Artist rendition of Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Credit: Hanwha
Project Details
- Kapitol Group (Primary Contractor)
- Yarra Carpentry Services (Subcontractor)
- Geelong Region, VIC
Products Used
Key Outcomes
- Easy to install smaller FRPÂ Grating panels
- Highlighted safe walkways in green
- Reduced injury risk from exposed edges
Background
Located in the Greater Geelong industrial zone, the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) is a new facility building armoured vehicles for the Australian Defence Force.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2026, with the facility focusing on manufacturing Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles, equipped with the latest sensor technology similar to that used in jet fighters.
Challenge
Operating across a large, high-traffic construction site, Kapitol Group team required protection solutions to improve mobility and site safety.
Three key areas were identified:
1. Walkway Access Between Site Sheds:
A stable surface was needed between the site sheds to prevent workers from walking through mud and carrying dirt into the site office.
2. Safe to Walk Zones:
Clearly defined pedestrian zones were required to guide foot traffic and indicate areas safe for walking across the active site.
3. Edge Protection:
The sharp edges on the air conditioning units posed a safety risk to workers moving through the area.
Solution
FRP Walkway Grating was selected to create a raised, stable walking platform between site sheds. The smaller panel size (2.2m x 1.1m) makes it easy to handle and install, requiring only one person for the installation. The grating kept workers out of the mud, improving cleanliness and safety.
 
FRP Walkway Grating installed for safe passage around the site
Protecta Site Mat XTRA was used to define safe walkways around the site. The 13 mm thickness offered durability, and the 1.2m width was wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Additionally, Kapitol Group ordered green mats from the available colour range, being their designated safe walkway colour.
Protecta Guard was installed on site to protect workers from the sharp edges of the air conditioning units. 
   
Protecta Site Mat XTRA to indicate Safe to Walk Zones on site
Final Result
The installed protection solutions will provide durable protection throughout the remaining 18 months of construction. Yarra Carpentry Services appreciated the smaller sized FRP Walkway Grating panels, helping to reduce installation time. Overall, the solutions contributed to a cleaner and safer working environment.
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Protecta Guard Used to cover exposed edges on air conditioning units