Wernick Group’s investment tops £200m over 5 years

Modular and portable building specialist Wernick’s significant growth includes estate and factory investment, fleet expansion, and strategic acquisitions.

Fleet expansion
Investment in hire fleet exceeded £142m over the period which enabled the company to add more than 14,000 buildings and 4,000 generators across the three hire companies, Wernick Hire, Wernick Events, and Wernick Power Solutions. A significant proportion of these new products are industry leading in terms of energy performance, such as EPC A-rated cabins and modular, hybrid solar welfare units, Stage V generators, and battery storage units.

Estate investment
The Wernick Group owns all but one of the 34 sites which it operates from, providing the opportunity to create industry leading facilities through investment. Approximately £30m has been invested across the Group’s estate including freehold purchases and development works of existing and new sites. Key projects included the construction of a new head office, new depots in Hull and Ampthill, major redevelopment of depots in Bury St. Edmunds, Cheltenham, Dartford, Eggborough, Mansfield, Leeds, Lochgelly and Wickford, and additional production space at the factories in South Wales and York.

Acquisitions
The company also made strategic acquisitions, investing £33m to acquire several companies and asset purchases including:

Interserve – asset purchase of portable building fleet
Adlington Welding Supplies Ltd – asset purchase of welfare fleet generators
Power-Rite (UK) Ltd – company acquisition
Robert Purvis Plant Hire Ltd – asset purchase of portable building fleet
AV Danzer Ltd – company acquisition
Portable Building Sales Ltd – company acquisition

These acquisitions added a total of 4,500 portable buildings and 1,500 generators to the company’s fleet, along with a manufacturing facility for anti-vandal buildings, an additional hire depot in Manchester, and a strengthened position in the refurbished modular sector.
Jonathan Wernick, Chief Executive Officer commented, “We firmly believe that investment is a core value, not just a business strategy. We understand that continuous investment in our products and business infrastructure is the key to securing a prosperous future, both for our company and for our customers. That’s why we’ve made significant investments in these areas, and we’ll continue to do so to fulfil our commitment to delivering the very best products and services to our customers”.

Net Zero by 2040
In 2022, a commitment was made to be net zero by 2040 and a carbon management plan was produced setting out a clear roadmap on how this would be achieved. The journey has already begun with investment in energy-saving initiatives such as the installation of solar panels at the factory in York, upgrading lighting to LED at various locations, installation of EV car chargers across the estate, replacement of various plant to full-electric alternatives, voltage optimisers for factories, and smart sockets for offices.

Future investment
Wernick Hire will continue to invest £2m per month in its hire fleet adding around 2,500 buildings. Wernick Power Solutions have £5m in capex available for the year, which will be invested in battery storage units, Stage V generators, fuel tanks, distribution panels, and load banks. The Group will also continue estate investment, including new depots in Dundee and Inverness, with major development works planned for Dunston, Aldridge, Cornwall, Manchester, and its factory in Langley Mill.

 

VISIT THE WERNICK WEBSITE

/0 Comments/by

Vertex BD Is the Perfect Tool for Designing Hybrid Construction Projects

Structures that utilize both panelized and modular construction are known as hybrid systems, and they provide owners and designers with the ultimate range of flexibility

To reap all the benefits of hybrid construction systems, designers and builders make deliberate choices about which approach is used for each component of the structure.  The most important benefit of hybrid off-site construction is that it recaptures some of the flexibility associated with traditional, stick-built construction without giving up the environmental, economic, or quality benefits of off-site construction.

Challenges and constraints must be addressed by architects and engineers early in the design phase of a project. Manufacturing and transportation constraints are major variables to consider, as they immediately limit construction options. Designers must know in advance where the panels or modules will be fabricated, each facility’s production size limitations, and what the transportation constraints are for shipping the panels to the site.  Hybridized construction enables designers to address this broad range of constraints through a greater number of potential suppliers, which provides more manufacturing and transportation options to meet the architectural and engineering requirements for each project.

