Panattoni, the largest developer in Europe, has completed the purchase of a development on the M3 corridor near to Farnborough, south east of London. Panattoni Farnborough 170 is the latest addition to the developer’s portfolio, having recently announced its commitment to three million sq ft of speculative builds in the UK this year. The prime positioning of this 8.33 acre site, which will accommodate for a building of 168,241 sq ft within an established logistics location (previously the Benthalls Warehouse), means it will offer the occupier a rare opportunity for those looking to serve Europe’s largest consumer market. Panattoni Farnborough 170 is strategically located to the south east of London and is adjacent to J4 of the M3 at Farnborough. Just a 15 minutes’ drive to J12 of the M25, it has 15.6 million consumers within a 90-minute drive time. More than 60% of the UK is accessible within a 4.5 hours HGV drive time. It also sits within the top tier of locations, allowing delivery companies to reach millions of customers the same day. Demolition of the old Benthalls unit is due to take place this month, with the building ready in Q3 of 2021. Completed the facility could generate over 170 employment opportunities. The building will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’, with many sustainable credentials and an EPC rating of ‘A’. The facility will benefit from up to 2.5 MVa power. It will have 15m clear internal height, 12 dock doors, 9 level access doors for van deliveries, as well as extensive car parking, electric charging points and cycle spaces.  “This is a rare opportunity for the occupier to be near the excellent location of the M3 corridor region and be able to serve Europe’s largest consumer market. The specification of the building has been adapted to deliver on this ample power, loading provisions and direct M3 access. Panattoni Farnborough 170 will be delivered at speed, and the demolition of the Benthalls unit will shortly be underway on the site,” said Tony Watkins, Development Director for Panattoni. “There is high demand for this kind of building within this market and the 170,000 sq ft development offers a strong base for a variety of occupiers requiring excellent transport links,” he added. TSL have been appointed main contractor on the site, and agents on the scheme are DTRE and Savills. 

Laser technology is more varied and versatile than you might imagine, with different solutions developed to tackle a cavalcade of use cases across the manufacturing sector. The main choice faced by most businesses is that between CO2 laser cutters and fiber laser alternatives. If you are unfamiliar with either or both, making a decision can be tricky, so here is a quick rundown of the differences to bring you up to speed. The perks & pitfalls of CO2 laser cutters The main selling point of CO2 laser cutters, like those from Lotus Laser, is that they are well suited to use in conjunction with a wide variety of different materials, and so they can be put to use for a multitude of diverse applications. Cutting, marking and engraving can be carried out on everything from organic materials such as wood and stone to artificial counterparts such as plastics, PCBs and much more besides. Another advantage which they bring to the table, which further improves their versatility in a number of contexts, is that they are better equipped to take on thicker materials for cutting purposes, with this being carried out faster and with a smoother finish for anything over 5mm in thickness. Last but not least, a good motivator to making use of CO2 lasers is that they have been widely used for well over three decades at this point, so the availability of experienced operators to use them and support providers to keep them up and running is second to none. Of course CO2 laser cutters are not without their foibles, and the most significant sticking point which might give you pause is the energy costs involved in keeping them up and running. They can cost as much as 70% more than an equivalent fiber laser system to power, and that is before you even factor in the additional expenses that are necessitated by the maintenance requirements of such an assembly. The benefits & annoyances of fiber lasers Also known as solid state lasers, cutting with a fiber laser is sensible if you are looking for speed and precision when dealing with thin, metallic materials, whether for full on cutting or simply etching and engraving. They are significantly speedier in this particular scenario than CO2 laser systems, and also have the benefit of providing a tighter focal point and a much higher intensity of laser light over this area of focus. The result of this is that fiber lasers can cut and mark materials with accuracy and also without needing to generate any waste, or cause undue fatigue or damage to any of the material surrounding the targeted zone. Aside from these advantages, perhaps the primary reason to pick a fiber laser solution if you are working with metals is that it will be comparatively cheap to buy and maintain in the long term, since there are fewer parts and components involved in doing the lion’s share of the work, so repairs and replacements are infrequently needed. Another issue that users of fiber lasers will face is that while the technology is fairly well established, it is still relatively immature in terms of its development when set alongside the better known and understood CO2 laser solutions. This has an impact both on the ability to operate and deploy fiber lasers for different purposes effectively. Steps forward are being made all the time, but a CO2 laser cutter could be a better investment right now, even if fiber lasers eventually come to dominate years down the line. Final thoughts Any business that wants to invest in laser manufacturing equipment should weigh up their options, consider their budget and think carefully about whether CO2 or fiber laser systems make the most sense. The good news is that with enough forethought and planning, either one could make a good addition to your production line.

