Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has secured planning approval for Colloco, a 200,000 sq ft office development, in the St John’s District of Manchester city centre. The developer is seeking a joint venture partner now to deliver the highly sustainable Grade A office scheme. Situated on the corner of New
The CEO of TerraQuest, the company operating Planning Portal, has welcomed the backing from the Chancellor at his Spring Budget for the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the planning system, but has said that high-quality data is crucial to its success. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, commended plans
Scan Global Logistics (SGL), a global full-service logistics provider, is pleased to announce its participation in the documentary ‘Innovation & Disruption Leaders’ hosted by China Daily. The documentary explores various industries in Asia, highlighting innovative and disruptive advancements to stay ahead of the curve. SGL has been selected to participate
Expanding cooperage business doubles headcount and size of its base in two years Westway Cooperage is doubling the size of its premises at Canmoor’s Westway, to accommodate a growing workforce and order book for 2024. The company, which trades and repairs oak casks for the Scotch whisky industry was established
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is the key to success. Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility, a construction company, or any other industry that relies on cutting materials, having the right cutting equipment can make a significant difference in your productivity and bottom line. Investing in high-quality cutting tools
Okarno, formerly known as Artex, a leading distributor of some of the UK’s best known construction brands, has appointed Jenny Khmel as Head of Portfolio: Commercial Department. Jenny will provide a vital role in supporting Okarno’s product management, brand marketing and sales teams to drive further business growth. With over 20 years’ experience in global Category and Brand Management for major brands, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in product development, portfolio management and market analysis to Okarno. Jenny is experienced in managing change within many leading organisations and in ensuring that customers and all people within the business are part of the journey. Jason Smith, Managing Director at Okarno, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jenny to the business, with her knowledge, skills and experience, she will be a real asset. Our recent rebrand means this is an exciting time for Okarno as we reinforce our position as an essential supply chain partner for a range of leading construction products.” In January 2024, Artex rebranded to Okarno, with a strapline ‘There are no others like us’. The Okarno brand creates a common sense of purpose, energy, and enthusiasm, whilst capturing the company’s unique approach to supply chain logistics. Jason Smith adds: “Our new brand has been well received in the market as we continue to look for ways to exceed customer expectations, deliver best-in-class and provide a unique service that makes life easier for them.” Okarno provides a unique service by combining market-leading trade brands and delivering them directly through three service offerings. Customers can choose from single pallets, mixed pallet loads, through to small parcels. Okarno delivers to customers of all shapes and sizes and tailors its offering to match the needs of independent merchants, national retailers and online stockists. As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Okarno is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050 and has already made significant steps towards this goal. This also aligns with Saint Gobain’s purpose – Making the world a better home and supporting the vision of being the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. To find out more about Okarno and how its sustainable supply chain partnerships can benefit your business, visit: www.okarno.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has secured planning approval for Colloco, a 200,000 sq ft office development, in the St John’s District of Manchester city centre. The developer is seeking a joint venture partner now to deliver the highly sustainable Grade A office scheme. Situated on the corner of New Quay Street and Gartside Street and formerly the LTE Group’s Manchester College, Colloco will comprise 16 storeys of high-quality flexible accommodation. It will include communal spaces at ground floor level with a concierge reception, a roof pavilion with breakout and events space, and access to a landscaped garden terrace with views across the city. Each suite will also have a private external terrace. Designed by EPR Architects, with Asteer Planning acting as planning consultants, Colloco has been designed with sustainability at its core; the scheme will be built to Net Zero Carbon in construction and operation and is targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings. It will also comply with British Council for Offices standards and include a host of amenities aligned with the WELL building standards. Sitting between St John’s and Spinningfields the area around Colloco is a vibrant hub for businesses in the media, technology, and creative sectors. In 2023, the district saw the opening of the new Aviva Studios, establishing its status as the epicentre of cultural and creative activity in the region. Securing planning and seeking a joint venture partner for Colloco comes a week after HBD and Greater Manchester