Operating Company News

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -– Fibrelite, part of OPW and Dover (NYSE: DOV), is expanding into the growing data center and cloud facility market. 

Facilities of this nature have highly specialized environments with specific performance requirements and are typically constructed to a tight build schedule. However, no two facilities are the same, and each facility has specific needs.

Unlike many other construction projects, cloud and data centers evolve quickly, once built. Servers are frequently replaced, and facilities often grow to accommodate greater storage capacity and new technologies. Therefore, the internal design must have flexibility. 

To meet these new challenges, a number of designers and construction companies are turning to contemporary materials like the fiber-reinforced plastic (“FRP”) composite channel access covers made by Fibrelite, which offer many unique benefits including efficiency, reliability and longevity.

The designers and construction companies building today’s cloud and data centers are adopting Fibrelite trench/channel access products to cover and provide access to channels housing underground infrastructure and fiber-optic cabling. Traditionally, these covers were made from concrete or metal.  However, Fibrelite’s innovative modular FRP covers are far lighter and allow safe, fast manual removal, even when heavier load ratings are required (e.g. channels running between buildings with vehicle traffic). Fibrelite covers are available in load ratings up to F900/90 tons, are impervious to corrosion and have a unique anti-skid walking surface.

In many instances where these covers are adopted, companies choose to specify a bespoke option, custom manufactured to the exact size, color, load rating and fittings required (e.g. securing systems), sometimes as a retrofit replacement for previously installed concrete or metal covers. 

Jo Stott, Fibrelite’s Marketing Director, shared, “In environments like data centers and cloud facilities where efficiency and flexibility are vital, it’s important to simplify every process possible and these facilities are adopting our composite covers for just such a purpose.”

About Fibrelite:

Fibrelite is a global manufacturer of highly engineered fiber-reinforced plastic composite access covers that are capable of taking up to 90-ton loads while still being light enough to be lifted by hand. The company is renowned for its high-quality technical support and service.  

Initially developed almost 40 years ago, and now an industry standard for petrol station forecourts, Fibrelite covers are increasingly specified for both new and retrofit work across variety of industries in more than 80 countries. To find out more, please visit fibrelite.com.

About Dover:  

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues of approximately $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, specialty systems, consumable supplies, software and digital solutions, and support services through three operating segments: Engineered Systems, Fluids, and Refrigeration & Food Equipment. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 60 years, our team of approximately 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.