The potential staying-power of any project has always been a key consideration for town planners, developers and private contractors in the construction of building and structural systems. But as we move into a future that’s set to be impacted by the evolving issue of climate change, achieving durability (and the most sustainable use of carbon-intensive raw materials) represents a growing challenge to the construction industry.  For both existing buildings and new projects, building cladding offers protection from the elements, keeping buildings and infrastructure functional and attractive far into the future. With many options for cladding available, vitreous enamel provides architects and builders with the benefits of longevity, protection, safety and design versatility in their construction ventures – making it the ideal choice in a variety of circumstances.  What Is Vitreous Enamel Cladding?  Vitreous enamel is created by fusing powered glass to a substrate – and in the case of cladding and signmaking, stainless steel – by firing it to a very high temperature, allowing the glass to harden into a smooth, durable coating. The word “vitreous” drives from the Latin vitreum, which means glass, and it’s this element which allows for such creative freedom (including a hugely extensive colour range) in designs – making it ideal for exterior murals and public art projects.  The resulting surface on vitreous enamel cladding benefits from low static, preventing dust adhesion and reducing the need for continual maintenance. The colours chosen for a project are unaffected by sunlight and therefore won’t fade over a building’s lifetime, suiting vitreous enamel cladding to both practical and aesthetic utilisations in any suitable construction project.  What are the Advantages of Using Vitreous Enamel Cladding on Buildings and Structural Systems?  There are a variety of factors at play when we consider the advantages of using vitreous enamel cladding on buildings and structural systems. At its most basic, the purpose of cladding is protection. To the general person, building materials can appear broadly infallible and adding further protection may seem redundant, but everyone in the construction industry is aware of how quickly materials can degrade – potentially undermining both structural integrity and energy rating.  Cladding increases the mechanical strength of a variety of structures and protects key structural elements from exposure to the environment. We can expect to see greater extremes in temperature, as well as more adverse weather events, in the coming decades, and cladding can ensure buildings are less susceptible to water absorption, chemical pollution and cracking caused by thermal expansion and contraction.  Vitreous enamel can also increase the fire safety of a building or structure, as a zero smoke, zero fire rated material that can be used as a cladding or rain shield system to a building, tunnel or even room. People’s safety should of course be the primary consideration for any building or public space, and enamel coatings applied to steel panels not only offer greater protection to the core building material, but the individuals who use that space.  At a glance, the practical benefits of cladding in this material include:  Durability Weather-resistance Easy maintenance  UV resistance Dirt-repellent Non-flammable Graffiti-proof But aside from the purely pragmatic, cladding using vitreous enamel has the scope for some truly artistic applications, and can incorporate everything from wayfaring to abstract design. Urban design has been linked to the mental health of town and city dwellers in a variety of ways (including access to green spaces and active space for exercise), but a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of this phenomenon is how urban spaces look.  City dwellers have an almost 40% increased risk of depression, over 20% more of anxiety, and double the risk of developing schizophrenia compared to people who live in the countryside.  While the causes are complex, mental health is closely associated with strong social connections and social capital, and urban design can be a key part of this.  Firstly, the aesthetic potential of vitreous enamel gives those in the construction industry a chance to engage the local community concerning colour and design – which increases the pro-social potential of any development and lets residents feel more in control of the area they live in. Secondly, while most of the research into urban spaces and mental health focuses on green areas like parks, making streets, buildings and public spaces aesthetically pleasing can also boost people’s sense of wellbeing and pride in their city, as well as increasing its cultural capital.  As the construction industry (and wider society) grows more aware of the importance of sustainability, increasing environmental pressures and the impact of urban spaces on the mental health of those who live in them, the priorities in construction and design are likely to continue to shift.  Vitreous enamel cladding offers architects and builders a way to respond to these changing priorities in a forward-thinking way, future-proofing their projects and ensuring they can withstand evolving pressures in a changing world. 

