Bridgend has long been one of South Wales’ key manufacturing and industrial locations. Home to major industrial estates and a diverse range of engineering, automotive and production businesses, the area continues to attract investment and redevelopment.
At the same time, many manufacturing facilities were built or expanded during periods when asbestos-containing materials were commonly used throughout construction.
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that asbestos is only something to consider during demolition.
In reality, installing new production equipment, relocating machinery, upgrading services or modifying factory layouts can all disturb asbestos-containing materials if they have not been properly identified.
After more than 22 years of experience, we’ve found that the smoothest manufacturing projects begin with accurate information before any work starts.
Why This Matters in Bridgend
Manufacturing businesses continually evolve to improve productivity and efficiency.
Typical projects include:
- Production line upgrades
- Machinery installation
- Office extensions
- Electrical improvements
- Mechanical upgrades
- Warehouse alterations
- Energy efficiency projects
Many older industrial buildings may still contain asbestos within:
- Roof sheets
- Ceiling systems
- Insulation boards
- Pipe lagging
- Plant rooms
- Service risers
- Wall panels
- Floor coverings
The presence of asbestos does not automatically make a building unsafe.
The important factor is understanding where it is located and ensuring it is managed appropriately before intrusive 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 appropriate records
- Managing risks effectively
- Providing relevant information to contractors before work begins
The objective is to protect employees, contractors and visitors while allowing operations to continue safely.
Why Manufacturing Sites Present Unique Challenges
Factories rarely stay the same for long.
Maintenance and improvement works may include:
- New machinery
- Conveyor installations
- Electrical upgrades
- Ventilation improvements
- Structural alterations
- Office refurbishments
Many of these activities involve intrusive work that should be supported by appropriate asbestos information before they begin.
A Real-World Scenario
Imagine a Bridgend manufacturer investing in a new automated production line.
Engineers begin installing new electrical infrastructure, requiring penetrations through existing walls and ceilings.
During the works, asbestos-containing materials are identified that were previously unknown.
The installation programme is delayed while further investigations take place, contractors must be rescheduled and production targets are affected.
Had appropriate asbestos information been obtained during the planning stage, these findings could have been incorporated into the project programme from the outset.
What Good Asbestos Management Looks Like
1. Reliable survey information
Every successful strategy begins with accurate information.
Assumptions should never replace evidence.
2. Integrating asbestos into maintenance planning
Before intrusive engineering work begins, asbestos information should be reviewed alongside technical specifications and risk assessments.
3. Effective contractor communication
Contractors should receive relevant asbestos information before arriving on site.
Good communication significantly reduces unnecessary risk.
4. Keeping records current
Buildings evolve through maintenance and refurbishment.
Asbestos registers should evolve too.
5. Long-term estate planning
The most successful manufacturers treat asbestos management as part of operational planning rather than simply regulatory compliance.
Common Mistakes We See
Waiting until installation begins
This is one of the most common causes of avoidable delays.
Assuming previous surveys remain suitable
Historic reports should always be reviewed against proposed works.
Treating asbestos as paperwork
An asbestos register should actively support planning and decision-making.
Poor communication
Information that never reaches contractors provides little practical protection.
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 those that invest in understanding their buildings before projects begin.
The Core Surveys Perspective
At Core Surveys, we believe asbestos surveys are practical management tools rather than simply compliance documents.
Our role is to provide reliable information that enables manufacturers to:
- Plan projects confidently
- Protect employees and contractors
- Reduce operational disruption
- Maintain compliance
- Make informed investment decisions
Because we provide asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through one experienced team, clients benefit from coordinated services, faster turnaround times and consistent reporting.
We’ve supported organisations ranging from independent manufacturers to NHS organisations, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence.
Our philosophy is simple:
Reliable information obtained early is one of the best investments a manufacturing business can make.
If This Were Our Factory…
If we were managing a manufacturing facility in Bridgend, 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 relevant information before work begins.
- 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.
- Review historic reports before refurbishment.
- Build asbestos management into engineering planning.
- Communicate effectively with contractors.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations.
- Treat asbestos management as part of operational excellence rather than simply compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do manufacturing facilities always require asbestos surveys?
The requirement depends on the age of the building and the planned works. Many older manufacturing facilities contain asbestos-containing materials that should be appropriately identified and managed.
Does finding asbestos stop production?
Not necessarily. Many asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed when they remain in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed. The appropriate approach depends on professional assessment.
Why should engineering projects consider asbestos early?
Early planning allows survey findings to be incorporated into project programmes and budgets, reducing delays and unexpected costs.
Can Core Surveys support manufacturers operating multiple sites?
Yes. Core Surveys regularly supports manufacturers and industrial organisations managing 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, NHS organisations, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence
Our objective is not simply to identify asbestos—it is to provide reliable information that helps organisations manage risk, maintain compliance and keep projects moving efficiently.
Core Principle
The strongest manufacturing businesses are built on good planning—and good planning starts with reliable information.
Contact Core Surveys
If you’re responsible for a manufacturing facility in Bridgend and would like expert advice on asbestos surveys or 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.