There are also advantages to be realized at the building site. Perhaps most importantly, the finishes in the structure’s high-value areas can be completed at the factory and shipped to the site in a weather-proof module.  Integration is the key to successfully designing and constructing a building that will employ multiple off-site construction methods. It is also the biggest challenge. Volumetric modules and panels must connect within strict tolerances for the design to be realized, so it’s critical that all stakeholders work from a shared set of plans.

Vertex Systems created Vertex BD, a building information modeling (BIM) software platform, specifically to handle complex design scenarios of this nature. The platform automates design and manufacturing processes for all the prefabricated components that will be built and shipped to the job site. The software also translates essential project information across all the disciplines involved in producing each module. Manufacturing data, plans, schedules, and material reports can be automatically created within the platform and shared with contractors and suppliers to ensure tight coordination across the project.

3D visualization tools are immensely important for hybrid projects because they allow designers, owners, and builders to see how the 3D modules and panels will come together and how all the critical connections will be formed. Vertex BD includes powerful 3D visualization tools that allow designers to perfect the design and address any glitches early in the design process.

 

WEBSITE

/0 Comments/by

First-of-its-kind – jointless underfloor heating cable

First-of-its-kind jointless underfloor heating cable set to transform installation process

 

What: ThermoSphere’s Membrane Heating Cable is the first and only underfloor heating cable that uses TwistedTwin construction and in-line hot-to-cold technology.

Who: ThermoSphere, a leading British-based electrical heating manufacturer, has been using its technical expertise to drive innovation for over 25 years.

Why: Many faults occur around the cold tail joint of the heating cable because the joints, which are normally heat-shrink wrapped, are three times thicker than the cable. Installation of thicker cables requires installers to chase out concrete and cut into the membrane and insulation. This risks damaging the cables, joints, waterproofing layer barrier and reputation with customers. ThermoSphere’s new Membrane Heating Cable prevents the need to cut the membrane, insulation and flooring.

 How: ThermoSphere have incorporated the hot-to-cold joint connections into the primary manufacturing process, creating invisible joints and a cable that’s uniform in thickness from end-to-end. This drastically improves the installation process, with many benefits to the installer:

  • One-step cable installation saves time and effort, and speeds up and simplifies the installation process.
  • Stops cable failure by removing the number one fault in underfloor heating installations.
  • Preserves the waterproofing layer of the decoupling membrane.
  • Allows for quick quality workmanship with an automatically flush finish ready for tiling.
  • Compatible with all membranes on the market so installers can rely on trusted products.

 

WHERE:

For more information on cable specifications, pricing and to get your hands on ThermoSphere’s

new Membrane Heating Cable

PLEASE CLICK HERE

/0 Comments/by

‘SWEET CONCRETE’

The University of East London (UEL), in creative partnership with Grimshaw Architects, has developed a prototype floor slab made from sugarcane, as part of a groundbreaking project to find a new low cost, low carbon construction material.

The UEL’s Master of Architecture and Sustainability Research Institute, supported by Tate & Lyle sugars, has developed the innovative construction material with the trademark ‘Sugarcrete’.

The product, which has been developed over two years, uses sugarcane fibres which are left over after sugar sap extraction, which are known as bagasse, mixed with bespoke sand-mineral binders.

The result is a material which has the potential to be used and re-used in new or existing buildings, replacing both brick and concrete – and it is particularly effective for building in countries at risk of earthquakes.

Armor Gutierrez Rivas, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at UEL, explained sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by production volume, with almost two billion tonnes produced worldwide yearly.

This results in six hundred million tonnes of fibre bagasse as an arable by-product – waste which could be put to good use in the construction industry.

“Using a bio-waste-based product like SugarcreteTM, we could replace the traditional brick industry, offering potential saving of 1,08 billion tonnes of CO2, 3 per cent of the global CO2 production,” says Rivas.

“The built environment generates 40% of annual global CO2 emissions.

“Despite the global aim to hold global warning to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it is estimated that our global built floor areas will double by 2060.

