Trades : Civil Engineering News

O’Keefe prepares the ground for pioneering modular development

O’Keefe prepares the ground for pioneering modular development

O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready

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Akela Ground Engineering expand team with new general manager

Akela Ground Engineering expand team with new general manager

Akela Ground Engineering has appointed piling specialist, Will Payne, as their general manager. Will joins from Roger Bullivant where he managed piling works in Gibraltar, the Midlands and East Anglia and has been appointed to help Akela expand and grow their reputation in England. Will is an expert in driven

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Civils Store brings StormTech into stock as Schedule 3 looms

Civils Store brings StormTech into stock as Schedule 3 looms

Leading groundworks and drainage supply specialist Civils Store is the latest infrastructure materials distributor to recognise the advantages of StormTech, the world leading stormwater management system from Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS). StormTech will now be available ex-stock from Civils Store. With Schedule 3 of the Flood & Water Management

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Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is

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Highways' providers transform "unsafe" Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Highways’ providers transform “unsafe” Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Pupils at the Stimpson Avenue Academy in Northampton have returned from their half-term holidays to a transformed garden space, courtesy of Kier, West Northamptonshire Council’s highways providers. The school first approached Kier regarding safety concerns over the space – such as its cordoned-off, disused pond and overgrown vegetation – seeking

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Rushlift GSE celebrates 10 years with opening of Gatwick facility

Rushlift GSE celebrates 10 years with opening of Gatwick facility

Rushlift GSE, the specialist airport ground support equipment and services provider, has celebrated its tenth anniversary with a grand open-day event held recently at its new state-of-the-art Maintenance & Service facility at Gatwick Airport. Attended by over one hundred special guests – including customers, suppliers, Rushlift staff and management –

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Latest Issue

BDC 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : Civil Engineering News

O’Keefe prepares the ground for pioneering modular development

O’Keefe prepares the ground for pioneering modular development

O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready for installation. The project is part of a larger scheme that will see TopHat deliver almost 300 new homes over three phases on the 4.8-acre Kitchener Barracks site. O’Keefe is the groundworks contractor on the current second phase, which started with enabling works in January 2022 followed by the main works package in March 2022. The company was principal contractor on the first phase of the scheme, completed in early 2021. The site knowledge gained by the team on that phase has assisted greatly when dealing with the construction element of the phase two works. “We have worked with TopHat previously on other schemes so there is a positive relationship between TopHat and O’Keefe,” says O’Keefe project manager Daniel Gough. The Kitchener Barracks project involves the construction of three four-storey blocks of modular apartments which will comprise 96 one- and two-bedroom homes. On this phase, some 240 modular sections were assembled on site and cassette corridor sections were then installed at the upper levels between the rows of apartments. O’Keefe’s role includes part-construction of foundations, drainage and services for the modular apartments, plus access roads and external finishings. Although the apartment modules are manufactured off-site, they still require foundations and services to be built in-situ. The foundations are mass concrete strip footings bedded a minimum 200mm into the underlying chalk strata. One of the biggest challenges for O’Keefe has been to ensure the on-site works perfectly align with the factory-built modules. Working to exacting tolerances, O’Keefe has formed upstands to receive the prefabricated modular units. “Co-ordination is vital when off site manufacturing and site build foundations are carried out,” says Daniel Gough. “It is essential that precise as-built surveys are carried out to ensure that the position and levels are within the specified tolerance and any drainage pipes are located correctly.” O’Keefe formed the drainage connections prior to the modular sections being installed. Service entries were taken into the plantrooms situated in the two stair cores and then distributed to the modular units. Reinforced concrete upstands and slabs were constructed within the two cores and the end escape stairs and a reinforced concrete in-situ lift core constructed to each of the cores, with a steel framework installed prior to installation of the modules. O’Keefe’s contract has also involved construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame extension off the back of the existing Khartoum Building, dating from the 1930s. The RC frame comprises a lower ground floor/basement level for parking, including electrical vehicle charging bays, with a ground level transfer slab above. This forms part extension for housing apartments and part outdoor terrace. A particular challenge here was the interface between the existing Khartoum Building and the new RC frame. “The existing building was originally cut to demolish the western side some years ago – this was carried out and surveyed in a method to assist with best coordinating the design of the new RC frame with the remaining building elements,” explains Daniel.  “The complex design has been a continuous, coordinated process assisted by O’Keefe, the consultant engineers, architects and TopHat, to ensure that further survey work was carried out to slabs, roofs, cavities and foundations for the structural frame to have its final design. “Underpinning was carried out on the building in the early stages of the project and then the installation and cutting back completed after the concrete had cured. “TopHat and O’Keefe have worked together throughout the RC frame element of the works to monitor progress and provide live survey data to the consultant engineers and architects to assist with overcoming any issues encountered during the RC frame build,” says Daniel. Andrew Shepherd, managing director of TopHat Solutions said: “TopHat have worked closely with O’Keefe on this complex and ground breaking project.  It was essential that we had a partner that was able to address a number of different challenges from foundations for an innovative modular project through to a concrete frame that would tie into an existing heritage building.  This ongoing relationship has been formed on a process of innovation and continuous improvement, which underpins our joint approach to future projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Akela Ground Engineering expand team with new general manager

