Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) new centre for enterprise and innovation has become the latest higher education facility in the UK to feature state-of-the-art cladding panels from Proteus Facades. With higher education providers realising that the design, amenities and external aesthetics of campus buildings are just as important as the courses
A joint venture has managed to acquire a site in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells with planning permission to develop a purpose-built retirement village. The scheme, which has a gross development value of £55 million, will incorporate 89 luxury apartments, penthouses and hotel-style facilities. The joint venture that acquired
A new life science centre of excellence has received planning permission on a historic site in Leeds with the potential to support about 300 jobs. CEG has submitted a planning application earlier this year for the redevelopment of Drapers Yard on Marshall Street to create a new facility for Labcorp,
AITT’s webinar is now available to watch online. Following the success of last year’s webinar, the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers recently hosted another illuminating online conference earlier this month. Speakers from across the sector shared case histories revealing their experience and successes as well as a series of practical
The undercarriage is one of the most important components of any piece of heavy equipment. It might not seem so at first, since the undercarriage only accounts for a small portion of the machine’s upfront cost. However, the undercarriage represents an average of 50 per cent of your machine’s ongoing
When working within a team, having access to tools that enable straightforward collaboration and mobile connectivity is key. Especially within industries such as manufacturing and utilities, where organisations need to ensure efficiency, productivity and profitability within their workforce in today’s competitive environment. For engineering and maintenance directors, it can be
Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) new centre for enterprise and innovation has become the latest higher education facility in the UK to feature state-of-the-art cladding panels from Proteus Facades. With higher education providers realising that the design, amenities and external aesthetics of campus buildings are just as important as the courses and educational services on offer to students, specifiers are making more use of alternatives to traditional bricks and mortar. It is one of the reasons why architects specified contemporary mirror finish and mesh cladding from Proteus Facades for the state-of-the-art new £9 million Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) at NTU. Designed by architects Evans Vettori and constructed by main contractor Henry Brothers, the DEC provides staff, students, graduates and external businesses with increased access to a range of high-class facilities, as well as support, mentoring, networking and training services. The new building has been developed alongside the existing Dryden Centre, a cube-like structure built on campus in 1976 that has undergone extensive refurbishment as part of the development. The new extension connects to the north end of the refurbished structure, both of which have been designed to accommodate University start-ups and spin-outs and attract external businesses looking for high-quality workspaces and support. Proteus Facades manufactured bespoke Proteus SC Aluminium 3mm Aluminium PPC Carina expanded mesh and Proteus HR 0.8mm Rimex Super Mirror 316 Stainless Steel rainscreen soffit panels for the refurbished and new structures respectively. Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel. The Proteus SC panels at the DEC were specified with a PPC Pearl Beige (RAL 1035) finish and feature on the external façade of the 1970’s cube-like structure. Compartmentalising the brick-work at eye-level, the mesh cladding features in vertical sections reaching from the ground to the upper floors and then wrap around the entirety of the top level. The panels were chosen to soften the block-like appearance of the refurbished structure and complement the elegant pearl, brick and glazed sections on the façade of the new development. Proteus HR soffit panels in Rimex Super mirror finish feature on the underside of four of the first and third floor cantilevers, reaching over the main entrance and upper terraces. The mirrored cladding from Proteus was specified due to its honeycomb core creating an optically flat panel that portrays a high quality surface aesthetic. The finish also has the effect of reflecting artificial lighting from within the building and natural light from outside onto the floors below. It achieves what the architects set out to do and that is illuminate what may have otherwise been a deeply shaded area of the building. Proteus HR was also specified because it is a lightweight, strong and versatile cladding panel. The integrated modular rainscreen panels feature an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin for optimum rigidity. Installed by Elhance Limited, both the Proteus SC and HR panels at the DEC are secured in place using a bespoke aluminium fixing system, also manufactured by Proteus Facades. It can be installed on to any type of wall construction and allows the panels to be secured in place with no visible fixings, creating a sheer, uninterrupted aesthetic. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities including open-plan desk areas, private offices, meeting rooms, event space and communal areas to encourage networking. Proteus Facades’ innovative rainscreen cladding panels utilise an extensive range of materials such as Aluminium, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Stainless Steel, Zinc and Porcelain Ceramic. Each system is manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards, using the highest quality materials, in accordance with its BSI ISO accredited Business Management System for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety. For further information about the wide range of rainscreen cladding systems available from Proteus Facades or to view more inspirational projects, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.
