Setting The Scene
We were awarded this contract by one of the world’s leading e-commerce retailers. Although we had successfully completed similar projects for this customer in the past, those involved much smaller sections of work. This project was on a completely different scale and presented a number of significant challenges.
The scope involved the removal and reinstallation of more than 500 metres of ASAFE fencing from one warehouse to another. To add further complexity, the revised warehouse layout differed substantially from the original design, requiring numerous alterations to fence lengths and the manufacture of bespoke sections to achieve the new configuration
The work also had to be delivered within a fully operational distribution centre, ensuring there was no disruption to day-to-day activities. Midway through the programme, the site entered one of its busiest peak trading periods, making careful planning, flexibility and close coordination essential.
While the project appeared relatively straightforward on paper, the reality was far more complex. Through detailed planning, effective communication and collaborative problem-solving, we successfully adapted to the changing requirements and delivered the project safely and efficiently, despite the challenging environment.
The Preparation & Delivery Phase
We were invited to tender for the project and attended a detailed site survey with the customer to fully understand the scope, programme and operational requirements. Armstrong Nield was represented by both the project management team and an experienced site supervisor, ensuring that every aspect of the project was carefully reviewed and no detail was overlooked. From the outset, our ability to plan around the customer’s peak trading period and deliver the project with minimal disruption was a key factor in securing the contract.
Following the contract award, we mobilised a team of six experienced engineers, led by a dedicated site supervisor, to deliver the works. The project programme was scheduled over four weeks a demanding but achievable timescale that we were confident we could meet through careful planning and effective resource management.
Throughout the project, our site supervisor maintained constant communication with the customer’s operations team, providing regular progress updates and coordinating daily activities. This collaborative approach enabled our team to adapt to the demands of a fully operational warehouse while ensuring the customer’s business continued to run without interruption.
One of the most significant challenges was that the customer continued picking stock from locations immediately adjacent to the fencing works. Working closely with the operations team, we developed a phased installation plan that allowed warehouse activities to continue safely while giving our engineers controlled access to complete the work. This flexible approach ensured both operational efficiency and the highest standards of health and safety were maintained throughout the project.
The Outcome
The project was a complete success, with the customer extremely pleased with both the relocation and the redesigned ASAFe fencing layout. The new installation met all operational requirements while providing a safe and efficient working environment for the warehouse team.
Like any project of this scale, there were challenges to overcome. The most significant were delivering the works during the customer’s peak trading period and operating safely within a fully live warehouse environment. These challenges required flexibility, detailed planning and close collaboration between our engineers, site supervisor and the customer’s operations team. By maintaining open communication and adapting our programme where necessary, we were able to overcome every obstacle without compromising safety, quality or productivity.
The project was delivered safely, on time and to the customer’s complete satisfaction. Most importantly, the customer successfully navigated their peak trading period without any disruption to warehouse operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of our planning, coordination and commitment to delivering projects with minimal impact on our customers’ businesses.
