Enclosureanswers.com delivers free expert advice to their customers which could allow them to find the right electrical enclosure to suit their needs. Making sure that you pick the right enclosure is vital as it could have a significant impact on profit and loss for the project. Making a larger order
Twiflex is a leading global supplier of power transition components and has been working to provide parking brakes that will be used on mine hoists at Nkana’s Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia. Nkana is known for being one of the largest copper and cobalt mines in Africa and operates four
Peacock Engineering has been awarded a contract to offer asset management solutions for Flogas. The management solution will be delivered by Peacock for their client’s installation and maintenance engineers who operate across the nation. Peacock Engineering Ltd was first created in order to deliver a range of Asset and Service
Greenford Ltd were thrilled to officially receive their multiple ISO accreditation certificates during a ceremony at the picturesque National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey last week. Greenford were officially awarded these accreditations in June 2017 from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) however received their certificates from accreditation providers the
The global provider of infrastructure, AECOM has said that it is important for the infrastructure industry to do more in terms of encouraging the younger generation to think about an apprenticeship in this area. In order to improve the capacity of the industry, talent needs to be attracted through the
Specialist Surfacing has announced the completion of a contract that has seen the delivery of a new closed road circuit in Hull. The 1km circuit has been constructed to be used by cyclists in the area. The new track has cost £650,000 and can be found next to the Ennerdale
Highways England has contracted GRAHAM for improvement works to be carried out on four major roads located in the East of England. The work has been granted to GRAHAM in the form of two major packages that will cover improvements to the A47, A11, A1 and A12. The contract has
Jet Aire, the Leeds based drainage company has started work as part of a substantial project that will see a range of sensitive drainage improvements made at a Manchester chemical manufacturing facility. The work is being carried out by Jet Aire on behalf of the drug development company CARBOGEN AMCIS.
ECS Engineering Services has delivered a full renovation of Peakirk pumping station on the River Welland on behalf of the Environment Agency, significantly boosting the effectiveness of flood defences in the area. Work carried out has included the refurbishment of the station’s pointing doors; the installation of an adjustable stoplog
Balfour Beatty, the British multinational infrastructure group, and civil engineering company has revealed that they have managed to move back into profit for the first half of 2017. This year the company has recorded a pre-tax profit of £12 million. In the same period last year, the company was in
Enclosureanswers.com delivers free expert advice to their customers which could allow them to find the right electrical enclosure to suit their needs. Making sure that you pick the right enclosure is vital as it could have a significant impact on profit and loss for the project. Making a larger order of over-specified enclosures could eat into a projects margins, whereas a poorly specified solution could then lead to long-term performance problems which could them lead to warranty claims and worse. In order to make sure that customers make the right decision, www.enclousreanswers.com has been established. This service offers an opportunity for customers to approach industry experts in order to get advice and ask technical questions from areas such as enclosure specification and installation. The website is free to use and has been launched by the largest ex-stock supplier of non-metallic electrical enclosures in the UK, Spelsberg UK. Spelsberg has developed a reputation for delivering high quality standard and customised solutions while also offering low lead times on all of their orders. The company noticed an increase in the number of technical questions being asked by their customers and decided to take action and create a service to directly handle them. The company has noticed that over the course of the last decade, more and more customers have been turning to Spelsberg UK in order to get expert advice as well as engineering services. The cause for this could be the increase in savvy buying culture which has grown more since the recession. More technical questions could also be due to the wider range of solutions and options that are becoming available from manufacturers such as Spelsberg UK. The free service is available from the company with no obligation that the customer buys from them after, in order to offer assistance and make sure that the correct solution is chosen.
Twiflex is a leading global supplier of power transition components and has been working to provide parking brakes that will be used on mine hoists at Nkana’s Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia. Nkana is known for being one of the largest copper and cobalt mines in Africa and operates four underground mines as well as an open pit. FLSmidth, the leading mine hoist manufacturer has worked with Twiflex and their South African distribution partner, Tritec Sintered Products in order to carry out the installation of the new parking brakes. FLSmidth supplied the project with a double drum Blair Multi-Rope rock winder and a single drum BMR as well as man/materials winder to the Nkana project. The BMR winder has been developed as a variation on the double drum winder and can be used in extremely deep shafts with the second drum on the winder used to balance the primary load. The drums installed to both winders are identical and measure 5.7 meters in diameter with a rope compartment that is 1.8 meters wide. Twiflex brakes are used as part of the copper mine hoist for parking and holding each time the mine winders stop. If anything untoward happened like, for example a power failure the brakes can be used to bring the load to rest while maintaining a maximum deceleration of 2.3 m/s2 Twiflex engineers also worked to design the new large pad version of their popular VMS3-SPS spring applied, hydraulically-released brake that is used on a range of different hoists around the world. Twiflex is able to utilise their in-house testing capability, which includes a climatic chamber, in order to test the brake systems for functionality in a range of temperatures as well as fatigue and inertia. For brake manufacturers friction material needs to be carefully selected to be suitable for the operating cycle.