A joint venture has managed to acquire a site in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells with planning permission to develop a purpose-built retirement village. The scheme, which has a gross development value of £55 million, will incorporate 89 luxury apartments, penthouses and hotel-style facilities. The joint venture that acquired the retirement village site is the UK Retirement Living Fund (ReLF), managed by Schroders Capital and advised by Octopus Real Estate, and Elysian Residences. The new retirement development is the second acquisition made by the ReLF/Elysian JV, following the purchase in April this year of a site for a new retirement scheme in Berkhamsted, which has planning consent and will provide 103 apartments and hotel-style facilities. “This latest acquisition emphasises our belief that retirement communities provide investors with a strong return and an opportunity to create a positive impact for our ageing society through delivering beautifully designed and sustainable real estate,” said Kevin Beirne, director, head of retirement at Octopus Real Estate. “This is our eighth retirement village (at different stages of development) and Elysian Residences is actively looking for new sites and investment opportunities as part of our vision to be the foremost provider of inspiring and elegant retirement communities in the UK,” added Gavin Stein, chief executive at Elysian Residences. ReLF’s primary objective is the development of a portfolio of new retirement communities across the UK on the back of undersupply and increasing demand, driven by a growing ageing population. “The Royal Tunbridge Wells and Berkhamsted acquisitions have been undertaken with efficiency and focus, demonstrating the strong working relationship and united objectives of the partners,” concluded Patrick Bone, fund manager at Schroder Real Estate Capital Partners, Schroders Capital.
A new life science centre of excellence has received planning permission on a historic site in Leeds with the potential to support about 300 jobs. CEG has submitted a planning application earlier this year for the redevelopment of Drapers Yard on Marshall Street to create a new facility for Labcorp, a global diagnostics and drug development company. “Now planning permission has been granted, work will start immediately with the aim of occupation by summer 2022. We will work closely with Labcorp on the refurbishment. Drapers Yard is at the heart of the Temple masterplan area, where we are working with Leeds City Council and other partners on the delivery of a thriving business destination south of Leeds City Station, with Temple Works as its cultural centrepiece. The Centre of Excellence for Labcorp further builds the huge momentum for inward investment that we are experiencing within the Temple District,” commented Antonia Martin-Wright, head of investment at CEG. Labcorp currently operates out of two sites in Leeds and plans to consolidate the team into one building for more efficient, collaborative working. It is also aiming to double in size, retaining and creating almost 300 highly skilled scientific and healthcare jobs in the city. The proposed life science facility would comprise about 85,000 sq ft of floorspace, including a 100-bed clinic, pharmacy and Labcor’s UK office headquarters. Drapers Yard will be transformed with a new façade, roof top amenity space with a green, sedum roof and new landscaping and planting on Marshall Street and Sweet Street. Biodiversity is set to be enhanced and the setting of heritage assets protected, including the adjacent grade I-listed Temple Works. The council has now granted planning permission for the development, subject to conditions, under delegated powers. A report from the chief planning officer accompanying the decision said: “The development is likely to build confidence that the area is a strong business and commercial destination, helping to attract future inward investment opportunities. “The repair of the fabric of the Drapers Yard building would improve its appearance and, in conjunction with minor alterations to the facades, would improve the setting of Temple Works and the wider conservation area.” Drapers Yard was previously owned by Kays catalogue company but has been vacant since 2004. It was originally constructed as an extension to Temple Works, which adjoins to the north via a link building. The building is located within the Temple masterplan area where CEG, alongside Leeds City Council, are bringing forward further development. About four million sq ft of accommodation is set to be created, with Temple Works as its heart as a cultural centrepiece.
AITT’s webinar is now available to watch online. Following the success of last year’s webinar, the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers recently hosted another illuminating online conference earlier this month. Speakers from across the sector shared case histories revealing their experience and successes as well as a series of practical tips for improving training for operatives of workplace transport. AITT Managing Director Adam Smith said: “Insights into the methods and techniques employed by our speakers will prove invaluable to anyone involved in any capacity in the areas of both training and safety. All of our speakers were very candid about the issues they faced and were extremely generous in revealing details of the journey they took to reach highly successful outcomes. “Each speaker contributed hugely to what was a truly exceptional event; reflected in the feedback from our attendees, with 90% of them rating the conference either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.” Drawn from different backgrounds, those speaking included employers in leading manufacturers and wholesalers, technical experts from accrediting bodies as well as a spokesperson from the HSE. The webinar also included real-world case histories from companies that have significantly improved their MHE safety through a combination of honest appraisal, careful scrutiny and comprehensive, standardised training. Gary Rowland, Group Compliance Training Manager at nationwide food distributor Greencore, shared details of how the company reduced site impacts by 50 percent thanks to a new in-depth training programme. Simon Ambridge, Risk and Compliance Manager at drinks wholesaler Matthew Clark also discussed the proactive ways to engage a workforce and the benefits of partnering with an accrediting body. The importance of training was reinforced by David Lee of the HSE, who delivered a compelling talk about how the process of accident investigations plays out… and the consequences for business who fail to meet their training obligations. Summing up, Adam Smith added: “I’m delighted to have hosted an event that shared so much thought-provoking yet practical guidance. There was something for everyone with content relevant to a broad spectrum of attendees, from training providers and recruitment agencies to workplace transport operators. “As with any live event, we know that some of those who were keen to attend were unable to do so because of other work commitments which is why we have acted quickly to make the presentations available online.” AITT’s webinar is available on-demand at www.aitt.co.uk/news/the-key-to-essential-training-panellists-presentations. The 2020 online conference is also available to watch at www.aitt.co.uk/news/aitt-webinar-the-future-of-operator-training-the-presentations.
