For 200 years, the Menai Suspension Bridge has connected the Isle of Anglesey with mainland Wales. Designed by Thomas Telford, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1826, with a span of 176 metres. Today, it is the second-oldest suspension bridge in the world still used by road traffic. Since 2022, the Grade I listed structure has been undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, with reopening planned for the anniversary year 2026. The works included replacing all 168 hanger ropes. FATZER was responsible for detailed design, testing, manufacture and supply.

Current regulations did not allow an exact replica of the original sockets. FATZER therefore developed a new socket modelled on the original. The prototypes were tested in FATZER’s in-house laboratory and at independent testing institutes in Switzerland. In the break test, a hanger rope reached 1,220 kN, exceeding the required minimum breaking force of 1,120 kN. After 2 million load cycles, it showed no signs of fatigue. To ensure every rope fitted to within 3 millimetres, its length was marked under load and each socket was preloaded with up to 40 tonnes. FATZER delivered the prefabricated ropes in summer 2024.