The TES Group has always been a fervent proponent of Off-Site Manufacture. As a MEICA Design, Construct and Process contractor as well as a manufacturer of electrical panels, MCCs and switchgear and various mechanical kit, TES can appreciate the many benefits Off-Site Manufacture has to offer. TES has its own team of in-house designers and project managers, manufacturing and testing suites and developed supply chain, all of which are utilised to maximise offsite build.
The TES Group has found offsite construction to offer many advantages over traditional construction. Some of the reasons include;
Speed: There are significant time savings to be made using offsite modular construction. With project start to completion times cut by up to 50%, disruption to clients and the local community is minimised. As a high proportion of the build and fit-out is completed in the factory, on-site time required for final finishing is substantially reduced.
Sustainability: Offsite construction is ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability. Work in the factory can be scheduled to start at the same time as the site is being prepared, so the two processes can take place in parallel, resulting in an accelerated build programme. The knock on effect is a reduction in waste, as well as the reduced impact of construction activities on-site such as; disruption to existing operations, noise, site access, ground disturbance and vehicle movements.
Safety and working conditions: Transferring work off-site into a controlled environment improves safety. It’s much safer for the TES Group to manufacture and pre-fabricate in a controlled factory environment rather than building outside, at height, while exposed to changeable weather.
Whole life cost: Enhanced specification standards and build quality can reduce occupancy costs related to energy use, defects and repairs. In addition, savings can be made in terms of travel to and man-hours spent on site.
The TES Group has an excellent track record in successful Off-Site Manufacture. One such example was the logistically challenging project at St. Helena. Based in the Atlantic Ocean, TES were responsible for the design, upgrade, testing and commissioning of 4 remote water treatment plants. As a result of the secluded and far-reaching location it was essential that the plants were pre-fabricated in the UK before being broken down for shipment. Despite the many logistical challenges, this scheme was successfully delivered without impact on programme or budget, as a direct result of our Off-Site Manufacture methodology.
To successfully implement the Off-Site Manufacturing process, our involvement begins at design phase whereby our designers and project engineers work with Client designers. With all pre-fabricated items, site location is an important factor to consider as a result of restricted site access.
Special consideration is also given during the design phase to the final interfaces with the existing site assets to ensure that any shutdowns required on a particular process stream or duty/standby is agreed with all stakeholders in advance.
“TES Group and our Clients have realised the benefits of off-site manufacture for many years” said Chairman, Brian Taylor. “At TES, we have always been huge advocates of Off-Site Manufacture as it streamlines the construction process, making it safer whilst reducing time, manpower, carbon footprint and cost”.
