A new fertiliser distribution facility spanning 10,000 sqm was designed, engineered and developed by Spanlift Australia, in Cowell, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. The facility’s proximity to the ocean—just 2km from the coast—posed a significant challenge due to exposure to salt-laden winds and the naturally corrosive properties of fertiliser. To ensure long-term structural durability and performance, selecting the right materials was critical.
Spanlift’s design team were presented with two key challenges:
Fertiliser is highly corrosive and when combined with exposure to salt in the air, metal structure can degrade rapidly.
The facility required materials that could withstand both the corrosive nature of the stored product and the environmental conditions over an extended period.
After evaluating various material options, including traditional galvanised steel, MAGNA-SHIELD PRO™ (MSP) was chosen for its superior corrosion resistance and durability.
The ZM350 coating, featuring a zinc-aluminium-magnesium composition, offers at least three times the lifespan of standard galvanised steel
in similar environments.
Independent testing demonstrated significantly better performance compared to standard galvanising, making it the ideal solution for a
facility so close to the ocean.
Though the facility is still in its early stages of operation, initial feedback from Spanlift’s construction team and client has been overwhelmingly positive.
The material was easy to work with, streamlining the construction process.
The uniform finish enhanced the overall build quality, while the corrosion-resistant properties are expected to provide long-term benefits in this demanding environment.
Future-proof your assets with the next generation of advanced coated steel. Contact us today to learn more about how MAGNA-SHIELD PRO™ (MSP) can enhance your next project.