Pension Fund topped out at Island, a 100,000 sq ft net zero carbon, smart-enabled Grade A office scheme on John Dalton Street in Manchester. Adam Brady, Executive Director at HBD commented: “Colloco represents a new era in workspace design. The building looks to attract dynamic, forward-thinking organisations, which see collaboration and the health and wellbeing of their employees as fundamental to the success of their business.” “We are pleased with the planning approval which recognises the value that a scheme such as Colloco will bring to the city. It will be one of the most sustainable new office buildings in the regional market at a time when high-profile businesses are looking to occupy space which will support their Net Zero Carbon commitments.” The project team includes Arcadis EPR Architects; Asteer Planning, Curtins, Hoare Lea and Ramboll. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The CEO of TerraQuest, the company operating Planning Portal, has welcomed the backing from the Chancellor at his Spring Budget for the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the planning system, but has said that high-quality data is crucial to its success. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, commended plans outlined in the Budget Red Book, which accompanies the Chancellor’s speech, including commitments to use AI solutions to help planning authorities streamline local plan development, as well as implementing new software to streamline key processes for planning officers. “The further development of AI solutions and new software should be the biggest priorities for improving the planning system,” said Geoff. “Indeed, we have already delivered substantial efficiency improvements to the industry with the ongoing development of Planning Portal and the implementation of our modular KeyChain platform. “AI is extremely important to accelerating good decision making, as well as meeting wider housing and economic needs. However, the development and implementation of robust data standards across the sector is crucial to being able to maximise the impact of AI and new software solutions. AI tools need to be able to learn from robust and comprehensive datasets. If certain data is systematically excluded, biases will inevitably emerge. Data standards must ensure that information is collected and stored in ways that are up-to-date, consistent, detailed and interoperable across different platforms. “Planning Portal has already delivered huge improvements in the validation and standardisation of application data. Government policy should now build on this to ensure the availability of high-quality data that allows the industry to enjoy the full benefits of AI.” The KeyChain platform underpins Planning Portal, which TerraQuest operates as a joint venture with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and enables a streamlined online application system that integrates with the back-office systems of local planning authorities. As well as announcements relating to the use of AI and software, the Budget also contained a commitment to match industry-led funding of £3 million for planning capacity and resourcing. “This is an important step forward”, added Geoff. “But it is vital that local planning authorities are enabled to takeimmediate steps to deal with backlogs. Further support for that in a future Budget would be welcome.” TerraQuest is already supporting local planning authorities through its Planning Application Validation Service (PAVS), which helps speed up processes by validating new applications within just 24 to 48 hours. Meanwhile, its Planning Application Case Evaluation Service (PACES) offers an expert team of case officers to assist with the evaluation and determination of planning applications cases. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scan Global Logistics (SGL), a global full-service logistics provider, is pleased to announce its participation in the documentary ‘Innovation & Disruption Leaders’ hosted by China Daily. The documentary explores various industries in Asia, highlighting innovative and disruptive advancements to stay ahead of the curve. SGL has been selected to participate as a leader within the logistics industry for its approach to handling the challenges of the current and future supply chain effectively and innovatively. SGL is known for its customer-first and purpose-driven approach. Its asset-light business model provides customers with flexible, end-to-end, modular logistics and freight forwarding solutions tailored to each customer’s specific needs and requirements. Whether by air, ocean, rail, road, or any combination thereof, applying an entrepreneurial mindset to uncomplicating logistics, its global network and effective infrastructure provide customers with effective and optimised supply chain solutions. Partnership for the win At the core of SGL’s approach lies partnerships as a pivotal key to success in the logistics industry. Rickard Ingvarsson, CEO Asia, expands: ‘To us, logistics is all about partnership and tailormade solutions. We know that not all customers fit into the same box, so we simply build a box of solutions that fit their needs and requirements. It allows us to create long-lasting relations based on extended customer know-how, which, paired with our local expertise and capabilities, is a recipe for success.’ As a frontrunner, SGL invests significantly in sustainable logistics solutions to support its customers need to reduce CO2 emissions. Customers can benefit from CO2 reduction of up to 100% depending on the mode of transport and logistics setup. Rickard Ingvarsson finishes, excited about SGL’s participation in the documentary: ‘Being chosen to partake in the ‘Innovation and Disruption Leaders’ documentary is something we are proud of. It’s a testament to our innovative approach to finding the right solutions for our customers in an ever-changing and constantly evolving logistics market.’ The episode featuring Scan Global Logistics airs on China Daily on 1st March. For more about Scan Global Logistics, please visit www.scangl.com Scan Global Logistics has a defined purpose of uncomplicating the world of logistics every day. As a full-service logistics provider offering a broad range of services and end-to-end logistics solutions across air, ocean, rail, road, warehousing or any combination thereof, the company has a global track record to prove it. Anchored in Science Based Targets to help limit global warming to 1.5°C, SGL also offers customers a complete Low Carbon Logistics Solution Catalogue to help them reduce CO2 emissions from transportation. Deeply rooted in the company’s DNA is a ‘can-do-attitude’ to see every challenge as an opportunity to do more, better, and learn. With a global network spanning six continents and over 3500 employees across +160 offices, the company works closely together to offer worldwide customised solutions. While doing so, SGL insists on creating a meaningful workplace rooted in the company’s guiding virtues of Respect, Integrity, Entrepreneurship and Fun. For further information, visit www.scangl.com and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Expanding cooperage business doubles headcount and size of its base in two years Westway Cooperage is doubling the size of its premises at Canmoor’s Westway, to accommodate a growing workforce and order book for 2024. The company, which trades and repairs oak casks for the Scotch whisky industry was established just two years ago by brothers Jamie, Andrew and Stephen Reilly. The brothers are third-generation master coopers, with their family having been in the cooperage industry since 1961. It is now expanding into Units 7A and 7B, at Westway, Glasgow Airport. This equates to an additional 5,300 sq ft unit, with overall floorspace increasing to 9,400 sq ft. A new 10-year lease has been agreed. The expansion is designed to bolster the ongoing growth of the business, which now employs 14 staff, including 2 directors, 8 coopers, 1 labourer and an apprentice. Jamie Reilly, Director of Westway Cooperage said: “2024 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Westway Cooperage. Our strategic investment in additional space paves the way for the expansion in our cask repair capacity for our key client base.” “Westway remains our ideal location, providing the flexibility needed for growth.” Gregor King, Canmoor’s Asset Manager at Westway added: We are delighted to have concluded this new lease with Westway Cooperage to facilitate their expansion into a refurbished unit as a consequence of the growth of their business. “This is a perfect illustration of the benefits of locating at Westway, where a single entity owns the entire estate and we therefore have greater flexibility to accommodate our occupiers’ changing requirements. “The growing appeal of Westway reflects our commitment to improving existing buildings and developing best in class industrial space with market-leading ESG credentials. This strategic focus is receiving positive feedback from potential occupiers in the Scottish market and we expect to be making further announcements about new lettings in the near future.” “Construction work is also progressing well on Westway 90 and Westway 200, our two brand new speculative sheds, which will bring an additional 300,000 sq ft of high quality industrial/logistics space to the park.” Westway lies approximately 7 miles west of Glasgow City Centre and adjacent to Glasgow International Airport. Westway is accessed from J28 via Glasgow Airport and the new Barnwell Bridge, the four way J27 of the M8 motorway, just 1.2 miles away, which provides access to Glasgow, Edinburgh, M74, M77, M80 and in turn the national motorway network. Andrew McCracken, Director of agent JLL said: “Westway stands as one of Scotland’s premier industrial parks, consistently drawing in substantial interest from industrial and logistics occupiers. Witnessing a new, ambitious business opt to expand its base here is truly encouraging.” Canmoor’s joint leasing agents are JLL and Colliers, with management by Knight Frank Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is the key to success. Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility, a construction company, or any other industry that relies on cutting materials, having the right cutting equipment can make a significant difference in your productivity and bottom line. Investing in high-quality cutting tools not only saves time and money but also ensures precise and consistent results. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of cutting equipment available and how to choose the best ones for your business needs. Understanding The Types Of Cutting Equipment When it comes to cutting equipment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different materials and applications require different tools. Here are some of the most common types of cutting equipment, like those from Milestone Equipment, you should be familiar with: 1. Shears and Scissors Shears and scissors are among the most basic and versatile cutting tools available. While household scissors are designed for cutting paper and lightweight materials, industrial shears are heavy-duty tools that can cut through thicker materials like metal sheets, rubber, and even plastics. Shears come in various designs, such as straight shears, curved shears, and aviation snips, each tailored for specific cutting applications. The advantages of shears and scissors include their portability, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements. However, they’re best suited for cutting thin materials and may not be practical for thicker or harder materials. 