The undercarriage is one of the most important components of any piece of heavy equipment. It might not seem so at first, since the undercarriage only accounts for a small portion of the machine’s upfront cost. However, the undercarriage represents an average of 50 per cent of your machine’s ongoing operating and repair costs, so regular maintenance is vital if you want to avoid a hefty repair bill. Here are our top tips for extending the life of your undercarriage. 1. Wear and tear The undercarriage carries the weight of a machine, so it’s natural for its moving components to wear over time as the machine completes work. However, you can extend the service life of your undercarriage components by dedicating a bit of time to proper maintenance and using the machine in the best possible way. Poor maintenance and rough operation will impact wear rates and increase the need for repairs. Operators will start to see visible changes on the machine, such as sprockets wearing down from flat wedges to a point. As track pads wear down, they will become flatter, increasing the likelihood of slipping during operation. At this point, operators will be forced to stop work and have the undercarriage repaired, leading to costly downtime on site. So, how can operators prevent unnecessary wear? 2. Best practice Firstly, operators can make informed decisions when selecting and operating equipment, which will result in slower wear rates. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to undercarriages, so choosing the right undercarriage and track width for the environment can impact operations. For example, standard tracks are the best fit for firm ground conditions with minimal slopes. On the other hand, low ground pressure tracks are wider and therefore better suited for softer, wetter ground conditions. Awareness of operating methods and site conditions can also influence the lifespan of tracks and undercarriage components. When operating machinery, reducing any unnecessary tracking and avoiding abrasive material, such as rocky areas on site, can slow track wear. Operators should also take extra care in areas where a lot of material can get into the undercarriage. For example, when operating in a muddy environment or on a landfill site, they may need to clear out debris regularly throughout the day. It is also best practice to consider the speed of the machine, for example increasing speed when pushing heavy loads can cause slippage and excessive wear. Working on banks for long periods of time will cause one side of the undercarriage to wear, so keeping the machine on level ground as much as possible can prevent uneven wear later on. 3. Daily checks During the day, excavators and other heavy machinery will churn up the ground, resulting in mud, debris and other material building up in the tracks. Leaving this in the undercarriage will add weight to it, reducing fuel economy as well as accelerating wear. Cleaning out the undercarriage at the start of each workday reduces the risk of material build-up causing an issue. Incorrect track tension may lead to increased track wear, so it is important to check this prior to operating the machine. If tracks are too tight, it creates added load, accelerating component wear. If the track is too loose, it can become unstable and derail. Adjusting the sag to the measurement recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will prevent problems like this occurring. The more often operators inspect their machine, the sooner they can identify and rectify any issues. Operators can also get more support from their equipment supplier. Finning UK & Ireland’s Custom Track Service (CTS) includes regular visual inspections to provide operators with a detailed report of a machine’s undercarriage. The inspectors also use ultrasonic equipment to check for wear of the internal components of the undercarriage. This, combined with visual checks, can help estimate part lifespan, enabling owners and operators to accurately forecast repair costs. The undercarriage takes the weight of the machine and material on site and if it breaks down, the machine remains stationary, incurring costs from downtime and repairs. By choosing the correct type of undercarriage for the application, following best practice during operations and carrying out regular maintenance, operators can ensure that their repair costs will decrease and productivity will remain high. Finning can assist with preventative maintenance and inspections as part of its Customer Value Agreements. Find out more about choosing and maintaining your machine’s undercarriage on our website.
