RB Group selected for engineering support in Cannabinoids facility expansion

The client required an extension to their existing Building 750 WFE facility without causing any down time to production in the existing WFE Area.

• Detailed design
– Civil and structural including demolitions and excavations
– Hazardous Area Classification/zoning
– HVAC / Fume Extract / Room Pressure regime
– BMS & FMS extension to control new AHU
– Mechanical & Pipework
– Electrical & Instrumentation
– Tendering documents
– Lighting
– Controls

• Construction management
• Planning and building regulations support
• CDM and H&S
• Contract Management
• Procurement strategy and management of sub-contractors
• Commissioning and handover

As the project developed from concept to detailed technical design various client changes had to be accommodated:

The WFE plant required a 5.5m ceiling height as opposed to the existing 3.5m ceiling height to facilitate removal of agitator from plant.

The resulting requirement late in the design process resulted in the following changes to accommodate this:

• Internal floor level
• Roof level
• Structural and cladding
• Cleanroom partition designs

Due to the level changes various adaptions were required to voids and services to facilitate plant install and maintenance access in a very tight area.

The RB Group team recognised steelwork as a critical component in the project’s timeline. To keep the project on track, they decided to proceed with the tender process using initial concept designs and estimated quantities. During the 4-week tender period, they took the opportunity to further develop and refine the designs. This approach allowed them to agree on a contract price that was based on more accurate quantities and the finalisation of subcontractor costs.

The project team effectively managed several other challenges, including the additional risks associated with subcontracting, the impact of changes resulting from a different procurement philosophy, and the increased contract administration time caused by claims from the civils contractor. These issues were further complicated by rising material costs due to supply chain disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenging circumstances posed by COVID-19, client changes, contractor dynamics, and supply chain issues, the project was successfully delivered and commissioned to the client’s satisfaction and is now fully operational in production.