PROJECTS
Engineering, setting out, measured surveys and volumetrics as part of complex paper mill project in the North West of England
Surveyors from Powers UK have been involved in the construction of a new paper mill in the North West of England. Powers’ team brought its range of surveying services and expertise to this extensive project, which has been constructed over a two-and-a-half-year period. Work commenced in April 2023, with Powers surveyors and engineers engaged throughout the construction timeline. There were multiple different contractors in this complex construction project and Powers was pleased to be involved from the very beginning.
Project:
Paper Mill
Location:
North West of England
Powers’ involvement:
Engineering resources, setting out and measured surveys, volumetrics
Project completion:
2025
About the project
The North West of England is a well-known hub of industry and the paper-making trade, along with many other important manufacturing sectors, are based throughout the region. When complete, the premises will make paper and paperboard, as well as household and sanitary goods, and toiletries. These processes require the installation of various different manufacturing components. It was an extensive ground-up development.
Our involvement
Powers engineers were the first technicians on site and provided site control – this established the initial layout and extent of the site. Using a known benchmark in the main road, they were able to carry out a traverse around the site perimeter.
Powers returned to the project at various points, setting out the site before groundwork was begun and worked with the various specialists – groundworkers, steel erectors, cladders, logistics specialists and conveyors – on different aspects of the mill’s construction. In addition, Powers carried out a topographical survey and worked with the quantity surveyors and requisitioners to provide volumetric services throughout the earthworks too. This involved cross-checking the quantities, to ensure everyone was working to the same data.
Other tasks in the project’s progress included setting out, bolt surveys, ad hoc secondary control tasks, and lines of sight from original control. As the building went up and the reinforced concrete slabs were cast, Powers carried out slab surveys, to ensure everything was accurate and correct.
The challenges
On such an intricate construction project, involving multiple contractors and subcontractors, there was bound to be challenges. Powers’ surveyor provided datums from inside buildings for logistics, which for a paper mill included racking systems and cranes. The datums have a tolerance of 2mm, which was very important in checking and ensuring accuracy. One of Powers’ most experienced surveyors carried out the majority of the project, which involved a lot of lone working. This can be a challenge, from a health and safety point of view, due to sometimes being the only person in the locality, however Powers’ internal lone working processes meant the office team were in constant contact with their lone surveyors on site. Powers collaborated with the other contractors and trades as well as the logistics teams, and were able to fit around programme availability. Due to the inclement weather, ground conditions were often challenging too.
The outcome
This project was a big build – the size and scale of project meant there were several management factors to coordinate. Within the course of the project, the construction programme was accelerated – this pushed everyone, including Powers, to overachieve and hit benchmarks to exceed the programme’s targets.
“Powers’ team has been a key contributor to the success of this project, with many aspects of the construction impacted by their involvement. From the ground up, they have been involved in every step of the build. This kind of ‘unseen’ work, which often isn’t obvious in the final results of the construction, is testament to these ‘unsung heroes’. Their hard work to make sure everything is square, accurate and correct can often be overlooked, but is a vital piece of the big picture, especially in error prevention.”
“Powers continuously delivered a high standard quality of surveys – particularly in the concrete slab and bolt surveys, which had to be carried out with efficiency and exacting accuracy, often in challenging outdoor situations. The cartography was also of a very high standard. The project was fortunate to have a great team at the office and on site. Whenever Powers had to push data through, everyone was responsive and helpful.”
Luke Shaw, Project Manager
