Dundee firm explodes into record books

It cost more than $400 million to construct and just 10 seconds for a Dundee company to demolish. Safedem yesterday achie ved a new world record for the tallest building demolished by explosives.

Meena Plaza in Abu Dhabi comprised of 144 storeys across four towers.

The largest tower, with 47 storeys, had been surveyed by Guinness Wo r l d Records and confirmed as an official world record attempt.

Safedem exploded four towers at once.

Ma n a g i n g director William Sinclair said: “Safedem is delighted to have achieved a new world record for the tallest building demolished by explosives.

“I am immensely proud of the team who have managed to safely and successfully achieve a new world record so far from home in the midst of a all global pandemic. The demolition of the Meena Plaza complex was incredibly challenging – dealing with one tower block is a challenge in itself, but dealing with four that are all built on top of a massive podium block has required all of Safedem’s skill and expertise.”

The 246,500 square metre complex was constructed in reinforced concrete between 2008 and 2015 at a cost believed to be in excess of $400 million.

Three of the towers were designed to be residential and another as a hospital, all built on top of a nine storey podium.

Construction was abandoned in 2015 and the structures were never occupied.

The demolition will pave the way for an all- new wharf.

Safedem was founded in 1974 by Bert Walls, who ran it for a number of years.

The company was acquired in 1994 by managing director William Sinclair.

In a period of just over a decade, Safedem would go on to redraw the Scottish skyline – carr ying out successful and high-profile tower block demolition projects in Glasgow, Paisley, Edinburgh and Dundee.

Based on Dundee’s Liff Road, the company is currently at work on demolition projects in Sheffield, Plymouth, Torquay and London, as well as in Glasgow and Dundee.

As well as the Middle East, Safedem is also active in the US, having recently established dedicated companies to serve these regions.

The company employs a total of 70 staff – 40 workers in the UK, 20 in the US and 10 in the Middle East.

Last year Safedem became owned by its employees after Mr Sinclair chose to transfer his 100% shareholding to his team.

DEMOLITION: The Meena Plaza was reduced from four towers to rubble in 10 seconds.