“Therefore, we must develop alternatives to current construction methods.”

Testing of Sugarcrete by the UEL’s Sustanability Research institute has shown that compared to concrete production, Sugarcrete is cured within one week, while the process takes up to 28 days for concrete.

The product is also four to five times lighter than concrete and only uses 15% to 20% of its carbon footprint at substantially reduced costs.

As part of the research programme, UEL developed a prototype floor-slab made from sugarcane derived from SugarcreteTM and used advanced digital modelling and robotic fabrication to test the viability of the ultra-low carbon materials in construction.

Arcitectural firm Grimshaw’s previous research into interlocking geometries – using the form of the building components to create self-supporting assemblies – allowed SugarcreteTM to be deployed as a demountable, reusable, fire resistant composite floor slab, which can be applied, disassembled, or extended in new or existing structures.

“Sugarcrete when integrated as a floor slab adapts Abeille’s 1699 design for dry assembly flat vaults,” said Elena Shilova, architect at Grimshaw.

“The system is made of interlocking components which transfer loads across the slab between blocks, restrained using post-tensioned perimeter ties, reducing the steel content of the slab up to 90 per cent.

“Reducing steel, combined with the use of sugar cane fibres of different densities in a modular system, allows the slab assembly to avoid the potential risks of cracking which occur with traditional concrete in extreme situations, absorbing the effects of seismic shock – a characteristic vital in earthquake prone regions where sugar cane is cultivated.”

As part of the project, and working with Tate & Lyle Sugars, the team has started to identify sites in the sugar producing Global South, which have the opportunity to adopt Sugarcrete.

As well as providing an alternative, sustainable construction material globally, production of the material could provide particular advantages for sugar-producing communities, many of whom have to import materials that are poor performing for their environment, at high cost.

The intention is to work with local NGO’s to test a prototype.

Alan Chandler, Co-Director of UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute, said:

“By partnering locally, the production potential in each situation is evaluated, defining whether cement-use reduction can be made using locally created SugarcreteTM, or whether there is capacity to grow export markets for raw material or finished products to benefit GDP.

“This is particularly relevant for sugar producing communities where construction materials are frequently imported, environmentally poor performing, high cost and high carbon – for example a concrete block in Cuba, a major sugar producing country costs $3 – an average monthly salary is $148.”

Sugarcrete has been nominated for this year’s Earthshot Prize by former winners, Notpla, in the Build a Waste-Free World category.

In addition, researchers from UEL will publish their first set of SugarcreteTM  journal papers with its partners over the coming year, alongside carrying out further research on structural, durability and acoustic properties of the constituent materials.

Source: Infrastructure Intelligence

/0 Comments/by

SITEPRINT ROBOT – NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK

 

HP’s SitePrint robot, which was launched in the US last year, is now being made available to customers in the UK and Ireland.

The SitePrint robot is available to customers in the UK and Ireland from 3 May, extending the Early Access Programme launched for customers in the US and Canada in September 2022. Commercial availability is expected for the SitePrint robot in North America later this summer.

SitePrint is a robotic solution that uses autonomous operation to print complex construction site layouts accurately and with consistent repeatability, improving the productivity of the site layout process. It also prints text, providing additional data from the digital model to the construction site, and has the ability to avoid obstacles.

HP describes the robot as light, and compact. The robot also comes with a touch screen tablet for remote control and configuration, as well as a selection of inks suitable for different surfaces, environmental conditions, and durability requirements.

 

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

Source: Construction Europe

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Spacehub Sutherland Underway

An artist’s impression of an Orbex Prime launch from Sutherland Spaceport (Credit: Orbex) 

Vertical rocket launches could soon lift off from UK soil after construction started on the first mainland spaceport with that capability.

Scottish rocket firm Orbex announced the start of work on Sutherland Spaceport, formerly known as Space Hub Sutherland, today (5 May). Located on the north coast of Scotland, the facility will be the home spaceport of the rocket and launch services company, which will use the site to launch up to 12 orbital rockets per year.

