straightforward. We’re delighted with the finished result."Alex Molloy, Head of Operations, Soljet

Penkhull Electrical has installed Marshall-Tufflex products as part of a major refurbishment project for the new Abbey House Dental Surgery in Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent. With sustainability being a key principle for the client, Marshall-Tufflex’s cable management solutions were the natural choice to meet the project’s environmental and functional requirements.The project involved completely stripping back and redesigning the three-floor premises to accommodate Abbey House Dental Surgery’s chic new clinic. Staffordshire-based Penkhull Electrical, which has built a solid reputation for delivering quality service with a personal touch, was contracted by Artico Design and Build, the main contractor, to install the complete electrical works for the bespoke refurbishment project. This included lighting, heating, telephones, CCTV and audio-visuals with Smart Office interfaces for full functionality.A critical specification factor for Penkhull Electrical Director Greg Smith was that the products aligned with Penkhull and Artico Design and Build’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Having worked with Marshall-Tufflex on several previous projects, Greg was confident in the brand’s ability to provide environmentally friendly solutions.To meet these requirements, Penkhull Electrical specified a range of Marshall-Tufflex products, including Tufflex Tile, Maxi trunking, Basor Fast Fit Wire Basket, and Sterling Curve Bio perimeter trunking system. The Tufflex Tile, a lightweight and strong alternative to the traditional wooden pattress was used for the ceiling installation, reducing dust levels and installation time. The Maxi Trunking, made from 100% recycled PVC-U, provides a tamper-proof and flexible power and data cable management solution throughout the surgery.The Basor Fast Fit Wire Basket features integrated couplers which simply join together for super-fast installation. Sterling Curve Bio, a sleek trunking system with segregated compartments, was specified for its antimicrobial properties. The trunking uses a silver ion ingredient which ensures that 99.9% of harmful bacteria will not survive on the surface, making it the ideal choice for the dental practice.Marshall-Tufflex provided technical support and specification assistance throughout the project to ensure the installation met Penkhull Electrical and Artico Design and Build’s exacting requirements.Despite the challenges posed by the building’s age, such as uneven walls, the functionality of the cable management products, particularly the dado and adjustable bends, enabled them to accommodate the existing structure without significant issues.“We’ve worked for Artico Design and Build on several projects, and our values align. Sustainability is a key principle for our client. All products needed to meet the environmental, sustainable side of the project, but also be functional and complement the dental practice’s luxurious aesthetics.We've installed Marshall-Tufflex in the past and used to specify off-the-shelf products but are more environmentally aware now. We want to specify and install products that align with the circular economy and can be recycled and reused. This 100% played a part in selecting Marshall-Tufflex's products.The support provided by Marshall-Tufflex was excellent, and we're really happy with the result, and Marshall-Tufflex is now our go-to company for cable management. It is an important part of our value chain. You only have to have one part of the supply chain fall over to cause significant problems on a project, so we need to be sure we're partnering with a reliable manufacturer – Marshall-Tufflex is."Greg Smith, Director, Penkhull Electrical

Fire system specialist Triple Star Fire & Security is streamlining its fire detection and alarm system installations with the lightweight pattress solution – Tufflex Tile.Kent-based Triple Star Fire & Security supplies, installs and maintains life safety equipment, including fire alarms and detection systems for a diverse range of properties ranging from the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool and Goldsmiths University of London to care homes and prestigious London mansions. The family-owned business is committed to quality, innovation and improving standards within the industry.Managing Director Daren Pool wanted to find a way to streamline the installation of fire detection and alarm systems in suspended ceilings as part of the company’s drive to deliver a high level of service. Traditional methods involving a plywood or MDF pattress are time-consuming and cumbersome, so a more efficient method was needed.Tufflex Tile has provided the perfect solution. The tile is manufactured from Correx, making it extremely lightweight yet robust. Significantly, Tufflex Tile is pre-cut to the standard 595mm2 ceiling tile aperture which reduces cutting and sawing time on site so pattress installations can be carried out quickly and trouble-free. In addition, as Correx is flame retardant and (LSF) low smoke fume, it removes a vital component of the fire triangle, significantly benefiting the end user.By adopting Tufflex Tile, Triple Star Fire & Security has enhanced its efficiency without compromising on quality and demonstrates how, by choosing effective materials, Marshall-Tufflex delivers reliable and effective solutions."It's a great product, especially with the tapered corners that help make installation far easier as we no longer need to spend time shifting and negotiating the pattress into the ceiling suspension system. It also allows us to work with a fire-rated material, compared to the traditional plywood or MDF pattress. Tufflex Tile delivers a significant time saving for our installations and also overcomes us having to ask the main contractor to provide wooden pattresses."Daren Pool, Managing Director at Triple Star Fire & Security

Last year, Marshall-Tufflex supplied a number of the NHS Nightingale Hospitals with its PVC-U cable management systems and was recognised by the British Chamber of Commerce as a ‘UK Business Hero’ for its work on the project. Built to provide forecasted capacity for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, some hospitals are now being closed and in keeping with the company’s recycling ethos, the trunking systems in some sites have been removed for recycling.The reclaimed PVC-U trunking was granulated and processed through a compounder to remove any impurities, resulting in recycled PVC-U material that will be used for new trunking or conduit systems. To ensure consistent quality across all of its products Marshall-Tufflex take material samples from the production line every hour to check for consistency in colour and surface finish.“At Marshall-Tufflex we believe that every individual has the responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment, and by pushing for higher recycled content in our products we hope to inspire others in the industry to join this vision that all PVC-U cable management products installed in buildings are manufactured using recycled material by 2028,” says Paul Mitchell, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex. “We are extremely proud to announce that our PVC-U products have been manufactured using 74% recycled material in 2020 and will continue to innovate and develop new ways to produce superior products that retain their high quality whilst reducing our impact as a company.”Marshall-Tufflex is at the forefront of cable management innovation and is the UK’s foremost manufacturer and supplier of cable management solutions.

We have played a key role in transforming LEW Electrical Distributor’s head office site into a modern, dynamic facility. Based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, the building has been redeveloped into a two-story workspace housing their accounts, purchasing and marketing operations teams. To support the development, we supplied our underfloor to desk products to deliver power and data services throughout the installation.The project required a solution that delivered efficient electrical distribution, while maintaining the office’s modern and professional aesthetic. We met this need with our underfloor to desk systems, which were installed by electrical contractors Analogue Electrics providing seamless connectivity throughout the workspace.The installation included Standard 63 Amp Powertrack for efficient underfloor delivery of mains power, raised floor boxes strategically positioned for discreet service access and Icon Desktop Modules to provide power, data, and rapid USB charging directly at the workstations."The Marshall-Tufflex underfloor to desk system keeps the space tidy and removes the need for bulky cable management. Having the floor boxes strategically placed also gives us layout flexibility within the offices"Josh Johnson, Operations Director, LEWOur underfloor to desk solutions align perfectly with the demands of modern office environments, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of professional spaces.