Akela Ground Engineering expand team with new general manager

Akela Ground Engineering has appointed piling specialist, Will Payne, as their general manager. Will joins from Roger Bullivant where he managed piling works in Gibraltar, the Midlands and East Anglia and has been appointed to help Akela expand and grow their reputation in England. Will is an expert in driven piling techniques and has over two decades of experience in the specialist foundation industry, having also worked for Van Elle and Aarsleff. Akela Ground Engineering operates in Scotland and the North of England and was founded in 2019. It is part of the Akela Group which is headquartered in Thornliebank, near Glasgow, and has an office in Leeds. Will Payne, General Manager of Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Akela is a family oriented business that is looking to grow and expand their works across England and that is what attracted me to this role. “They have also been investing heavily in new technology and innovation over the past year. “I’ve worked in the UK and abroad within the specialist foundation industry and am very proud of my record in working with clients to find solutions at the most difficult of sites. “It is important to build and establish relationships with clients and I am looking forward to working with existing Akela clients and also expanding Akela right across England.” Mark Markey, Managing Director of Akela Group, said: “We are really proud to have Will Payne join the business at the crucial time of expanding our work in England. He is well known as a specialist in piling and will be a key part of growing our ground engineering arm. “Importantly, he is experienced at managing complex works and ensuring quality work is carried out in a safe manner. “He has decades of experience in the construction industry and his appointments will bolster Akela Ground Engineering and allow us to continue to go from strength to strength.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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GRAHAM hits construction milestone at M2 junction 5 improvements scheme

GRAHAM hits construction milestone at M2 junction 5 improvements scheme

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a milestone on the M2 junction 5 improvements scheme, with some significant changes made that will benefit road users. GRAHAM was awarded the £92m M2 junction 5 improvements scheme by National Highways in June 2021. The junction is one of the busiest in the region and experiences large queues and heavy congestion on a daily basis. It also had one of the highest collision rates across England’s motorway and major A roads nationally. The project team has recently implemented major changes to the way drivers use the Stockbury roundabout. Earlier in the year, GRAHAM switched the A249 southbound traffic onto a new stretch of road on the south side of the roundabout, that runs adjacent to the existing carriageway. The new section is temporarily carrying southbound traffic and once complete will become the new Oad Street Link Road, which will carry traffic directly from Oad Street to the Stockbury roundabout. The A249’s northbound traffic has also been switched onto the existing southbound carriageway to allow construction of the Stockbury South bridge structure. Once complete, the flyover will allow traffic to flow without restrictions over the Stockbury roundabout, reducing delays and improving safety. Last month GRAHAM opened the new Maidstone Link Road, a new carriageway connecting Maidstone Road to Oad Street. The project team also opened the new southbound diverge (slip road) to southbound traffic. The start of this new slip road consists of continuously reinforced concrete paving (CRCP), to tie in the existing carriageway, with surfacing also recently completed. Once works are complete, the southbound diverge will have a dedicated slip road to the M2 (westbound). The switching of traffic to the southbound diverge will enable the construction of the northern Stockbury flyover, with the first step being the installation of 900mm dia CFA (Continuous flight auger) piles. Now the traffic has been switched, GRAHAM’s team is demolishing the CRCP slab beneath the existing A249 carriageway utilising excavators with hydraulic breakers. Recent progress has seen the construction of the southern abutment for the new Stockbury south bridge structure. The abutment is constructed with 170 cubic meters of steel-reinforced concrete. Following completion of the abutment, GRAHAM has made major progress on the scheme’s bespoke flint-clad reinforced earth RECO walls. The RECO walls will see 1,500 RECO panels placed in total, allowing earth to be backfilled behind them. The faces of the panels have been chosen to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the scheme, with a coarse finish of locally sourced flint utilised to suit the scheme’s natural surroundings in the Stockbury Valley. Once complete, the scheme will lead to smoother and safer journeys for hundreds of thousands of drivers each day. For more information about the scheme visit the M2 junction 5 project website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Foundations completed for new tracks at Bamford as part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade

