For property restoration professionals, structural safety isn’t just about formulas on a screen – it’s about how Masonry reinforcement materials perform under extreme pressure in the real world. On Thursday 4th June 2026, Target Fixings threw open the doors of our UK headquarters for an exclusive Open Day.

The event brought together an expert crowd of building surveyors, structural engineers, and architects. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase how we design, manufacture, sell, and install cutting-edge structural repair systems all under one roof, providing a unique look at the lifecycle of modern masonry reinforcement.

Technical Insights and Legacy Project Spotlights

The morning commenced with an engaging presentation by our Director and Head of Technical Sales, Christian Hall. Christian led a deep-dive discussion into our specialised product ranges, outlining how our precision-engineered solutions resolve complex structural defects like subsidence, lintel failure, and masonry bowing.

Rather than just talking theory, Christian highlighted several high-profile previous works where Target Fixings materials preserved architectural heritage and stabilised critical infrastructure. For the visiting engineers and architects, this provided valuable context on how our systems maintain aesthetic integrity while dramatically upgrading structural performance.

From Raw Wire to Helical Steel: Touring the Manufacturing Hub

Following the presentation, guests were taken on a guided tour of our active manufacturing facility at head office. As a proud UK manufacturer, we wanted to show the meticulous engineering that goes into our signature lines, including Bar Flex and Dri Flex for our Structural repair systems.

[Raw Stainless Steel Wire] ➔ [Precision Cold Rolling] ➔ [Tensioned Free-Twisting Process] ➔ [Finished Helical Bar]

  

The visitors watched our production teams take raw round stainless steel wire, roll it flat, and pass it through our custom free-twisting machinery to form high-tensile helical reinforcement bars. Seeing this physical transformation helped our visitors appreciate why these products offer such superior mechanical interlocking and ductile performance within mortar beds.

Networking Over Lunch: Talking Restoration with the Technical Experts

After a busy morning on the factory floor, guests enjoyed a freshly prepared lunch. The break offered a fantastic space for collaborative networking.

Attendees sat down with our internal technical team alongside our specialist regional contractors, including Chris Knight (Regional Director of Target Structural Chiltern) and Robert Balanel (Regional Director of Target Structural Cotswolds). The discussions ranged from the nuances of historic conservation to tackling localised ground movement across the Home Counties and the Cotswolds. It highlighted the vital relationship between the engineers who specify our materials and the specialists who install them.

Seeing is Believing: Live Structural Stress Testing

The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the live demonstration zone, where our engineering team put our materials to the test.

1. The Pre-Built Wall Test

First, we conducted a structural stress test on a pre-built brick wall reinforced internally with our Bar Flex helical bars that we use for Subsidence remedial works. Using hydraulic rams, we applied severe out-of-plane forces to simulate extreme structural shifting. The surveyors and structural engineers watched closely as the wall held its integrity, beautifully illustrating how the helical design distributes loads smoothly between the elastic and yielding phases without triggering sudden masonry failure.

2. The Heli Pile Demonstration

Next, the team demonstrated our signature Heli Pile system. Guests got a front-row seat to the complete mechanical installation process. Our installers used compact, handheld drivers to show how easily these high-strength aluminium piles can be deployed in restricted-access areas – a game-changer for remedial subsidence work where heavy machinery is out of the question.

Looking Ahead

The feedback from the day was incredibly positive, with many attendees noting how valuable it was to see the manufacturing precision and physical testing behind the products they specify daily. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting such a passionate group of industry professionals and look forward to welcoming more of you to our next open event!