Peacock Engineering has been awarded a contract to offer asset management solutions for Flogas. The management solution will be delivered by Peacock for their client’s installation and maintenance engineers who operate across the nation. Peacock Engineering Ltd was first created in order to deliver a range of Asset and Service Management solutions to industries that are often asset intensive. The consulting team at the company has an average of 12 years’ experience working with the Maximo Professional system. Their consulting team has also built up more than 250 man-years working on implementing the Maximo system. Peacock Engineering works with their clients in order to offer them the most efficient and affordable solution to meet all of their requirements. The company appear to be the ideal candidate to help Flogas with their asset management. The IBM Maximo Asset Management solution gives a company better visibility for their asset usage and is used to support companies in a range of key industries. Flogas are looking to expand their use of the Maximo system as part of the management solution. The system will be used to cover the company’s inventory, procurement, maintenance and installation for Flogas’ domestic and commercial customers. When the solution is set up it will be integrated with the ClickSoftware and Fingertip in order to allow engineers up to date and in real-time information and scheduling that will eliminate down-time and also allow engineers to work online safely in ATEX zoned environments. By working with Peacock Engineering, Flogas will be receiving a comprehensive asset management solution that will be used throughout the company’s work-order lifecycle. The awarding of this contract and the management solution that will be delivered will offer the company an opportunity to have visibility of their assets in a way that hasn’t been possible with systems that they have used in the past.
Greenford Ltd were thrilled to officially receive their multiple ISO accreditation certificates during a ceremony at the picturesque National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey last week. Greenford were officially awarded these accreditations in June 2017 from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) however received their certificates from accreditation providers the British Assessment Bureau (BAB) at an official handover ceremony last week. This event was held at the site of one of Greenford’s most recently completed restoration projects, the historic boathouse at the National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum. This idyllic location provided the perfect backdrop for the handover as the restoration works performed showcased the many aspects of Greenford’s impressive work ethic, quality and environmental practices, as well as a dedication to health and safety reflected in every aspect of the business. Greenford Ltd Managing Director Claire Greenwood was in attendance on the day to receive these highly prized accreditations and was thrilled with both the recognition and what this means for the civil engineering firm moving forward. “We at Greenford Ltd are very pleased to have officially received our certification of these internationally recognised standards. We sailed through the audit process, aided greatly by the expertise and guidance provided by the British Assessment Bureau every step of the way, and are now the proud recipients of not one but three simultaneous standards from the ISO. We have seen an increase in the requirement to hold official standards in an ever progressively competitive work sector and are thrilled to have received them all. Achieving these three key standards in health & safety, quality, and environmental management gives further credence to the Greenford Ltd brand, to both our clients and industry peers.” The ISO standards achieved by Greenford Ltd are; ISO 9001 – the international standard regarding effective quality management systems ISO 14001 – the international standard regarding effective environmental management systems OHSAS 18001 – the international standard regarding occupational health and safety management systems To achieve all three standards so quickly and effortlessly speaks to the long-held operational practices Greenford have employed each and every day of their near 25 year history. To have formal international acknowledgement of the standard of service Greenford has always aspired to deliver to their multitude of clients, is an honour that the organization is proud to receive. Greenford Ltd are an experienced and trusted civil engineering company and have been responsible for such notable projects as the hydropower station at Blenheim Palace, restoration works to the Oxford Castle Mound, constructing the UK’s first amphibious house, completing the Hagley Hall Parkland restoration works to Capability Brown’s original design, and assisting in the recent efforts to restore the scene depicted in Turner’s painting ‘Dewy Morning’ at the National Trust’s historic Petworth House and Park. Greenford Ltd provide civil engineering services to a range of clients across the country from their offices in Oxford, Maidenhead and Birmingham – to find out more visit their website www.greenford.ltd.uk
The global provider of infrastructure, AECOM has said that it is important for the infrastructure industry to do more in terms of encouraging the younger generation to think about an apprenticeship in this area. In order to improve the capacity of the industry, talent needs to be attracted through the use of a number of different routes. Mainly in order to make sure that the infrastructure industry doesn’t suffer a serious skills shortage or becomes unable to develop to its potential, the attention of young people is needed. AECOM has said that gaining the imagination of young people and encouraging them to apply for apprenticeships after their GCSEs is vital for the future growth of the industry. The use of outreach programmes have been recommended, going into schools in order to present students and young people with a larger view of the jobs market and the range of different careers on offer. AECOM employees utilize this approach across the UK in order to inform young people about careers in this sector. The UK has set out an ambitious plan for the future with a large number of associated infrastructure projects. However, over the course of the next few months it will be important to see if the industry can continue to maintain their build capacity. There is concern about whether there are enough skilled professionals working in this area to carry out the sheer volume of schemes that have been planned across the UK. By using outreach programs and showing younger people what a career in engineering could include is vital to increase the skills available and maintain the industry, allowing these ambitious infrastructure plans to be carried out. It has been estimated that the UK will need more than 150,000 people qualified at Level 3 or above each ear until 2024. However, with the apprenticeship levy, companies could be reducing the number of apprentices they are taking on at the moment they need to be increasing their number.
