CHALLENGING THE BOUNDARIES OF MANUFACTURING
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) develops and proves innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile, low risk environment, in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, focused on delivering bespoke manufacturing system solutions for their customers.
MTC operate some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, employing a team of highly skilled engineers, with some being the leading experts in the world, creating a high-quality environment for the development and demonstration of new processes and technologies on an industrial scale.
MTC’s areas of expertise provide solutions for both large and small companies, across a wide range of industry sectors and their members include global manufacturing companies from multiple sectors. Research partners include the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and TWI Ltd.
The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
O’BRIEN CONTRACTORS – PROVIDING COST SAVING INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION
O’Brien Contractors were engaged by MTC Ltd as Principal Contractor for the Design and Construction of their new East Car Park, providing a new 333 space car park within the MTC Ansty Park site.
Prior to removing the existing car park surface, we carried out bulk earthworks, cut and fill, topsoil strip and bund, before construction of the new car park with a permeable surface. Works also included new service infrastructure, installation of an 800m3 attenuation tank with hydro brake flow-controlled discharge system, new lighting, electronic car charging facilities, perimeter fencing, associated gates and hard and soft landscaping to complete the new car park.
The tender and approved planning design for the 8500m2 running surface, was to consist of a Gridforce GF40 open textured plastic modular sustainable underground drainage system over laid on a free draining type 3 sub-base stone. This initial concept was chosen due to budget
constraints and the carbon footprint off set attained by the product.
Following discussions with the client who advised that they may wish to develop the new car park at a later date we carried out a review to see if it would be feasible to use a porous tarmacadam surface in lieu of the “Gridforce” firstly to speed up the construction process and more importantly prevent costly maintenance and disposal at a future date. We proposed this major alternative to the client, who were more than happy to accept an improved design along as it was cost neutral and was acceptable to planning, which both were.
The project was delivered in its 12-week contract programme period and the site was awarded ‘Considerate Contractor Beyond Compliance Award’.
Client Comments
O’Brien’s delivery and on site team have been a pleasure to work with.
O’Brien have come back to all of my question and completed all CRF’s quickly and effectively. Communication with me as the client has been very good and I liked the proactive approach from all of your team.
MTC will welcome O’Brien’s back with open arms. People do not often go out of their way to say Thank you and I believe strongly in Credit where it is due.