Foundations completed for new tracks at Bamford as part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade

Major progress is being made on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, with the majority of earthworks which set the foundations for a new passing track loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations completed. On completion of the major upgrade project between Manchester and Sheffield, the passing loop will enable passenger trains to pass slower freight trains, increasing the reliability of passenger journeys. The team on the ground has completed soil nailing and regrade work at Bamford to clear the land needed for the new track and to secure the adjoining rock face. This involves drilling nails into the embankment to stabilise the ground in advance of track installation. A total of 935 nails have been installed by the team as part of the work ready for track to be installed later in the year. LINK TO VIDEO Graeme Whitehead, Senior Sponsor on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade said: “We’re very pleased with the progress of work that the team have made at Bamford, despite challenging ground conditions”. “Reaching this milestone means that we’re one step closer to completing the passing loop and delivering benefits to passengers travelling along the Hope Valley line.” The first phase of track installation on the loop was completed in Bamford between November 2022 and February 2023. This included the construction and placement of two turnout sections of track for the loop, which will eventually meet in the middle completing a passing loop for fast trains to pass, therefore reducing delays to services. The remainder of the loop is planned to be completed this year. Elsewhere on the project, work is progressing to build a second platform and a new footbridge at Dore & Totley station. Over 2355m of track has been installed in Dore & Totley since July 2022, and work has recently started to build the foundations for the platform and footbridge. The Hope Valley Railway Upgrade is due to complete in spring 2024.

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Civils Store brings StormTech into stock as Schedule 3 looms

Civils Store brings StormTech into stock as Schedule 3 looms

Leading groundworks and drainage supply specialist Civils Store is the latest infrastructure materials distributor to recognise the advantages of StormTech, the world leading stormwater management system from Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS). StormTech will now be available ex-stock from Civils Store. With Schedule 3 of the Flood & Water Management Act 2010, requiring developers to seek adoption of all their Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), expected to be implemented next year, the importance and accessibility of effective stormwater storage and attenuation systems is only set to increase. With Civils Store now stocking StormTech, a versatile and effective alternative to crates, ADS’s globally popular products can now be more readily sourced throughout Civil Store’s UK branch network. Combining arch-shaped chambers with an innovative, integrated water quality treatment system, StormTech has been used successfully in over 50,000 projects worldwide employing in excess of 3m units. Featuring a range of chamber sizes and its unique Isolator Row, providing ‘first flush’ cleansing and treatment of storm water run-off, StormTech is especially suited to applications requiring minimum cover, installation under trafficked areas and fast construction.  As units are stackable, minimal space is required for storage and transport. StormTech fully complies with the recently updated Design and Construction Guidance for foul and surface water sewers (DCG), meaning that water companies in England can accept StormTech when offered for adoption by developers under Section 104 Agreements in accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991. Additionally, structural modelling to Eurocodes has demonstrated that StormTech SuDS attenuation chambers can be installed to the minimum and maximum cover depths detailed within the standard ADS installation guidelines, originally based on US standards. Kevin Hancock, Civils Store Managing Director, says of the new partnership with ADS, “We have enjoyed great success with StormTech on a buy-to-order basis, and with the huge increase in interest in StormTech and with Schedule 3 just round the corner, it makes perfect sense for us to bring StormTech into stock at our depots. Our first shipment is to Kent, then into Somerset, with other branches to follow.” For details of Civil Store branches, and to get a quotation, please visit bit.ly/civilsstore. For more information on Advanced Drainage Systems’ StormTech, including a handy Design Tool and Installation App or to book a CPD, go to www.adspipe.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Groundworks start for 275-home development at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park