Specialist Surfacing has announced the completion of a contract that has seen the delivery of a new closed road circuit in Hull. The 1km circuit has been constructed to be used by cyclists in the area. The new track has cost £650,000 and can be found next to the Ennerdale Leisure Centre. The facility that has been created with the help of Specialist Surfacing is thought to be the only one of its kind in East Yorkshire. The new circuit will offer space for training to be used by experienced amateur road-racing cyclists as well as anyone wanting to try the sport out for the first time. The new all-weather track has been constructed on a site that has been used in the past for outdoor pitches, but was susceptible to flooding. The all-weather circuit now on the site next to the leisure centre features a number for loops and straights for cyclists to make the most of. PBS Construction has been appointed by the project funders, Hull City Council and British Cycling. The construction company then sought out Specialist Surfacing in order to carry out the bespoke surfacing work for the facility. The new cycle circuit required more than 2,500 tonnes of asphalt laid in three different layers, with the final width of the track put down in one run with the help of extension boxes on the paving machine. Carrying out the work in this way allows for a smooth surface without any joints. As with a number of road improvements that were made around Yorkshire in order to prepare for the opening stages of the Tour de France a few years ago, the surfaces for cyclists need to be precise, therefore when constructing the new Hull circuit, laser controls were used as well as tracers that followed piano wire in order to finish the job to the highest precision and specification possible.
Highways England has contracted GRAHAM for improvement works to be carried out on four major roads located in the East of England. The work has been granted to GRAHAM in the form of two major packages that will cover improvements to the A47, A11, A1 and A12. The contract has been valued at £19 million and will also see a number of safety improvements made including surfacing structures and technology schemes. The civil engineering work that will be carried out by GRAHAM will greatly improve the road users experience of the network being improved as well as hopefully the reduction of journey times for the hundreds and thousands of people who use these routes. The road improvements will extend between Peterborough, Norwich and Lowestoft via Great Yarmouth. GRAHAM has been delivered these two major project packages as a part of a collaborative delivery framework. This means that projects have been grouped together in terms of the area of completion. The team from GRAHAM have already been working on the project by communicating with stakeholder groups as well as the communities where the work will be carried out in order to create and develop a strong and effective relationships as well as make sure that clear lines of communication are in place while the work is being carried out. For GRAHAM it is great to be working with Highways England, who will be developing their long-term collaborative relationship even more through the completion of this prestigious contract. Throughout this civil engineering contract, GRAHAM is focused on keeping the local community and local stakeholders involved in the project in order to make the most of the local knowledge of the roads and the improvements that will be beneficial to local and long-distance travelers. This new civil engineering contract is the most recent and significant contract to be awarded to the constantly expanded civil engineering division of GRAHAM.
Jet Aire, the Leeds based drainage company has started work as part of a substantial project that will see a range of sensitive drainage improvements made at a Manchester chemical manufacturing facility. The work is being carried out by Jet Aire on behalf of the drug development company CARBOGEN AMCIS. This new detailed contract of works has been awarded to the Leeds based drainage company following the completion of an initial contract which comprised of the full site cleanse carried out with high pressure water jets. Jet Aire also carried out a CCTV condition survey that required the use of the drainage company’s Zone 1 Rated Atex explosion-proof camera system in order to navigate a number of different sections where precautionary measures were required to carry out the work. The survey completed by Jet Aire for CARBOGEN AMCIS also utilised a team of engineers that were qualified to carry out high-risk confined space entries. During this survey, the engineers identified a number of remedial requirements. In order to solve the issues flagged up during the course of the survey, a second contract has been awarded that involves the traditional excavation and relaying of a number of areas in order to address pipe collapses in the facility as well as patch lining and repairs in the areas where the drain runs can be saved. This work is expected to be completed in December. CARBOGEN AMCIS works to deliver drug development and commercialization services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. The company offers a fully integrated in-house supply chain including complex APIs. The Manchester manufacturing facility also specialises in the process research as well as the custom synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. The company has a larger production capacity of around 4,500 litres. This significant capacity allows the company to efficiently produce early-phase APIs and a number of large scale intermediates.
