Search Search Contact Contact News News Projects Projects
  • ALMAC – Building 15

    ALMAC – Building 15

    View Gallery
  • Client Almac Group
  • Location Craigavon
  • Duration 18 months
  • Completion August 2017
  • Value £18m

ALMAC – Building 15

Heron Bros is proud to be a construction partner of choice for pharmaceutical giant ALMAC. As part of a £50m framework, HB has built, remodelled and maintained ALMAC’s building stock over the last decade including; storage warehouses, cold stores, secure vaults and administration offices.

‘Building 15’ is a new-build pharmaceutical chill and frozen warehouse with a distribution facility. The £18m project is 8,830m2 GIFA over 3 storeys and was delivered over 18months.

The primary function of the building is that its temperature is controlled 24/7. Given the nature and cost of the drugs stored, steady state testing over 48-hour periods was carried out by HB and specialist supply chain, without impacting the drugs and end users. Working within a live estate was managed throughout programme without disruption to end users and business operations.

Designing & Building to BIM Level 2, supported client decisions before commencing on‐site. BIM is currently used by ALMAC’s FM team for day-to-day building operations. Open book procurement facilitated early contractor involvement and extensive client engagement to deliver on ALMAC’s vision of building the largest pharmaceutical store in Europe.

HB modified the design to incorporate 2 floors of offices which were not originally intended, saving costs and space. Several products were manufactured off‐site such as pallet racking, shelving and cooling plant. Off‐site construction offered on‐site productivity. ‘Build Smart’, HB’s bespoke Quality app, was used to record issues and implement remedial actions, leading to ZERO DEFECTS.

At project outset, team‐building sessions were facilitated with the integrated project team to cultivate collaborative relationships. HB has a dedicated ALMAC project team that are very familiar with the client’s needs. Daily meetings and transparent communication created effective team‐working. At pre-contract meetings, opportunities were identified to improve performance and increase efficiencies. All stages of project were carried out in accordance with our IMS. Coordination meetings were held with the project team to maintain programme, completing the project ON TIME and ON BUDGET.

All CDM requirements were met including creation of construction phase plan considering the live environment. Safe systems of work were communicated to all on site. Weekly tool box talks were delivered to reinforce the site rules and raise awareness of the current hazards. Our Start Smart campaign helped identify and mitigate risks by enhancing our equipment, technology and competencies. Exemplary site management, training and communication promoted an excellent H&S culture which enabled the project to be completed with ZERO reportable accidents.

Our Environmental Policy provides guidance on the management of our sustainability policy. We implemented a SWMP and CEMP on the brownfield site with no waste to landfill and concrete crushed and re-used on site. Operating within a live environment meant that staff did not need to relocate during construction, where they can retain easy access to the public transport network.

Building 15 is in the heart of ALMAC Group’s Head Quarter Campus in Northern Ireland which has over 2500 employees working across 16 different buildings. HB implemented our Noise, Dust and Vibration Management Plan and scheduled works planned the least invasive times. Building 15 will impact employment and the local economy positively.

You can take a virtual tour of Almac’s Craigavon Campus here.

Request a Capability Document

Project Design

Concept Architect: Ostick & Williams Architect: Ostick & Williams Services Engineer: DSSR Structural Engineer: BWM

Key Features

  • New-build pharmaceutical chill and frozen warehouse with a distribution facility
  • Largest pharmaceutical cold store in Europe
  • 8,830m2 GIFA
  • Located in the heart of ALMAC Group’s Head Quarter Campus in Northern Ireland
  • Delivered within a live estate
  • Designed & Built to BIM Level 2
  • Open book procurement
  • Early contractor involvement
  • Dedicated ALMAC project team
  • Repeat client

Awards

Request a Capability Document
Testimonials

“From a client perspective working with Heron Bros has been a positive experience. I am happy to recommend Heron Bros and look forward to working with them in the future.”

David CarlisleFacilities Manager at ALMAC Group