Newport has a proud industrial heritage and remains one of South Wales’ leading centres for manufacturing and engineering. From advanced manufacturing and food production to heavy industry and fabrication, businesses across the city continually invest in improving their facilities to remain competitive.
However, many manufacturing sites were built or expanded during periods when asbestos-containing materials were widely used throughout construction.
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that asbestos is only an issue during demolition work.
In reality, installing new production lines, replacing machinery, upgrading electrical systems or modifying factory layouts can all disturb asbestos-containing materials if they have not been properly identified.
After more than 22 years supporting commercial and industrial organisations, we’ve found that the most successful projects begin with reliable information and careful planning.
Why This Matters in Newport
Manufacturing facilities often undergo continual change.
Typical projects include:
- Installing new production equipment
- Expanding factory space
- Upgrading electrical infrastructure
- Replacing mechanical services
- Creating new office accommodation
- Improving energy efficiency
- Modernising production lines
Many older factories may still contain asbestos within:
- Insulation boards
- Roof sheets
- Ceiling systems
- Pipe lagging
- Plant rooms
- Service risers
- Wall panels
- Floor coverings
The presence of asbestos does not automatically make a building unsafe.
The challenge is ensuring it is identified and managed before work begins.
What Does the Law Say?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places duties on those responsible for non-domestic premises to identify and manage asbestos risks appropriately.
For manufacturing businesses this generally means:
- Identifying asbestos-containing materials where they may be present.
- Assessing their condition.
- Maintaining accurate records.
- Managing risks appropriately.
- Ensuring anyone carrying out maintenance or refurbishment has access to relevant information.
The objective is to protect employees, contractors and visitors while allowing operations to continue safely.
Why Manufacturing Facilities Present Unique Challenges
Unlike many commercial offices, factories are dynamic environments where buildings evolve alongside production requirements.
Maintenance teams may regularly:
- Install new machinery
- Penetrate walls or ceilings
- Upgrade utilities
- Modify extraction systems
- Alter production layouts
Without appropriate asbestos information, relatively routine engineering work can become a significant risk.
What Good Asbestos Management Looks Like
1. Accurate asbestos information
Reliable surveys provide the foundation for safe decision-making.
Assumptions should never replace evidence.
2. Integrating asbestos into maintenance planning
Every planned project should consider whether asbestos information requires review before work starts.
3. Effective contractor communication
Maintenance contractors should receive relevant asbestos information before arriving on site.
Good communication reduces unnecessary risk.
4. Regular review of asbestos records
Manufacturing environments change frequently.
Asbestos registers and management plans should evolve alongside the facility.
5. Planning refurbishment properly
Where intrusive works are planned, the appropriate Refurbishment & Demolition Survey should be commissioned before work begins.
Common Mistakes We See
Assuming historic surveys remain sufficient
Buildings change over time.
Historic reports should always be reviewed in the context of planned works.
Treating asbestos as a compliance exercise
The most successful manufacturers use asbestos information as a planning tool rather than simply satisfying legal requirements.
Waiting until machinery installation begins
Unexpected asbestos discoveries during installation frequently create avoidable delays.
Poor communication between departments
Facilities teams, engineers, contractors and project managers all need access to relevant asbestos information.
What We’ve Learned in 22 Years
Across thousands of industrial projects, one lesson consistently stands out:
Unexpected discoveries create disruption. Planned discoveries create solutions.
The businesses that experience the fewest delays are not necessarily those with the newest facilities—they are the ones with the best information and the clearest processes.
The Core Surveys Perspective
At Core Surveys, we understand that manufacturing businesses cannot simply stop production because maintenance or improvement works are required.
Our role is to provide practical information that helps organisations:
- Plan projects confidently
- Protect employees and contractors
- Maintain compliance
- Minimise operational disruption
- Make informed investment decisions
Because we provide asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through one experienced team, clients benefit from coordinated services and faster turnaround times.
We’ve worked with manufacturers, logistics companies, NHS organisations, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence.
Our philosophy remains simple:
Reliable information obtained early is one of the most valuable investments a manufacturing business can make.
If This Were Our Factory…
If we were responsible for a manufacturing facility in Newport, we would:
- Maintain an up-to-date asbestos register.
- Review asbestos information before every engineering project.
- Commission appropriate surveys before intrusive works.
- Ensure contractors receive asbestos information before starting work.
- Integrate asbestos management into planned maintenance programmes.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations for surveys and analysis.
Our Recommendations
Based on our experience, we recommend that manufacturing businesses:
- Plan asbestos surveys early.
- Keep asbestos information under regular review.
- Build asbestos management into engineering and maintenance planning.
- Communicate effectively with contractors.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations.
- Treat asbestos management as part of operational excellence rather than simply regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every manufacturing facility require an asbestos survey?
Requirements depend on the age of the building and the planned works. However, many older manufacturing facilities contain asbestos-containing materials that should be appropriately identified and managed.
Does finding asbestos mean production must stop?
Not necessarily. Many asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed if they remain in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed. The appropriate approach depends on professional assessment.
Why should maintenance teams review asbestos information?
Routine engineering work may disturb hidden building materials. Reviewing asbestos information before work begins helps reduce risk and avoid delays.
Can Core Surveys support multi-site manufacturing businesses?
Yes. Core Surveys regularly supports manufacturers operating multiple facilities, providing asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through one coordinated team.
Why Organisations Choose Core Surveys
- Over 22 years of asbestos industry experience
- UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring
- Surveys, testing and air monitoring delivered under one roof
- In-house laboratory facilities for faster turnaround times
- Dedicated project coordinators
- Offices in East Sussex and South Wales
- Nationwide capability
- Experience supporting manufacturers, logistics operators, NHS organisations, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence
Our objective is not simply to identify asbestos—it is to help organisations manage risk intelligently, maintain compliance and keep their operations running efficiently.
Core Principle
The best manufacturing businesses don’t eliminate every risk—they identify and manage risks before they disrupt production.
Contact Core Surveys
If you’re responsible for a manufacturing facility in Newport and would like expert advice on asbestos management, speak to the experienced team at Core Surveys. We’ll recommend the appropriate surveys, explain the process clearly and provide practical guidance based on more than 22 years of real-world experience.