Honda of the UK Manufacturing (Honda) has announced it has entered into a contract for sale of its Swindon site. Originally purchased by the Japanese car manufacturer in 1985, the site will be sold to Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of new build industrial and logistics facilities.  In 2019, Honda Motor announced a restructuring of its global automobile manufacturing operations, which included the cessation of production at the UK plant in July 2021, at the end of the current model cycle of the Civic Hatchback. Following the closure announcement, Honda committed to leaving the site in a responsible way, with a sustainable legacy for Swindon. “We are pleased to have identified a capable new owner of the site. From our engagement with Panattoni and initial discussions with Swindon Borough Council, we are confident that the new owner can bring the development forward in a commercially timely fashion and generate exciting prospects for Swindon and the wider community,” said Jason Smith, Director at Honda of the UK Manufacturing.  Following the end of production on 30 July 2021, Honda will immediately commence the decommissioning of the Swindon site. The site is anticipated to be legally handed over in Spring 2022, once the necessary consents have been obtained, and Panattoni will start regeneration and redevelopment shortly thereafter.  James Watson, Development Director for Panattoni, said: “Panattoni is committing to invest over £700 million into the site to attract new employers and provide for existing businesses looking to expand in Swindon. We will be working very closely with Honda and Swindon Borough Council, along with the community and its representatives to regenerate the site.”  Matthew Byrom, Managing Director of Panattoni in the UK, said: “The acquisition of the 370-acre Honda facility demonstrates our capabilities to work at scale. The re development of this strategic employment site will deliver thousands of new opportunities in roles which underpin the operation of the local and regional economy.”  Susie Kemp, Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council, said: “The new opportunities outlined by Panattoni will be a major step in Swindon’s rejuvenation following Honda’s exit. Their investment offers a significant boost to the local economy and we are excited by the prospect of this redevelopment creating thousands of jobs for Swindon and the surrounding area. We already have a strong working relationship with Panattoni following their recent development of the adjacent site, Symmetry Park, and look forward to working with them over the next year. We understand that Honda’s key aim was to identify a responsible new owner and I believe today’s announcement demonstrates that.”  As part of its continued efforts to leave a positive legacy in the local community, Honda will assess opportunities for small sections at the edge of the site that are not required for Panattoni’s development to be utilised by the neighbouring communities. Panattoni will now commence all necessary planning work with Swindon Borough Council, with support from Honda. 

Panattoni, the largest developer in Europe, has committed to speculatively develop 515,000 sq ft in Derby, at the heart of the UK’s major road and motorway network. The developer is advancing its building portfolio with construction beginning on the site this month for the Derby 515 warehouse. At 514,193 sq ft, it is set to be one of the largest single-unit speculative developments under construction in the country, ahead of the Panattoni Wakefield development of 512,850 sq ft. The building is part of Panattoni’s 900,000 sq ft development at Derby Commercial Park, on Raynesway, two miles east of the city. It is already home to the speculatively built Derby 370 unit, which has recently been let to Alloga UK on a 15-year lease term. Derby 515 is expected to complete Q4 2021, with the potential for circa 500 jobs to be created. The building will have 15m clear internal height, 56 dock doors and 8 level access doors, as well as parking for 185 trailers. It will be built to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings. Panattoni has also announced a new design to their portfolio which enables the buildings to be split to accommodate two operations. Derby 515 has been designed with a flexible envelope to accommodate a cross-split option, allowing the building to be sub-divided down its length for two occupiers. The cross-split will form two self-contained units of 226,497 sq ft and 287,416 sq ft. Each would have 28 dock doors, 4 level access doors, a secure self-contained yard, a car park and own gatehouse. “The new warehouse will be built to our normal high specifications offering flexibility and energy cost savings to occupiers. This will be one of the largest single-unit spec builds in the country and will benefit from being in one of the UK’s centres for advanced manufacturing and logistics,” said Andy Preston, Development Manager for Panattoni Derby 515.