Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its
TopWerk Group, the global leader in concrete manufacturing equipment and technology, has officially endorsed Partanna Global’s ground-breaking carbon-negative binder technology as the number one green alternative to traditional Portland cement. As part of a collaboration agreement between the two companies, announced today at the World of Concrete conference in Las
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in
Over the last month, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors have survived a rock avalanche, emerged unscathed from Poseidon’s salty deluge, and survived the dusty embrace of the Sandman himself… What else could these brave units possibly be faced with?! Well, the most bone-chilling challenge has been saved ‘til last. As
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers
Leading manufacturer of physical security systems, CLD, has announced the launch of a fully autonomous off grid, solar powered automatic boom arm barrier system. The RiseMaster HE will be exhibited at Plantworx 2023, 13-15 June in Peterborough. As one of the largest suppliers of security fencing in the UK, CLD
The appointment marks another framework win for the growing EV charging infrastructure specialist. Omega Red, a UK market leading earthing and EV charging solutions business, has recently been appointed as sole supplier on a new utility sector EV charging infrastructure framework, following a competitive tender process. Appointed by South Staffs
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric
Premier Forecourts and Construction, a specialist in forecourts and diverse construction projects, has completed works at a Motor Fuel Group (MFG) site at Crow Orchard in Wigan, providing MFG’s latest ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) 150kW chargers. Swansea-based Premier Forecourts and Construction was appointed by MFG as principal contractor to install
Electric vehicle charging points across the UK are set to be increased with an extra £2.5 million funding. This new set of funding will help install over 1,000 new charge points, supporting the on-street residential scheme which launched in 2017. The scheme aims to encourage even more people to choose an
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speedier materials handling, and reduced energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered when the process control specialist overhauled an entire plant design and production line. Saint Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction materials. Since 1984, its Reynosa factory in Mexico has been involved in the manufacture and sale of solid and nonwoven fibre abrasives (such as abrasive pads and wheels). Promtek developed a complete turnkey solution for the factory which had the purpose of filling boxes with a predetermined number of ingredients/materials. The redesigned Reynosa trolley dispensing system consists of 250 individual ingredient locations arranged in two rows over approximately 50m of track. With a laser guided trolley that has two weigh scales per unit, the whole system can handle five boxes simultaneously. The overall system specification consists of: In what was a highly intensive, six figure value project, Promtek applied its twenty years of specialist R&D experience, bringing proven ideas and designs to bar on this unique project. Promtek revisited the original innovative solution, re-engineered it, and implemented significant improvements. As the new system was going to be twice the size in load capacity and volume, the technology needed to be brought up to date to meet the customer’s considerable performance requirements. Charles Williams, Promtek’s Managing Director, explained: “The opportunity to innovate and improve is always an excellent motivator but so is delivering the best solution for St Gobain. Previously, a total system had been designed for a smaller factory in Stafford. Despite this factory being one of the smallest in the group, it was the best performing, meaning Promtek sought collaboration with the engineers, designers, and everyone else involved. Engineering should be universal with core concepts and solutions able to be shared across borders.” To complement and support the new production solution Promtek installed the Kestrel Control System, an advanced system that featured a bespoke software design supplied by a subcontractor, Aptech Powder Handling Systems. Working collaboratively, the two companies created the mechanical design of a first generation total process system to then create a brand-new second generation system which resulted in leaner maintenance, reduced downtime, and improved workforce utilisation, amongst a multitude of other modernisation benefits. Promtek built a full working 1:10 scale prototype in the UK. 1:10 scale was an appropriate model size as it enabled the full system to be demonstrated with correct relative speed, size, and operation of the laser guidance systems. Laser positioning, which is accurate to the millimetre, helped the system to be flexible and fast. Trolleys and tanks could have their positions changed as necessary, meaning loading and unloading positions could be adjusted and manipulated as required. St Gobain’s Jaime Guzman commented: “This was a complex but incredibly exciting project across international borders. Promtek engineers designed an excellent system which far exceeded all the factory’s current needs. They are known for exceptional engineering, and we were delighted with the results. “As a construction materials manufacturer we make a wide range of different, complex products that can be strangely shaped, or obtuse, or abrasive. Our system must be millimetre accurate and precise, and with the expert engineering support available at Promtek the system has been completely reliable since completion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TopWerk