Sutherland is intended to be the ‘first carbon neutral spaceport in the world’ in both construction and operation. The Orbex Prime rocket will reportedly run on renewable biofuel, while peat lifted during construction will be used to repair areas of peatland that have been degraded over centuries.

Engineering services company Jacobs, which has supported NASA on multiple space centre projects and spaceflight programmes, will build the site. It will also provide spaceport operations support, operations consultancy and engineering services, drawing on experience from complex nuclear and space-related sites.

Orbex revealed the final form of the Prime rocket in May 2022. The 19m, two-stage rocket is designed to transport small satellites weighing up to 180kg into low Earth orbit (LEO). The six rocket engines on the first stage will propel the vehicle through the atmosphere to an altitude of about 80km. The single engine on the second stage will complete the journey to LEO.

The Future Liquid Gas biofuel will be supplied by Calor UK.

“This fuel allows the rocket to reduce carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world,” an Orbex announcement said. “Prime is also a reusable rocket, which has been engineered to leave zero debris on Earth and in orbit.”

The company has already signed launch contracts with seven customers. In preparation for the first launch, it is performing integration tests and testing launch procedures. It has hired dozens of staff at its headquarters in Forres to support the integration testing.

“Sutherland represents a new breed of spaceport, for a new breed of rocket. This is 21st century, agile spaceflight with sustainability at its core,” said Kristian von Bengtson, chief development officer and interim CEO at Orbex.

“With the construction of Sutherland Spaceport underway, this is an important piece of the puzzle that will make the UK a modern space nation. Just as importantly, we’re hopefully also setting the tone for how business can be a force for good, creating jobs and opportunities while minimising the impact upon the environment.”

The spaceport is expected to support about 250 new employment opportunities in the Highlands and Islands over the coming years, including 40 jobs in Sutherland and Caithness. Economic impact assessments commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) conclude that the presence of the spaceport could generate almost £1bn in gross value added (GVA) for the Highlands and Islands economy over the next 30 years.

The HIE and Scottish government have invested over £9m in the project. The UK Space Agency provided £2.55m in 2018, while today’s announcement also included details of £3m investment from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, following the decommissioning of the nearby Dounreay nuclear power station.

The ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction was attended by officials and stakeholders including Richard Lochhead, minister for innovation for the Scottish government, Ian Annett, deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, David Oxley, director of strategic projects at HIE, and Dorothy Pritchard, chair of Melness Crofters Estate, the home of the new facility.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for the space sector, with the first orbital launch from UK soil expected to take place in Scotland later this year,” said Lochhead. “Despite our relatively small country, Scotland plays a leading role in the space sector, and with the global market projected to grow to £490bn by 2030, we are well placed to become Europe’s leading space nation by 2030.

“The space sector already plays an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to stay connected, predict weather and monitor the effects of climate change. Sutherland Spaceport and Orbex will play a vital role in providing benefits for our people, our economy and our planet.”

Annett said:

“This marks a major step forward for Sutherland Spaceport and demonstrates the UK’s growing launch capability and the thriving space sector in Scotland.

“The UK Space Agency has invested £8.5m in Scottish-based launch technologies through the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme, as well as £2.5m towards the spaceport and £5.5m for the development of Orbex’s Prime rocket, which has catalysed further investment from private and public partners.

“Not only will Sutherland Spaceport unlock 250 new job opportunities and boost the Highlands and Islands economy, but its carbon-neutral ambition underlines the UK’s position as a world-leader in sustainable space activities.”

Source: Institute of Mechanical Engineers

/0 Comments/by

GERMANY: EUROPE’S LARGEST 3D PRINTED BUILDING

Image SSV Architekten, “PERI”

EUROPE’S LARGEST 3D PRINTED BUILDING IS BEING CONSTRUCTED IN GERMANY

Europe’s largest 3D printed building is being constructed by PERI in the city of Heidelberg, Germany, with COBOD’s BOD2 printer.
The building is almost 600 m2 (6600 sft), 54m (162 ft) long, 11m (121 ft) wide and 9m (30 ft) high and contains an IT server hotel
The project is made for Heidelberg IT Management GmbH & Co. KG, a cloud & data center provider.

