About

Zerodec: Engineered Internal Cladding

Our History

David Gillespie, a talented sculptor and eccentric artist graduated from the Royal College of Arts in 1959. In 1961, he started an association with a friend making scenery for television. However when this proved difficult, they ventureds into architectural design work and rebranded the company to David Gillespie Associates Ltd. This company was compromised of laminators, wood cavers, pattern makers, sculptors, an engineer and David and Anne Gillespie.

David Gillespie sold David Gillespie Associates in 1980 to HAT group who were later bought by BET and after numerous mergers, Gillespie UK was traded as part of the Tvedt Group until its present situation as part of Errigal Group in whom acquired Gillespie in 2022.

The idea behind the invention of Zerodec GRG/GFRG for Gillespie was on the back of fire tragedies with GRP. Later Gillespie created decorative structures and special projects mainly from GRP. GRP has a poor fire rating and a high resin cost. We developed a new cladding material using laminated GRG (Glass Reinforced Gypsum) patented under the name of “Zerodec”. This was recognised and considered as a safer and cheaper alternative.

3D Design Focused

Quality Assured

Material Performance

Tried and Tested

Market Reputation

Gillespie UK is now the largest volume manufacturer, and lowest cost producer of 3D GRG in Europe. This brings greater certainty of supply, and continuity of delivery to large projects, reducing risks to programme extensions, and cost overrun.

Throughout 50 years of continuous material production, Gillespie has constantly sought to implement improvements in product manufacturing and processes In 2020, Zerodec provides the most geometrically accurate engineered GRG available, designed using 3D modelling software, created using CNC moulding technology, and the highest quality raw materials:

Zerodec is cured using a unique bespoke de-humidification and drying process to extract maximum moisture from the finished product, creating a stronger, drier, more stable material, providing the highest quality GRG cladding material available.

Zerodec has been independently tested and certified at Warrington Fire & Research, in accordance with the latest regulations, to BS 476 Pts 4 & 7 and complies with ASTM C1355

Advantages of Off- Site Manufacture

The benefits of off-site Manufactured Zerodec to any project, are a combination of:

Superior quality

Consistent Engineered material produced in factory conditions

Improved Programme time

Less setting out, lower labour requirements, reduced snagging

Reduced Risk

Less risk to operatives, and commercially to the project

Certified Tested Solutions

Confidence that the material will contribute to a safer construction

Benefits of selecting the Off-site Manufactured Solution

Safety
The factory is a far more manageable setting than the construction site, eliminating many variables. The requirement to maintain safe social distancing is more easily manageable in a less congested environment. Construction’s most dangerous hazards, such as fall from height and equipment accidents, are a reduced risk with quicker installation times reducing man-hours required.
Less on-site training, faster production
Training expertise in onsite construction is a lengthy process. Training staff to produce materials offsite in a factory environment is much simpler and faster. Zerodec’s design-led engineering production process enables the material not only to be used for stand alone features, but also seamlessly integrated into Drywall systems. Less training can mean faster delivery, and more cost efficiency.
Quality, Efficiency and Consistency
Our process is the same every time, and can be guaranteed to be delivered on time and to the highest quality; saving time and money on post installation snagging, helping avoid delays to project completion. Continuity of conditions makes errors much less likely.
Waste
Zerodec requires no material over ordering for production; the same raw materials can be used to produce products for a variety of projects, and material requirements can be more accurately calculated.
Fully Tested and Accredited Material
Zerodec has test accreditation for Fire, Impact and Hardness resistance among others. Certificates are available. Fire – BS476 Pts 4&7, CF5780, E84, ; Impact – Izod Test 2019; Hardness - Barcol Test 2019.