Group, the global leader in concrete manufacturing equipment and technology, has officially endorsed Partanna Global’s ground-breaking carbon-negative binder technology as the number one green alternative to traditional Portland cement. As part of a collaboration agreement between the two companies, announced today at the World of Concrete conference in Las Vegas, TopWerk is formally endorsing Partanna as the most advanced green concrete solution in the market. TopWerk recognizes Partanna’s carbon negative binder as a direct, plug-and-play replacement solution to Portland cement, that is fully compatible with their machines. Partanna has also confirmed its plans to use TopWerk machinery for its first four factories globally. The exclusive agreement spans an initial term of three years with a global scope. As part of the partnership agreement, TopWerk will formally endorse Partanna to its existing global customer base, with a view to moving them from Portland cement to Partanna’s carbon negative binder. TopWerk’s endorsement follows a recent announcement by one of the world’s leading real estate developers, ROSHN, that it intends to invest into a new facility in Saudi Arabia, utilizing Partanna’s technology. In concrete production, Portland cement serves as an adhesive binder that holds together aggregates, allowing for the formation of durable structures. It is the world’s most used commodity after water and its production is responsible for 9% of the world’s emissions. Partanna’s patented process for concrete production negates the need for Portland cement. Instead, the company uses an alternative binder – made from natural recycled ingredients – which cures at room temperature. The binder components in Partanna consume CO₂ as they cure, removing carbon from the atmosphere in the process. This process ensures that concrete materials made with Partanna are carbon negative. Partanna materials are just as affordable, versatile and durable as concrete products made with Portland cement. Manufacturers do not need to purchase any special equipment or aggregates in order to produce Partanna concrete. Robert Gruss, CEO of TopWerk Group, said: “The construction industry has used cement as a major material since the Roman age, and in particular since the start of industrialisation. Today, the classical cement industry alone is one of the strongest CO₂ pollutants globally. “We believe our exclusive partner Partanna has come up with a truly impressive solution that can contribute to putting this practice to an end. “The company’s carbon negative binder is one of the most exciting innovations we have witnessed in our industry for decades. It is the most advanced alternative binder solution in the market and the only credibly carbon negative solution that has the potential to scale globally. “Over the last two years, we have rigorously tested their formula and have validated its application as a direct replacement solution for Portland cement. In many ways, their binder actually performs better than the legacy solution. “We believe that Partanna is not just an alternative to Portland cement, but can be a major part of the future of the concrete industry. Our endorsement reflects our absolute confidence in their technology and its potential to transform the market. This why we have joined hands in an exclusive cooperation.” TopWerk Group is the umbrella company of the world’s leading group of companies in the field of machines and plants for the industrial production of concrete products. Its brands include Hess Group, Hess AAC Systems, SR Schindler, Masa Group and Prinzing Pfeiffer. Rick Fox, CEO and co-founder of Partanna Global, added: “TopWerk’s endorsement of Partanna represents a major vote of confidence in our technology from one of the most respected names in global construction. “We’re humbled and proud that one of the world’s leading concrete machinery producers has given us their backing. We hope this signals to the industry that Portland cement is no longer the only solution in town, and that the days of burning rocks are fast coming to an end.” Partanna’s building material has been independently verified by Intertek, a leading international product testing and certification firm. This verification confirms that Partanna’s unique product meets and sometimes exceeds key ASTM standards, ensuring structural integrity and safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in the design, production and commercialisation of bathroom furnishings and LAUFEN’s parent company, has invested in the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware. In an effort to decarbonise the inherent energy and carbon-intensive production of ceramic goods, the company has taken a decisive step towards electrifying its production processes at its Laufen plant in Gmunden (Austria) thanks to the cutting-edge technology from Keramischer Ofenbau, world technology leader in the manufacture of ceramic kilns. The German kiln manufacturer has been focusing on sustainable innovation for over 25 years and is a market leader in energy efficient ceramic kilns, making it the ideal partner for Roca Group’s decarbonisation project. Electricity, no gas: a revolution for the sanitaryware industry Albert Magrans, CEO at Roca Group, said: “We have a long-term goal to decarbonise our operations and we have been working hard to find solutions that will help us achieve this. This new pan-European partnership not only helps us on our way to net-zero but is also a clear step forward for the industry as a whole”. The first production results of the new kiln system show great potential for the entire industry, because not only sanitaryware production can benefit from this new technology, but also other ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This kiln proves that the complete decarbonisation of ceramic production is not only possible, but also realistic and economically feasible. The new tunnel kiln is highly efficient, decarbonised, and automated and provides a valuable alternative to conventional production dependent on fossil fuels. It is a key milestone in ensuring that Gmunden becomes the world’s first net-zero sanitaryware production facility by 2024. This investment is also central to Roca Group’s decarbonization strategy. The Group closed 2022 with a 39% reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to the 2018 baseline, approaching its SBTi target of carbon neutrality by 2045. