Case Studies
Built to Take the Hit: The Story of Tru-Gard Downpipe Protectors
Back in 2019, we started seeing a clear trend across factories and warehouses. Sites were busier, vehicles were bigger, and the knock-on cost of damaged building services was becoming harder to ignore. Downpipes in particular were taking a hiding in high-traffic areas. That growing demand for better asset protection led to the launch of our Downpipe Protector range. This Christchurch warehouse project was one of the first to put them to work, with 17 Downpipe Protectors installed as part of the site fit-out. From the outset, the focus was simple. Protect vulnerable services, reduce repair costs, and help drivers spot hazards before contact ever became an issue. Typically, Downpipe Protectors are installed from ground level to shield the most exposed section of pipework. On this site, however, some downpipes were positioned in areas used by larger trucks. To suit the traffic profile, several protectors were installed slightly above ground level to guard against higher impact points, showing the flexibility of the system to suit real-world conditions. Finished in high-visibility safety yellow, the protectors act as an early visual warning for drivers moving through the yard. In most cases, that visibility alone is enough to prevent contact. If a minor collision does occur, the 3 mm steel guard absorbs the impact, keeping fragile pipework intact and maintenance crews out of reactive repair mode. Our Downpipe Protectors are available in standard and large sizes, with adjustable widths to suit a range of pipe diameters. Each kit is designed for straightforward installation and supplied with fixings and clear instructions, making them easy to integrate into new builds or retrofits. What started as a response to a growing problem has since become a core part of our asset protection range. Today, Downpipe Protectors sit alongside our Column Protectors and Pallet Racking Protectors, helping sites across New Zealand and Australia protect critical infrastructure and keep operations running smoothly.
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Breaking the Yellow Rule: Bespoke Black Retail Barriers
At Tru-Gard, our trademark has long been safety in bright, unmistakable yellow because visibility is key. But sometimes, the environment calls for something a little different. That's why we created these bespoke black expanding barriers, designed for retail environments where branding and aesthetics matter as much as safety. Safety Meets StyleThese black expanding barriers deliver the same trusted durability and functionality as our classic yellow versions, but with a sleek, modern look that blends seamlessly into retail spaces. Perfect for temporary use during spills, restocking, or redirecting foot traffic, they help maintain both safety and style. Custom Colours to Suit Your BrandBeyond black, we can customise colours to perfectly match your brand palette, creating barriers that protect without compromising your branding. Versatile and ProvenAlready trusted in busy lumber sections at hardware stores, supermarkets, and a wide range of other retail environments, these expanding barriers offer flexible, on-demand safety solutions wherever temporary access control or hazard protection is needed. Elevating Retail Safety Without CompromiseAt Tru-Gard, we believe safety solutions should fit the space, not clash with it. Our bespoke black expanding barriers prove that you can have effective, reliable protection that complements your retail environment. Find out more about custom colours - contact our team today.
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