PROJECT
EOS ITSOLUTIONSHEADOFFICE, BANBRIDGE
KILLOWEN CONTRACTS OVERCAME A HOST OF CHALLENGES TO DELIVER A WORLD-CLASS HQ FOR A GLOBAL IT POWERHOUSE… FUTURE PERFECT
W hen global tech firm, EOS IT Solutions needed to construct a landmark new head office at The Boulevard Banbridge they turned to leading engineering, construction and fitout experts Killowen Contracts Ltd to deliver their complex and stunning new project. Works on the 20,000sqft extension provided both a state-of-the-art CAT A office space for the company and additional warehouse space supporting their key operations in logistics. Following appointment in early 2020, Killowen commenced on site at the start of March expecting a 39-week contract duration. While there were a number of issues for consideration, which they were already aware of, that was before lockdown created the biggest challenge of all.
Maurice McGivern, Director Killowen Contracts, explained, “The impact of Brexit was evident from the outset as material prices increased and supplies became lower on a weekly basis. We discovered lead-time for material deliveries were increasing which would ultimately impact our programme. “Furthermore, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was a major challenge and impacted the project on a number of issues. We were required to stand down for six weeks during lockdown and it was immediately evident on our return to site that there was a serious impact on production of key materials through the furlough scheme and associated closure of plant and production facilities by key suppliers. “At this point, it was important we
considered our programme on a daily basis, working with the design team and our key supply chain members to procure and secure orders for materials such as the steel frame, cladding, metal decking and aluminium windows as soon as possible. We encountered a number of delays on supply of the glazing, which was outside the control of both Killowen Contracts and our supplier, Bann Architectural. Glass was in short supply and delivery was delayed by both Brexit and compounded with plant closures resulting from the pandemic. “We worked closely with Bann Architectural to get as many windows installed on site as possible to ensure the building was watertight, then erected a temporary screen on any remaining windows to facilitate progress on site and prevent any detrimental impact on the programme.”
“Throughout the buildweworked closelywith our client to integrate all services required tomeet their global networking needs.”
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