When working within a team, having access to tools that enable straightforward collaboration and mobile connectivity is key. Especially within industries such as manufacturing and utilities, where organisations need to ensure efficiency, productivity and profitability within their workforce in today’s competitive environment. For engineering and maintenance directors, it can be difficult managing both a large asset base and a distributed workforce. Detecting and fixing critical issues which can quickly cause production lines to shut down or assets to fail over a wide-ranging area relies on essential and dependable connectivity, enabling communication; especially in remote locations or areas without guaranteed network coverage. Lone workers in these industries rely solely on effective communication in order to collaborate and without critical technology and enhanced mobile connectivity, they will be truly alone dealing with any issues that occur. So, how can engineering and maintenance directors provide the right kind of connectivity, and ensure effective communication and collaboration amongst their teams? How do you keep lone workers safe while encouraging teamwork? How do you ensure that tasks are identified quickly, distributed appropriately and completed efficiently? Chris Potts, Marketing Director, ANT Telecom outlines how utilising the right technology can enable managers to have a joined up approach to team and asset management while encouraging operational efficiency. A combined approach Managing hundreds or even thousands of different assets simultaneously and safely can be challenging, so managers must have full visibility across all their assets. Should monitored equipment fail, a critical alarm must be raised to alert the relevant engineering team, who can respond and fix the problem. Additionally, engineering directors need to know when the critical alarm is dealt with to ensure every issue is resolved properly and in a timely manner. With continuous monitoring, changes and variations in asset patterns can be revealed, for example increased vibration that if undetected could lead to an unexpected breakdown. Being able to identify problems and distribute the critical alarm directly and proactively to the relevant team that responds to on-site emergencies will dramatically reduce machine downtime. Additionally, reacting early to machine failure warnings means that any potential problem can be corrected without affecting production or requiring an urgent emergency response, or causing unnecessary wastages and costs. Furthermore, with a complete process, an alarm management system can record the full alarm sequence, through logging staff interactions to the resulting actions and conclusion. This means that reoccurring issues can be recorded and investigated thoroughly. Additionally, fault analysis checklists and guides can be administered with the alert, ensuring the resolution process is consistent across the organisation and issues are rectified as effectively as possible. Bringing in the team Effective teamwork involves great communication to enable collaboration within the organisation. Especially when engineers work in rural or remote areas with no mobile reception, or for those working alone in ATEX areas, the employee needs to have access to a reliable private communication network to feel secure and protected, whilst also being able to easily ask their team for assistance and cooperate with their directors on projects. When an asset fails and an alarm is raised, engineering directors need to have full visibility over the team or individual resolving these tasks. The right communication technology can help directors both organise their workforce and support the response team. An automated alert system can ensure that senior engineers are working on the ‘bigger picture’ while juniors with less experience are taking on the more straightforward and repetitive tasks, while having the opportunity to be supported throughout by those more experienced. Having the ability to provide clear directions such as digital step-by-step guides for routine alerts encourages juniors to grow their knowledge and skill-base. In turn, engineering directors will have more confidence in delegating tasks quickly and fairly using an automated solution that takes into account previous workload. With complex team setups there can be miscommunication and confusion over who can fix an issue and how quickly this can be done. A delegation process through a centralised, manual system that is concerned with assessing who needs to be contacted and who is available without support from automation takes up valuable time. And when reaction times need to be quick in order to effectively deal with emergency alerts, a manual escalation process isn’t feasible. An automated system can provide managers with full visibility about the tasks being picked up by the most appropriate person who can resolve the issue and efficiently monitor who is taking tasks throughout the day from the tracked system. This enables a more effective management of responses to critical alerts from the workforce and provides a fair distribution of tasks among the junior engineers, while the senior engineers can provide help and support where needed. Overcoming resourcing limitations Over the last year, collaboration and connectivity challenges have increased for many companies too, with the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in many organisations operating with a skeleton staff to satisfy social distancing requirements. This is essential for Covid-safety in the workplace, but these companies can become stretched when staff are off work if they have to self-isolate. Lone workers that operate in remote areas like on wind turbines or in tunnels, for example, need access to private communication networks with reliable communication devices in order to collaborate effectively in areas where they can’t always rely on mobile signals. Having technology solutions, such as integrated lone worker and communication devices – for example, Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) or Digital Radio – can ensure that all employees are connected and can collaborate effectively. With the ability to provide location information, such as GPS or for more accurate indoor location, WiFi beacons, lone workers will know they are safe and their team knows exactly where they are – encouraging collaboration and assuring safety. Collaboration is key From condition monitoring and asset management, to managing the response team and engineering and maintenance workforce, a joined up solution can benefit managers by helping them operate efficiently and collaborate successfully. As explained, effective mobile connectivity is essential to ensuring that systems