Groundworks start for 275-home development at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park

Groundwork is underway with the first spades in the ground at a development set to bring 275 new homes to the Whitehouse area of Milton Keynes. Ashberry Homes is planning to build the homes at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park, on land south of Watling Street and east of Calverton Lane. It’s part of the wider Whitehouse neighbourhood which has outline planning permission for more than 4,000 new homes. Detailed planning permission for this latest collection of 275 homes was granted by Milton Keynes Council earlier this year. Ashberry at Whitehouse Park will feature a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Lindsey Davenport, Senior Sales Manager for Ashberry Homes, said: “An exciting project lies ahead with this high-quality contribution to Whitehouse. “With groundworks now underway, we are looking forward to starting construction of the new homes at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park and providing homebuyers with a varied choice of quality new-build properties. “This development will help consolidate Ashberry Homes as a reliable and well-established housebuilder in Milton Keynes, helping to provide the new housing the city needs.” Ashberry Homes is part of the Bellway Group, with Bellway’s Northern Home Counties division currently building 175 new homes on a neighbouring site, Bellway at Whitehouse Park, as part of the consortium project. New community facilities, such Whitehouse Primary School, Watling Academy and Whitehouse Surgery, are also open as part of the wider growing neighbourhood. The Whitehouse project is part of the Western Expansion Area of Milton Keynes which has been earmarked for a total of 6,500 new homes. Lindsey said: “There is already such a welcoming community forming within the Whitehouse consortium and the fact there are schools for both primary and secondary-age children here makes it even more appealing for families. “The development is also close to Milton Keynes, and all the city’s amenities, as well as direct train links from Milton Keynes Central into London.” The first homes are due to go on sale at Ashberry at Whitehouse Park in August this year. For more information, call the sales team on 01908 036312 or visit https://www.ashberryhomes.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties/ashberry-at-whitehouse-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail plans Bow Goods Yard regeneration

