Sikla partners with Sauter Offsite Manufacturing on M&E project

What alternative support solution would you consider if traditional steel beams, for mechanical and electrical (M&E) supports, are delivered after your project deadline?

This is the exact problem Sauter Offsite Manufacturing (SOM) faced when they became involved in providing M&E support systems for Guala Closures new factory in Scotland. Read this case study to find out how Sikla UK & Ireland were able to provide Sauter Offsite Manufacturing a modular steel 14-metre support solution with siFramo.

The project

Guala Closures, a major supplier to the scotch whisky industry, are underway in the development of a new factory in Gartcosh, that will see the merge of the existing factories in Stirlingshire and Kirkintilloch. The new super bottle closing factory required M&E service supports to be supplied during a compressed project timeline.

Collaboration is key

Sauter Offsite Manufacturing, a leading building services contractor, won the contract from Emtec Building Services to design and supply the M&E systems for the project and initially planned to use traditional steel beams. However, a labour analysis carried out on manufacturing the traditional steel supports demonstrated a overrun on the project by over six weeks. In addition to this the steel beams would have required additional of protective or decorative coatings which would have added both additional time and cost.

Sikla and Sauter Offsite Manufacturing regularly collaborated to ensure all were on the same page and be able to adapt to changes.

By using siFramo, compared to traditional steel beams, the installation process was much smoother and able to be completed prior to the set timescale. This is due to the fact that the Sikla siFramo system does not require a hot work permits to assemble, only one type of screw plus with several Sikla suppliers located in central Europe significantly reduces lead times on materials.

Challenges

M&E modular supports needed to be manufactured and installed onsite between January and July 2024. Sikla were able to meet this deadline however the challenge was supplying 14-metre supports. Sikla siFramo is manufactured in central Europe as 6-metre support beams. To solve this problem, Sikla were able to suggest using octagonal couplings which allows two separate beams of siFramo to be connected and secured with 4 FLS self-forming screws.

In addition to requiring a quick lead time and 14-metre support, the project also required several bracing supports to prevent the pipes from deflecting.

14 metre Sikla M&E support installed in the new Guala Closures factory

Bespoke Sikla services

To develop the final approved solution, the initial designs were drawn by Sauter Offsite Manufacturing Design/Digital Team. Sikla UK & Ireland’s Design and Engineering team the conducted RSTAB structural analysis calculations, based on Sauter Offsite Manufacturing’s designs, to ensure suitability for the application. There were many design changes during the whole process but by using the calculations provided by Sikla, Sauter Offsite Manufacturing could then develop and produce their own drawings for manufacturing and assembling.

To manufacture all the required support frames, Sikla material was supplied to Sauter Offsite Manufacturing between December 2023 to January 2024. Sikla product training was offered to Sauter Offsite Manufacturing to ensure the assembly of each modular support was correct and ready to be installed during the given time frame of January to July 2024.

Supports manufactured offsite being delivered to site to be installed

Overall, by building supports made from siFramo compared to traditional methods the project was able to:

• Be completed on time within the given time frame
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure risks could be quickly identified and solved
• Save money on labour costs as there was no hot work permit requirements
• Have a safer working environment by reducing the working at height duration and not having to use hot works
• Manufacture support offsite to be installed when required therefore saving space

Project in figures

• Over 30 000 screws supplied for assembly
• 3 500 metres of siFramo F80 beam section
• 30 tonnes of steelwork and components

Are you looking for an alternative to traditional steel to use in your next M&E project? Contact our team today to find out how Sikla can create a bespoke for your application.