Project Snapshot
- Sector: Ceramics manufacturer
- AIS Group involved: AIS Vanguard
- Project location: Darwen
- Project type: Factory decommissioning and relocation
- Project Value: £3.9 million
An antiquated production facility with unique challenges
When Shaws of Darwen decided to relocate one of their long-established ceramics factories to Wolverhampton, we were contracted to decommission their existing production facility in the Northwest to help streamline and modernise their operations.
Due to the age of the facility, many machines had been in place for years. Some had brickwork built around them, making removal of these machines challenging. Further to this, the site had multiple levels and very limited space, sometimes leaving only millimetres for manoeuvring. In addition, the factory environment was extremely dusty, and the presence of asbestos in the roof raised health and safety concerns for our operatives.
A bespoke and safe approach from AIS Vanguard
To manage the health & safety risks, the AIS Vanguard team on site were required to wear dust masks and protective suits in certain areas, and alternative lift and shift methods were devised to avoid disturbing the asbestos.
Despite challenges, our team maintained a positive outlook and were highly adaptable with space constraints, moving machinery using forklifts, scissor lifts, and skates, as no large jacks were able to be used.
By maintaining close coordination with the client through weekly progress meetings and a monthly site visit from the client, we were able to minimise disruptions to their operations during this period of transition for the business.
As a result, all machinery was successfully removed and relocated. We supported asset realisation, taking full responsibility for scrapping redundant equipment, and relocating and installing machinery to be used at the new site in Wolverhampton.