WJ Group launches WJ Surface Treatments LLC in the US
Highway safety specialists WJ Group has announced that it will be expanding to the USA, with the launch of WJ Surface Treatments LLC.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the new business will service the growing demand for high quality yet environmentally friendly road improvement and maintenance options, that not only increase driver safety but also extends the longevity of the surface.
WJ Surface Treatments LLC will be led by Glenn Thompson, who has over 20 years of experience in the transport and highway safety sector. Glenn will head up a team of highly trained professionals specialising in friction enhancement and road surface maintenance. The team will initially be working with the Department of Transportations across nine south-eastern states, including Kentucky, Virginia, and Florida as well as general contractors to improve road safety, durability and quality.
The move will see an expansion of innovative, high-quality services, such as Captive Abrasive Friction Enhancement and High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) within the US. Both a cost-effective and environmentally conscious option, Captive Abrasive Friction Enhancement improves both the macro and micro texture of the surface by firing a large volume of small steel shot at the road. This increases skid resistance levels and extend the surface life of the highway asset. The process, also known as shot blasting, abrades and reprofiles the aggregate and following this, any excess bitumen plus other detritus is collected by the vehicle.
HFST, meanwhile, increases skid resistance through the application of a new surface layer that contains superior aggregates. It is used primarily in safety-critical locations where braking distances and vehicle control are of increased importance to reduce skidding and related accidents. This can include sharp curves, freeway slip roads and pedestrian walking approaches or areas where stopping distances could be compromised due to severe weather conditions, high speeds, or road surface wear over long-term use.
Alongside highway maintenance and improvement solutions, WJ Surface Treatments will also be offering bridge deck waterproofing solutions to maximize their longevity by protecting them from water damage and mineral ingress. Using rapid-setting epoxy resin system, the structure is protected against freeze-thaw damage and any potential substances from entering cracks and ensuring the integrity of the bridge is maintained.
Glenn Thompson, President & General Manager at WJ Surface Treatments LLC commented: “The surface treatments market in the USA is in a very exciting place. With more states conducting friction testing on their roads, many general contractors and transport bodies will be looking for effective yet cost efficient and sustainable solutions – something that we can provide. We are very much looking forward to helping ensure drivers in the southeast have the best quality roads at their disposal to increase their safety and comfort.”
Wayne Johnston, CEO of WJ Group, said: “Over the last 30 years, we have excelled at working with highway authorities across the UK to maintain high quality roads while also creating innovative and sustainable solutions. This expansion in the USA is a goal that we have strived to achieve for several years so to now be able to offer our growing services to American transport authorities and general contractors is a brilliant achievement.”
As well as specialising in sectors such as bridges and highways, WJ Surface Treatments will also be able to support off-highways applications, including aviation, warehouses, factories, and retail.
Wayne Johnston added: “Our new American workforce has been trained by our highly experienced UK team, passing on their knowledge so each Department of Transportation, general contractor, and any other company we work with receives the same fantastic service that UK highway authorities and companies have experienced since 1987. With our new vehicles and materials being sourced from American businesses, we aim to offer the highest quality service to maintain and improve US roads for all users.”
For more information about WJ Surface Treatments LLC, please visit: https://www.wjsurfacetreatments.com/
