Munich glamor in West Africa

thyssenkrupp Plastics Austria is a strong system provider for stadium construction in Nigeria. The new Akwa Ibom soccer stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, is modeled on Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

Experts from the thyssenkrupp Group were also involved in the construction of Nigeria’s most modern and attractive stadium. thyssenkrupp Plastics Austria supplied 6,900 processed “Satinice” PLEXIGLAS^(R) panels for the unique facade. Working to precise specifications, the panels were cut into triangles with and without perforation patterns using a CNC milling machine. This was TKPA’s first order for ocean shipment.

The panels were manufactured to the customer’s specifications at Evonik Industries Austria. TKPA’s reliable partner and main Plexiglas supplier produced the matt 15 mm thick, 1,400 x 3,800 mm PLEXIGLAS^(R) panels with a satin finish on both sides. This finish gently diffuses the light and protects the panels from yellowing and fading caused by UV rays.

Logistics challenge

Shipping the PLEXIGLAS^(R) panels to their destination in Nigeria called for a sophisticated logistics chain. The numbered triangles were shrink-wrapped and packed professionally on Euro pallets in sea freight containers. 16 of these containers were transported by road to Bremerhaven by Schenker Logistics between March 2013 and January 2014. During the journey, the location of the individual trucks could be checked at any time using a “track & trace” system, ensuring that both the customer and thyssenkrupp Plastics Austria always knew exactly where the goods were.

After customs clearance and handover to the shipping company, the sealed containers were shipped across the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Nigerian port of Warri two weeks later, 100 kilometers to the south of their final destination. The PLEXIGLAS^(R) panels then completed the journey by truck.