2. Band Saws Band saws are powerful cutting machines that use a continuous loop of toothed metal blades to cut through a wide range of materials. They’re commonly used in metalworking, woodworking, and construction industries. Band saws come in different sizes and configurations, from small benchtop models to large freestanding machines. One of the main advantages of band saws is their versatility. They can cut straight lines, curves, and intricate shapes with precision. Band saws are also capable of cutting thick materials, making them suitable for various applications. However, they require proper blade selection and adjustment for optimal performance. 3. Plasma Cutters Plasma cutters are advanced cutting tools that use a high-energy plasma arc to cut through electrically conductive materials like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. They work by ionizing the gas and creating a powerful stream of plasma that can melt and cut through metal with incredible precision. Plasma cutters are known for their ability to make intricate cuts and cut through thick materials with ease. They’re commonly used in metalworking, fabrication, and construction industries. However, plasma cutters require specialized knowledge and safety precautions due to the high temperatures and electrical hazards involved. 4. Laser Cutters Laser cutters are highly precise cutting machines that use a focused laser beam to cut through materials. They’re commonly used for cutting flat materials like metal, wood, acrylic, and fabric but can also be used for engraving and marking. Laser cutters offer several advantages, including high accuracy, minimal material waste, and the ability to create intricate designs and patterns. They’re particularly useful in industries that require precise and complex cuts, such as aerospace, automotive, and sign-making. However, laser cutters can be more expensive than other cutting equipment and may have limitations in terms of the thickness of materials they can cut. 5. Water Jet Cutters Water jet cutters are cutting machines that use a high-pressure stream of water mixed with an abrasive material to cut through various materials, including metal, stone, and glass. They work by focusing a narrow stream of water and abrasive particles to cut through materials with precision and minimal heat generation. Water jet cutters are known for their ability to cut complex shapes and patterns with high accuracy, even in thick and hard materials. They’re commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction, where precise cutting is essential. One of the advantages of water jet cutters is their ability to cut materials without causing heat-related distortions or material degradation. However, they require a consistent supply of water and abrasive materials, which can increase operating costs. Factors To Consider When Choosing Cutting Equipment To ensure you make the right investment, consider these factors when choosing cutting equipment for your business: 1. Material Type Choosing the right cutting equipment for your business starts with understanding the materials you’ll be working with. Different cutting tools are designed to handle specific materials effectively. For example, shears and scissors are best suited for thin materials like paper, fabrics, or thin metal sheets, while plasma cutters are designed for cutting through thick, electrically conductive metals like steel and aluminum. Mismatching the cutting equipment with the material can lead to poor cut quality, excessive wear and tear, or even safety hazards. 2. Cutting Capacity The cutting capacity of the equipment is another critical factor to consider. This refers to the maximum thickness and size of materials the cutting tool can handle without straining or compromising precision. For instance, if you frequently need to cut thick metal plates or large pieces of wood, a heavy-duty band saw or plasma cutter with a higher cutting capacity would be more suitable than a smaller, less powerful machine. Choosing equipment with insufficient cutting capacity can lead to inefficient operations, increased downtime, and potential safety risks. 3. Precision and Accuracy Depending on your application, you may require cutting equipment that can deliver extremely precise and accurate cuts. Industries like aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing often demand tight tolerances and intricate designs. In such cases, laser cutters and water jet cutters are excellent choices due to their high precision and ability to create complex shapes and patterns with minimal material waste. 4. Speed and Efficiency If your business has high-volume cutting needs, prioritizing equipment that can cut quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality is crucial. Factors like cutting speed, feed rate, and automated material handling can significantly impact productivity. For example, a high-speed plasma cutter or a computerized numerical control (CNC) cutting machine may be more suitable for high-volume applications compared to manual cutting tools. 5. Cost and Maintenance While high-end cutting equipment can be a significant investment, it’s essential