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over the last month, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors have survived a rock avalanche, emerged unscathed from Poseidon’s salty deluge, and survived the dusty embrace of the Sandman himself… What else could these brave units possibly be faced with?! Well, the most bone-chilling challenge has been saved ‘til last. As this series comes to a close, tune in to see a portable air compressor’s notoriously robust design and top-quality materials tested against the deep freeze of the great outdoors; after being buried in 250kg of snow, and where temperatures drop to a bone-chilling -25°C. Will it be snowed under, or will it prove itself – once and for all – the toughest of the tough? Watch the final video of our four-part series below… Winter is coming! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has completed major upgrades to the electricity network across Mid and North Wales, paving the way for the rollout of rapid EV charging across the region. In collaboration with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, SP Energy Networks has created additional electricity capacity for EV chargers to serve major roads, commuter hubs and tourist locations across Wales. This vital investment will help make low carbon car journeys accessible for more people, by giving EV users confidence in making long journeys across Mid and North Wales. It will also provide a huge boost to achieving Welsh Government’s low carbon transport ambitions, including the installation of up to 4000 rapid EV chargers by 2030. With a climate emergency declared by Welsh Government in 2019 and the ban on petrol and diesel cars approaching, future proofing the electricity network to support EV charging rollout has never been more important SP Energy Networks Manweb Director Liam O’Sullivan said: “We’ve worked closely with our partners to identify more than 20 sites that will benefit from new infrastructure for EV charge points, which will really make a difference to those commuting and travelling through Mid and North Wales. “By taking a forward-looking approach and delivering ahead of need, the Green Recovery Investment project ensures capacity is available as people make the move to low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps. “And we’re already seeing that in action with connections at some sites already up and running and supporting customers on their journeys, such as the Rhug Estate which now makes use of eight rapid, EV chargers, making it the second largest EV charging site in Wales. “That’s exactly the kind of change we’re enabling through infrastructure investment, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners and service providers to create the net zero energy future we all want – and need.” Lee Waters, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Climate Change (with responsibility for transport) said: “We are in a climate emergency and we all need to play our part in the drive to hit net zero by 2050. “Making the switch to electric vehicles is just one thing that will make a difference but, to do that, drivers need confidence in the charging facilities available. “It is crucial that we work with the private sector to develop charging infrastructure and we are grateful to SP Energy Networks for their work in delivering major upgrades to the electricity network.” By making visitor destinations in rural Wales more accessible to EV owners, it is hoped that footfall at local businesses and tourist destinations will be increased and that local economies will benefit. And the work required to bring charging facilities to these sites is making sure local supply chains in Wales can benefit and play their part too. Eight of the sites have also been selected in collaboration with Transport for Wales, to ensure that rural commuters can access EV charging at transport hubs in local towns. Geoff Ogden, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Transport for Wales said: “TfW and SP Energy Networks worked together to identify sites to deliver capacity ahead of need. “We have worked closely with SP Energy Networks and Welsh Government to find the right locations for capacity upgrades that offer the maximum benefit for road users who are commuting. “Proactive infrastructure investment is absolutely crucial is we are to achieve Net Zero. We’ve worked with SP Energy Networks to identify 8 sites, 7 of which are now live, and it’s great to see they are already well used, particularly at Dolgellau. Proactive infrastructure investment like Green Recovery is so important to achieving net zero, it’s been great to work with SP Energy Networks to identify sites and ensure they are future proofed for increased use of EV’s.” The work has been made possible by SP Energy Network’s Green Recovery Investment Project. The Distribution Network Operator has worked with Ofgem and the Energy Networks Association to unlock over £60 million funding to help bring forward connection to low carbon technologies and accelerate the drive to net zero. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading manufacturer of physical security systems, CLD, has announced the launch of a fully autonomous off grid, solar powered automatic boom arm barrier system. The RiseMaster HE will be exhibited at Plantworx 2023, 13-15 June in Peterborough. As one of the largest suppliers of security fencing in the UK, CLD Systems offer tailored, trusted and durable security solutions to protect environments such as data centres, schools, transport hubs, manufacturing warehouses, high-profile sporting venues, open spaces, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites. Its latest product launch is the RiseMaster HE Barrier, a fully autonomous, off-grid, solar powered, automatic boom arm barrier system. The system is available in both surface mount version – free standing and rapidly deployable – as well as a permanent version. Ideal for settings such as secure compounds, construction sites and events that require vehicular control, the product has been designed with sustainability in mind and features primary and secondary photovoltaic panels, eliminating the need for the installation of road crossing control cabling. The barrier system not only offers a more environmentally friendly option thanks to being completely solar powered, but also reduces carbon emissions due to no groundworks being required during installation. The RiseMaster offers off grid solar autonomy 24/7, 365 days a year and zero carbon emissions over a 10-year life cycle. It can be delivered with a full charge, utilising 100% renewable energy from the CLD factory. The RiseMaster can power auxiliary third party equipment such as intercoms, radio transmitters and other equipment, and is fully compliant with Safety Force Test Compliant to EN 12453:2017. Its barrier arm features an inbuilt red and green traffic light LED system to indicate when it is safe to enter or exit. It is also available with photocells to ensure accurate presence detection. The RiseMaster’s continuous flanged post is made from high strength steel for added durability and longevity. Its FenceSafe battery container allows static equilibrium of the system and housing of the batteries to be combined within the same container, providing users with a convenient and efficient solution for managing and securing its battery whilst reducing the amount of space required. Like many CLD solutions, the RiseMaster is available on a rental basis, offering flexible on ground physical security that can be quickly and easily commissioned and removed to leave no trace. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity this also reduces the number of physical tools required. CLD operates from a range of sites in the UK to also ensure guaranteed available stock to meet short lead time requirements. Russel Wells, Director of CLD Systems, comments: “Our products embrace the latest in innovative technology with sophisticated control systems to ensure the highest level of security and sustainability. The RiseMaster Barrier offers customers a tailored, easy to install solution which has been designed with British and European safety regulations in mind.” For more information on CLD Systems, please visit: www.cld-systems.com
The appointment marks another framework win for the growing EV charging infrastructure specialist. Omega Red, a UK market leading earthing and EV charging solutions business, has recently been appointed as sole supplier on a new utility sector EV charging infrastructure framework, following a competitive tender process. Appointed by South Staffs Water, the Omega Red team will deliver scheme feasibility and design, AC and DC (Fast and Rapid) charger installation and back-office provision that will help the business monitor and control infrastructure usage. The water company, which provides clean water to over half a million homes in the South Staffs region and more than 350,000 customers in Cambridge, has committed to electrify its small van fleet by 2025. With an initial 15 electric vehicles already on the fleet or imminent, the company is investing in the right infrastructure to ensure its teams can charge conveniently and effectively, supporting the business to continue to provide the essential services its customers expect. Phase one of the programme will see 4 rapid DC chargers and a number of AC chargers installed across the South Staff and Cambridge Water region. Iain Coleman, head of EV, Omega Red commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by South Staffs Water to support this important environmental initiative and look forward to bringing our experience and guidance to support their programme to make sure they maximise the benefits of this investment.” Tom Fewster, asset management and investment delivery director, South Staffs Water added: “Electrifying our fleet is an important element of our customer promise to protect the environment and minimise our environmental impact as we go about providing our essential services. Ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to keep our electric fleet moving is crucial, throughout the tender process, the Omega Red team was able to demonstrate their expertise and experience in this area and we look forward to working with them as we roll out our infrastructure programme.” Omega Red offers electric vehicle charging solutions right across the UK, supporting non-domestic clients with charging infrastructure concept, design, HV connection, installation, charging operations and maintenance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric vehicle charging was a significant element of the project. The building will act as an electrical vehicle charging hub for the council’s fleet of vehicles, utilising a large array of roof mounted solar PVs and battery storage units to obtain maximum efficiency out of the system. To make way for the brand-new, two-storey mixed use vehicle depot building, the existing workshop was demolished to be replaced by one which houses workshop spaces and office accommodation as well as a fuel station, electric charging hub, and a security gatehouse to service the entrance, which leads to parking facilities for fleet, visitors and staff. After a competitive tender Esh Construction (Esh) was appointed as contractor in the summer of 