FP McCann completes Twin Lift Shaft Build at New Harwin Facility – One of the UK’s first Multi-Storey Manufacturing Plants.
Project: New Electronics Manufacturing Facility, Farlington, Portsmouth
Client: Harwin PLC (Harwin Media Enquiries; Ben Green; Head of Communications; bgreen@harwin.com)
Main Contractor: Knights Brown
Twin Lift Shaft Installation: FP McCann
Products Supplied: Bespoke Precast Concrete Panel Selection Twin Goods Lift Shaft
FP McCann has recently manufactured and fitted a 23.5 metres high bespoke precast concrete panel goods twin lift shaft as part of a new £30 million manufacturing facility in Farlington, Portsmouth. Ringwood-based construction company Knights Brown is undertaking the multi-level state-of-the-art electronics factory for leading industrial connector technologies group Harwin PLC.
As the appointed D&B contractor, Knights Brown approached FP McCann in the very early stages of design to consider the options for building the 4 level goods twin lift shaft, itself larger than a typical modular box section precast concrete lift shaft. On consideration by FP McCann’s in-house design team, it was determined that the best method of build would be utilising precast concrete panel sections manufactured offsite and assembled on site by the FP McCann specialist installation team.
A key feature of the twin lift shaft is the rear panel section wall construction consisting of 13 individual units 12.14 metres wide. Side elevation and front level sections complete the build with apertures of 5.62 metres allowing for the two goods lifts to be installed at 4.12 metres wide. Four precast concrete top lid slabs complete the build.
The panel sections have been delivered from FP McCann’s Grantham factory in Lincolnshire and from start to finish the goods lift shaft was completed in 16 days.
Knights Brown’s Project Manager Matthew Saunders says, “We are delighted to be carrying out the design and construction of this unique building. The facility will feature the highest quality materials and a market-leading design, enabling Harwin PLC to maximise their production capability and meet future market needs. The precast concrete twin lift shaft was installed in a speedy and efficient manner by the skilled FP McCann team. To build such a structure using steel formwork and pouring of wet concrete could take many days allowing for curing between stages. Utilising off-site manufactured precast products such as the bespoke panels to construct the twin lift shaft has major benefits in terms of productivity and site safety. We look forward to collaborating with FP McCann on future projects.”
Knights Brown attracts customers for its specialist skills in coasts and ports, energy, infrastructure, water utilities and commercial/industrial buildings. The regional construction firm, which is privately owned and employs 300, is headquartered in Ringwood, Hampshire and has offices in South Wales and Kent. The company’s energy sector experience, which includes onshore wind, battery storage and transmission and distribution, is deployed nationwide.
As well this bespoke panel system, FP McCann manufacture and install single, double and triple box section lift shaft systems. Modular units can be tailored to suit any building project. Sections are available starting from 1200mm x1200mm increasing in increments of 50mm and with wall thicknesses 150mm, 200mm and 250mm.
For further information on FP McCann’s off-site building solutions. Contact the team at Weston Underwood at 01335 361269 Or email: sales@fpmccann.co.uk
