The number one priority when delivering concrete services or groundworks at manufacturing plants is to avoid disruption. Regardless of the size or type of manufacturer, their operation must not be affected by the works, ensuring production schedules and deliveries can run as normal.

To achieve this, a groundworks contractor must work closely with the manufacturer and design teams to carefully plan the project and consider the wider issues that could impact delivery.

Here we explain the key steps involved in this process and why they matter:

1. Effective sequencing and planning

Sequencing is a critical success factor crucial when working in a live, manufacturing site to ensure production processes are not interrupted. For larger projects, this may mean that some aspects of the work will need to be carried out in designated factory maintenance periods.

Deliveries and plant movements will need to be carefully timed, and health and safety prioritised. This should form part of comprehensive logistics plan outlining how the site will be set up and managed. This extends to the sequencing of the work as well; operations should be planned out for the construction phase to make sure that the impact on the facility is kept to a minimum.

2. Preventing contamination

For sensitive manufacturers (e.g., food or chemical facilities, among others), any risk of contamination must be eliminated. When working in close proximity to a live site of this nature, the works must be contained and if necessary, measures put in place to meet the manufacturer’s specific needs.

For example, we were responsible for delivering reinforced concrete services for a leading chilled food manufacturer in Barnsley and had to share access with its delivery vehicles. To prevent any mud contaminating the wheels of lorries and their facility’s service yard, we installed a dedicated sealed access road for the construction traffic. This ensured cleanliness of the site and surroundings for us and the client.

3. Early engagement

​To vastly reduce the risk of project delays, early engagement with a groundworks contractor is key – and that should ideally take place at the tender stage.

​An experienced groundworks contractor will be able to establish the most effective design and what may or may not be feasible to install based on the constraints of the site. All eventualities should be considered as part of this process so that they can incorporated into the budget and overall plan. For example, limited site access may affect the type of plant and equipment that could be used for groundworks, which in turn may impact the overall construction programme. The more time given for involvement and planning, the more effectively a site can be managed and the least disruption caused.

​A Specialist Partner

​With the right planning, communication and expertise, manufacturing facilities will not need to stop running because of a groundworks project. At Shanco, we have vast experience of the technical and logistical challenges that often go hand in hand when working in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. We understand the needs and priorities of the sector and know what matters to clients.

​Our expertise in this sector means we can offer you support and guidance from the initial concept and planning stage right through to completion. This can include help in finding and engaging a suitable designer and advising on costs.