2020. In keeping with its social value strategy to work with local firms whenever possible, Esh appointed Durham-based Howarth Litchfield as architect with shared responsibility for submitting the planning application, which was given the green light in early 2021. Howarth Litchfield Director, Keith Handy, added: “We’re delighted to have been involved with the redevelopment of Parsons Depot which builds on our experience in this vital sector. In this case, the project sets the benchmark on sustainability within the context of local authority fleet vehicle management, providing a new strategic asset for Sunderland City Council, housing frontline services for fleet management, highways operations, refuse collection, horticultural services, and so on. “Specifically, it not only supports the current outgoing fossil fuel vehicles but is also heavily designed around the incoming electrical vehicle fleet both in terms of the vehicles’ everyday maintenance as well as providing a centralised electrical charging hub.” Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree is the council’s Climate Champion. She said: “We are moving towards our aims of being a carbon neutral city and the Parsons Depot is part of this big picture. The hi-tech updates for energy consumption, carbon emissions and its environmentally friendlier facilities allow us to expand our capacity for specialist electric and other low carbon EVs. Parsons helps towards meeting our moves of making the council carbon neutral by 2030 and having a carbon neutral city by 2040.” The co-location of services on this 6.37 acre (2.58 Ha) site has led to greater efficiency and provides flexibility for future reorganisation or expansion if required. The project is very much a first in the North East within local authorities as they look at how they will facilitate and maintain a new fleet of electrical vehicles by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premier Forecourts and Construction, a specialist in forecourts and diverse construction projects, has completed works at a Motor Fuel Group (MFG) site at Crow Orchard in Wigan, providing MFG’s latest ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) 150kW chargers. Swansea-based Premier Forecourts and Construction was appointed by MFG as principal contractor to install eight new bays with ultra-rapid 150kW chargers for electric vehicles at the site. The Crow Orchard electric vehicle hub is the first of MFG’s EV Power stations to be located next to a major trunk road. The site now caters for drivers of electric vehicles as well as traditional petrol and diesel engines, with the cutting-edge ultra-rapid EV chargers allowing around 100 miles of driving from just 10 minutes of charging – making the refuelling experience comparable to that of drivers of petrol and diesel cars. Following Prime Minister Johnson’s announcement towards the end of 2020, which brought forward the date for the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2030, the future of motoring is undoubtedly electric. As a result, MFG are investing significantly in electric vehicle charging points across the UK. Time-lapse footage released collaboratively by Premier Forecourts and Construction and Motor Fuel Group shows how the work to install the eight new EV chargers was able to be completed, whilst allowing the busy service station to remain open. The project was completed on time, safely and without disruption, despite the challenging working environment caused by COVID-19. Formerly the construction division of The Premier Group, Premier Forecourts and Construction has grown and diversified into other areas of construction, in addition to its specialist forecourt work. Its work base within the electrical vehicle charging sector has significantly increased in recent years, showcasing its successful expansion into new markets. Steve Evans, Premier Forecourts and Construction managing director, said: “We were delighted to be working on such an important project for MFG using its new design of EV charger. We hope this will be the first of many similar projects we complete for them across the UK.” Andrew Edwards, Group Infrastructure Director at MFG, said: “A very complex construction project delivered on time, delivered on budget and made easy, thank you Premier!”
Electric vehicle charging points across the UK are set to be increased with an extra £2.5 million funding. This new set of funding will help install over 1,000 new charge points, supporting the on-street residential scheme which launched in 2017. The scheme aims to encourage even more people to choose an electric vehicle by making it easier to charge their cars near home, following a 158% increase in battery electric vehicle sales compared to July last year. The investment will go towards helping local authorities to install these chargepoints, which can be built into existing structures like lamp-posts. Announcing the doubled funding for the scheme, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It’s fantastic that there are now more than 20,000 publicly accessible chargepoints and double the number of electric vehicle chargepoints than petrol stations, but we want to do much more. “It’s vital that electric vehicle drivers feel confident about the availability of chargepoints near their homes, and that charging an electric car is seen as easy as plugging in a smartphone. “That’s why we are now doubling the funding available for local authorities to continue building the infrastructure we need to super-charge the zero emission revolution – right across the country.” The funding was increased in an effort to meet demand and accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles as the UK moves towards net zero emissions by 2050 and further improve air quality. The allocation of funding for on-street residential chargepoints is also part of the £1.5 billion investment underpinned by the Road to Zero Strategy.
