Losberger GmbH - Strategic need: A turnkey storage facility is providing London Heathrow Airport with additional space for specialist equipment

Losberger was approached by Heathrow Airport Ltd to provide an additional storage facility to house various pieces of specialist equipment within a very tight timeframe and to a specific budget. The need was immediate and Losberger was able to provide exactly what was required, on time and to the client’s specifications.

A 49 x 36ft structure with full electrical installation, electrical roller shutter doors, safety barriers and fire safety system was required, with the ability to expand the building should the client outgrow the floor space.

Design
Once the specification was developed, work immediately got underway to ensure that this structure would cater to the exact needs of the client. The specifications were sent off to Losberger’s architectural designers, who quickly turned around various elevations and plans regarding the facility’s location and positioning on site.

Specifications were also sent to Losberger’s electrical team, who immediately sent through a full design of the electrical fit-out that would follow, which complied with all current health and safety laws.

Furthermore, a design was developed by Losberger’s structural designers, who ensured that the building was within all building standards and structurally sound, in accordance with the architectural drawings. Once the shape, size and fit-out was agreed, Losberger could instruct its roller shutter door specialist, who designed a custom-built system to fit around the use of this structure.

Response to need
No time was wasted in formulating a proposal that demonstrated great value for money and was quickly approved by the client. A project program was created and agreed with the client.

The structure was immediately ordered from Losberger, which responded with great speed and professionalism. The electrical team was mobilized ready to undertake its work and manufacture of the roller shutter doors began.

A ground clearance survey was undertaken and approved, and within 12 days from receiving the original inquiry, Losberger Airport Capacity Solutions was ready to build.

Installation
Due to the planning and organization, the installation was as smooth as expected. After the enabling works were complete and hoarding erected, the building arrived on-site early in the morning and work was underway.

A German supervisor was flown in to oversee the erection of the structure and within three days he was on his way back home. The frame of the building was laid out on the ground, the foundation plates were drilled into position and the gable legs were bolted to them. The roof purlins could then be bolted to the gable legs to create skeletal bays.

Once all these bays were ready, they were lifted into position and secured. To get the entire building ready for the roof and wall panels took one working day.

There was no time wasted in getting the roof covers installed onto the frame, and once that was done the cassette walling system could then be clipped in. By the end of the second day, the shell of the building was complete and weatherproof, ready for the electrical fit-out.

This was a more detailed operation including lighting, heating, distribution boards and power for the roller shutter doors. It took six working days to complete, after which the roller shutter door company arrived on site ready to install its bespoke system.

Within two days the doors were installed and working and the building systems were ready to be tested.

Test/commission
Due to the size and simplicity of the building, the testing and commissioning took only one working day to complete and the building was approved immediately by the client, making the official handover a very quick process. The client was very happy and began using the building the next day.

Benefits in use
Since going live, there have been no issues with the quality or layout of the facility and the possibility of extending it by a further 33ft has already been discussed, as the client potentially requires more space.

With this now in the pipeline, Losberger is justifiably proud to say it has delivered another successful turnkey solution.