ECS Engineering Services has delivered a full renovation of Peakirk pumping station on the River Welland on behalf of the Environment Agency, significantly boosting the effectiveness of flood defences in the area. Work carried out has included the refurbishment of the station’s pointing doors; the installation of an adjustable stoplog and automated weed screen; a renovation of the pumping station plus an inspection and overhaul of existing pumps on-site. Since winning the Environment Agency refurbishment contract for the pumping station, ECS has been able to complete the entire project within a matter of months, enabled by experience gained as an appointed framework contractor to the agency. Peakirk pumping station plays an important role in protecting properties that lie upstream of the facility, so completing the work swiftly was of the utmost importance. The centre piece of Peakirk’s flood defences are its pointing doors, which have received a complete renovation from ECS. This required the removal of the pointing doors from the central sluice structure, so they could be transported to ECS’ fabrications workshop for re-engineering and painting. The existing mitre posts were also replaced, with the new alternatives trimmed to size during the reinstallation of the gates. However, challenges arose during the project when the existing stop log guides were deemed unsuitable for use during a dive survey, meaning the central structure could not be initially dewatered to remove and reinstate the pointing doors. ECS tackled the problem by erecting a temporary dam, allowing engineers to install improved guides and a fully adjustable 5,000 kg stoplog. With adjustment from 6800 mm to 8000 mm and motion enabled by a rack and pinion drive with a balancing gate, the new stop log provided a modern solution of increased versatility for the needs of the end user. Once the central structure had been dewatered, debris could be cleared and the gates could be removed. To operate the newly renovated pointing doors, ECS delivered a mechanical counter balance system, which utilises a weight stack to actuate the gates in the event of flood conditions. In addition, the existing weed screen cleaning system at Peakirk required attention. The system was unreliable, and its effectiveness was further hindered by the fact that the automated grab systems were not compatible with the existing weed screen, increasing the build-up of debris. ECS duly replaced the weed screen to provide an appropriate fit with the automated grab, as well as incorporating new maintenance platforms, task lighting, level sensors and improved controls. The new controls were integrated into the existing framework by ECS, enabling a full electro-mechanical refurbishment that has greatly improved clearing efficiency and flood safety. Peakirk operates six separate pumps onsite, three diesel and three electric variants. All of the pumps required dismantling, inspection and assessment – with the Environment Agency requiring a full record of findings regarding each of the pumps. Refurbishment work could then be carried out, followed by subsequent reinstallation and testing. The electric pumps had suffered particularly from wear, but were renovated and reinstalled to safeguard pumping capacity at the facility. Furthermore, a condition survey of the supporting infrastructure around the pumps and pump chambers discovered that the steel work was in a poor state of repair, so these elements were fully replaced by ECS. To complete the comprehensive overhaul of the facilities, ECS turned its attention to the pump house. Due to an Environment Agency policy to reduce manual lifting at facilities, ECS was required to upgrade the overhead lifting equipment. The addition of electrical drives and hoist systems, coupled with plug-in or radio remote pendant controls, eliminated any required manual involvement to operate the crane. Lighting was also a concern, as the existing installation was mounted on the ceiling, which made maintenance difficult. To remove the need for specialist access equipment, ECS installed low level, energy efficient, LED lighting in the diesel pump room, greatly improving accessibility. Jamie Wesley, Contracts Manager at ECS expanded: “The project at Peakirk demonstrates our full breadth of electro-mechanical services, as well as the integrated approach which has seen us tackle a number of high profile projects on behalf of the Environment Agency. Our state-of-the-art facilities at our headquarters, our extensive knowledge of conducting on-site operations and the versatility of our product offering means we were are to deliver within a short time frame even in the face of unforeseen challenges.”
Balfour Beatty, the British multinational infrastructure group, and civil engineering company has revealed that they have managed to move back into profit for the first half of 2017. This year the company has recorded a pre-tax profit of £12 million. In the same period last year, the company was in a worse position, recording a £15 million loss. This amazing turnaround is great news for the group, who have gone through a bad patch with a number of construction contracts not delivering their expected results. The positive financial results for Balfour Beatty has come as the management have been making changes and cuts as part of their Build to Last programme. The business has become more streamlined, offering their services to a narrower market in order to make the most of the capabilities they offer. Through this transformation the company has become more profitable, and these results have surprisingly been made without the disposal of any material investment. In the UK the company has managed to turn itself around from a £69 million loss to a £2-million-pound profit. Another explanation for their recovery is Balfour Beatty’s bidding tactics for contracts. During the company’s loss years, the company appeared to be being too aggressive in their bidding, practically removing all of their margins and then making a loss on the project. With margins vital to maintaining a healthy profit in the construction industry, the company have had to alter this approach in order to improve their financial circumstances before it got any worse. Being more selective when choosing the contracts they bid on has also allowed the multinational infrastructure and civil engineering group to fill their books with contracts offering higher margins and a greater likelihood for profit. It would appear that in order to function successfully as a large multinational organisation the quality of the contract wins out over the number of contracts won.