Europe’s largest 3D printed building is initiated by KRAUSGRUPPE, a project developer, builder, investor, real estate manager, and broker in the Heidelberg area. The city has always been at the forefront of innovation as it is a city of science. Now, that the Campbell Barracks have been renovated, the city will have a ground-breaking testament of 3D construction printing technology that will revolutionize the building sector. This ground-breaking project is being built for Heidelberg IT Management GmbH & Co. KG, a cloud and data center provider.

The building is approximately 54m long, 11m wide and 9m high. The construction process started 31st of March and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2023. It will serve as an IT server hotel, and is set to become one of the most technologically advanced and innovative buildings in the region.

Hans-Jörg Kraus, managing partner of the KRAUSGRUPPE, said:

 

“As an independent family business with a long tradition and a future ahead, we want to promote innovative construction methods in Heidelberg and make a positive contribution to sustainable building methods”.

PERI 3D Construction, a pioneer in 3D construction printing industry, is providing the know-how for the 3D printing process, and is using COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer to print the walls of the building. PERI is taking advantage of the high printing speeds of the printer, and plans to complete the printing of the walls of this large-scale project in just 140 hours, equivalent to printing 4 square meter of building per hour.

 

 

The architects from SSV Architekten and Mense Korte, who collaborated on the project, devoted a lot of attention to the design of the walls, which is very unique as seen in the renderings of the server hotel. Dr. Fabian Meyer-Brötz, Managing Director of PERI 3D Construction GmbH, commented:

“Based on parametric design, the special wall design used in the building documents the immense design freedom, that the COBOD BOD2 3D printer enables. We are very proud to be able to realize our largest building to date with this project”

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager of COBOD added:

“In this unique project PERI is emphasizing two of the key benefits of 3D construction printing; speed of execution and design freedom. Because of this our technology is capable of carrying out everything from materials savings windmill towers over low cost residential housing in Africa to architectural office type buildings in Germany.”

 

/0 Comments/by

IRELAND: Construction firms must use off-site modular building methods

Construction firms will be required to use off-site manufacturing for new public homes to speed up delivery.

The new state contractual requirements will represent a move away from the tradition of building homes block by block. Modular construction panels, light steel frames or timber frames will be used instead.

Government officials are hoping that the mandatory use of these modern methods of construction in public housing contracts will also drive down the high level of site waste from leftover blocks, planks and other materials.

Each off-site house part is manufactured to precise specifications in advance, which can reduce construction waste by 50 per cent.

The latest update on the government’s Housing for All plan states that the target for using modern methods of construction in public housing projects is “on track” for delivery by this summer.

Builders will be shown how to use modern methods of construction at a new “demonstration park” set up at the Mount Lucas construction training centre in Daingean in Offaly by the end of this year. It will have several different residential units including terraced housing, semi-detached houses and apartments.

The move is based on advice from the government’s official construction sector working group that public projects can be used to drive the adoption of modern methods of construction.

The Construction Industry Federation, which is led by Tom Parlon and is a member of the group, has welcomed the plan to get more firms to engage in modern methods of construction using public works.

A spokeswoman said it was sure that many firms would engage in the process.

“The construction industry is committed to supporting methods of construction that can deliver high-quality houses at the scale required to meet demand and build homes,” she said.

The government has given councils €94 million in funding to build 1,500 public homes on their own land using modern methods of construction, in a further attempt to drive the uptake.

Feargal Ó Coigligh, an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing, recently told the Oireachtas housing committee that modern methods of construction be “more timely and quicker” rather than “lower cost or lower quality”.

He also said that adopting these techniques would encourage manufacturers to build more off-site facilities in Ireland.

“You then get people working in much more agreeable environments when building our houses, and people happy to go into careers in the area,” he said.

Source: Business Post

/0 Comments/by