Network Rail has launched its masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard, East London, which will see the regeneration of over 30 acres of brownfield land. The site is the final parcel of land to be developed as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games legacy. The site is situated close to the A12, and is currently home to several heavy freight uses. Network Rail will work with Maccreanor Lavington Architects to develop a vision for the site’s redevelopment. Possible options for the area include, a new neighbourhood of homes, a logistics and freight hub as well as a new business campus. Commenting on the project, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail said: “As the last part of the regeneration story for the Olympic Park, Bow Goods Yard is strategically connected by both road and rail. The development has the potential to create London’s largest state-of-the-art freight and last mile logistics hub to serve Greater London, alongside delivering homes, a workspace campus and open space connecting to the surrounding neighbourhoods. “The regeneration of this strategic site demonstrates the huge importance rail infrastructure plays in unlocking the development of brownfield sites and to deliver on London’s sustainability agenda. We look forward to working closely with both communities and key stakeholders on this opportunity.” Reflecting on their involvement, Blazej Czuba, Associate Urban Designer with Maccreanor Lavington said: “We have been developing unique approaches to London’s employment locations for many years and we are thrilled to have been selected to apply them on this unique site. Bow Goods Yard has the potential to be London’s most industrious sites – it is also about its newest park and the evolving residential neighbourhoods around it. “This project needs care and sensitivity in its design, with a fair amount of innovation. The team understands the complexity of London: its communities, its spatial character, its uses, and the mix that will create a new neighbourhood here for the people of Newham and Tower Hamlets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Highways' providers transform "unsafe" Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Highways’ providers transform “unsafe” Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Pupils at the Stimpson Avenue Academy in Northampton have returned from their half-term holidays to a transformed garden space, courtesy of Kier, West Northamptonshire Council’s highways providers. The school first approached Kier regarding safety concerns over the space – such as its cordoned-off, disused pond and overgrown vegetation – seeking help to return the space to its former glory. Kier was joined by Bridge and Highways Maintenance Ltd and five of its fellow supply chain partners – which spent three months designing the space and receiving donations to bring their vision to life. Over 30 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support the cause, who spent three days during the half term renovating the space, with some parents donating plants and seeds to support the cause. Luci Clapton, Head of School at Stimpson Avenue Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the completion of our new garden. The response from our parents, and most importantly our pupils, has been fantastic. “What had become a disused and unloved area has been transformed into a wonderful outside space, which will be used at playtimes and lunchtimes as a quiet space for the children. It will also be used for community events such as our sports day and summer fete.” The garden is now equipped with a sensory footpath; a new pergola; recycled tyre planters painted as ladybirds and bumble bees; a wildflower garden space; raised planters; a compost area; bug hotels; and a log seating, campfire area. Luci continued: “The new garden will form part of our curriculum, as we are launching a new Forest School this year, which offers our pupils the unique opportunity to learn about nature and try a range of outdoor activities including den building and bug hunting. “Our Eco-Committee and the Junior Leadership Team are also excited to be leading some projects in the new garden, including planting and growing vegetables.” The works also included filling in an old disused pond which was unsafe for the children to play near but too costly to fill in.  The highways team filled in the hole and shredded the vegetation that had been cut down and filled the top of the pond with it over a membrane – making their own woodchip, before building a wigwam to place over the top. Parents were invited to see the final result alongside a class of pupils, and were joined by Cllr Phil Larratt Cabinet Member for environment, transport, highways and waste, and John Coombes, general manager for Kier Highways. John Coombes said: “After three months of hard work and planning, the school’s garden space has been transformed from a tired, overgrown safety concern to a fun, safe educational space for the children of Stimpson Avenue Academy to play and learn. We are proud to be able to leave a legacy at the school, with the garden now used to teach the children about the importance of sustainability and nature as part of this project. We’re thankful to Bridges and Highways Maintenance ltd and our partners for their role in bringing this project to life.” Cllr Phil Larratt added: “ We are delighted to be working with Kier Highways to deliver the Highways contract across West Northamptonshire. The fantastic work they’ve carried out at Stimpson Academy is just one example that demonstrates their commitment to making a real difference across the local community. It was great to see their hard work first hand, and I hope pupils enjoy this space for years to come.” Also generously donating materials and their time to complete the makeover were, PGR, NC & JC Construction, EM Pell & Partners Ltd, Hanson, R&C Williams, Swarco and Wickes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Mclaughlin & Harvey trainee engineer wins CECA Scotland’s most promising apprentice

Mclaughlin & Harvey trainee engineer wins CECA Scotland’s most promising apprentice

McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to announce trainee engineer Christy Dickson has picked up the coveted CECA Scotland’s Most Promising Apprentice 2023 award. Developing the engineering stars of tomorrow is part of the ethos at McLaughlin & Harvey, with the company committed to ensuring 5% of the workforce is made up of apprentices, students and graduates on formalised training schemes. Christy Dickson is clearly making his mark in that 5% having joined McLaughlin & Harvey in 2019.  Initially gaining experience with the team at the Bushmills Distillery Offsite Maturation Facility site followed by a brief spell with the estimating department, he then joined the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme which has been a focal point of his work since September 2020. Despite balancing working away from home on challenging projects and the impacts of Covid, Christy sailed through his Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Foundation course and moved straight onto the HLA in Civil Engineering. He is currently in his second year and attends university every Thursday during term time. Always willing to help encourage more people into the industry, Christy has frequently put himself forward to take on the additional responsibilities of mentoring and supervising young people or work-returners brought on-site for work experience, site visits or work placements. In 2022, Christy helped guide eight S3 girl pupils from Hawick High School on-site as part of the CECA Scotland endorsed What-IF programme. Upon completion, the S3 girls were keen to explore opportunities in construction, with each offering compliments to and of Christy. Robin Erskine, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said “I have had the opportunity to work with Christy at the Hawick FPS for the past two and a half years and I’m very proud of how he has developed into a very competent young engineer. From day one, he has shown a real willingness and eagerness to learn and advance his knowledge in civil engineering. His attitude, dedication and work ethic are exemplary. He works every other weekend on-site in Hawick due to his mid-week college day commitments back in Belfast. He has an excellent relationship with his peers, colleagues, subcontractors and client team, and I am delighted that he has picked up CECA Scotland’s Most Promising Apprentice award – thoroughly deserved.” Commenting on his award win, Christy Dickson said: “I am very honoured to have won this year’s CECA Scotland award for Most Promising Apprentice. I cannot thank Seamus Devlin and the team at McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd enough for all the training, support and opportunities they have given me. As well as my family and friends who have helped guide me throughout these early stages in my career as a Civil Engineer.” Christy received the award at the annual CECA Awards Dinner, held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow at the end of March.

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Rushlift GSE celebrates 10 years with opening of Gatwick facility

Rushlift GSE celebrates 10 years with opening of Gatwick facility

Rushlift GSE, the specialist airport ground support equipment and services provider, has celebrated its tenth anniversary with a grand open-day event held recently at its new state-of-the-art Maintenance & Service facility at Gatwick Airport. Attended by over one hundred special guests – including customers, suppliers, Rushlift staff and management – the newly opened service centre provided the perfect venue to celebrate the company’s great success story, to date. Welcoming guests, Tim Willett, General Manager and Director of Rushlift GSE, said: “After ten years of continued growth, it seems highly appropriate to hold this celebratory open-day party with our team and partners at our very latest 36,000 sq ft Service facility at Gatwick. The fact that this is now our fifth such facility here at the UK’s second busiest airport helps demonstrate the growth that we have achieved over the last ten years and our steadfast commitment to supporting our clients well into the future.” Illustrating Rushlift GSE’s recent successes, the company has just secured a 56-month extension to its successful, long-running GSE contract with Europe’s leading short-haul airline, easyJet. The new multi-million pound deal continues a pre-existing five-year agreement with Rushlift GSE to supply, manage and maintain easyJet’s ground-handling fleet at London’s Gatwick Airport. In total over 600+ ground support assets are managed by Rushlift GSE under a progressive program of innovation and equipment enhancement, which includes an on-going transition from diesel to electric vehicles. Further success came less than two years ago with Rushlift GSE’s entry into a six-year global framework agreement with airport ground services company, Menzies Aviation, to supply GSE equipment. Under the arrangement, Rushlift GSE initially leased 650 brand-new vehicles to Menzies Aviation’s ground handling operations at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. At the open-day event, Daniel Chapman, easyJet’s Regional Operations and Contracts Manager, said of the new service centre: “The value-add of a facility such as this is being able to strip down pieces of GSE equipment that have been running for several years and then refurbish them to a standard that is going to support us over the next five years – and to do it at some scale.” Ian Baker, GSE Asset and Lease Manager at Menzies Aviation, said: “It’s a great facility, and with this 10-year anniversary it’s good to see Rushlift thriving and investing for the future. We have been working with Rushlift for almost two years, mostly at Heathrow, but our involvement with them is growing at Gatwick and elsewhere in the UK. Some of the new equipment we are bringing in is now electric, replacing old diesel units, which is better for the environment and, importantly, they’re intrinsically safer – as with the new belt loaders and stairs.” The new Maintenance & Service Centre is a long-term investment by Rushlift GSE involving a £250,000 comprehensive upgrade of the facility: including the installation of LED lighting, an uprating of the electrics with a move to three-phase power, the provision of vehicle charging points, a pumped waste-oil tank, and a vehicle exhaust extraction system. To further increase operational resilience, the number of on-site service engineers working across the three Rushlift GSE sites will be increased to 41. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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