Kippax Mill, Rawtenstall

Kippax Mill is a paper mill operated by Kenross Containers Ltd in Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The company produces cardboard products for a wide range of clients ranging from packaging for international organisations to removal boxes for home movers.

In late November 2009, a landslip of a 30m high slope occurred at the rear of the mill following a prolonged period of heavy rain. Approximately 1200m³ of soil careered in to the side of the mill and damaged the building structure and the primary cutting and folding machine.

Thomasons acted as Structural Engineer, Project Manager and Contract Administrator to put in place a programme of works aimed at returning the mill building to full operation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

An innovative solution was developed to remove the debris and make the hillside safe whilst minimising the risk of any further landslips during the construction works. The preferred solution was to install steel columns at close centres, concreted in to the underlying rock strata, and then to hydraulically jack steel plates beyond the steel columns to allow work to be carried out safely at the foot of the hill.

The works were hampered by severe winter weather but the works were completed and the machinery made operable in March 2010.