Pushing the Borders
Published 15th July 2014
In April 2013, Network Rail awarded BAM Nuttall £295m worth of work in the Borders region of Scotland; delivering 30 miles of new railway between Galashiels and Edinburgh. Working in a remote area of Scotland throughout the winter months with strict programme restrictions in place, BAM Nuttall needed a structural refurbishment specialist with proven pedigree of delivering challenging projects without compromising on quality. As such, Taziker Industrial were the ideal choice as a strategic supply chain partner.
Taziker Industrial programmed the works to allow teams of scaffolding, coatings and steelwork specialists to move from structure to structure in order to ensure continuous working; with the project team planning the works so that the sites would be ready for each subsequent specialism. This was only possible through collaboration between trades, and the project team having the experience to know how to plan the works safely and efficiently.
The surrounding environment posed its own challenges, with the schemes falling into designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the presence of various wildlife including otters, badgers and various types of fish and birds. As such ecologists are on site throughout the works in addition to health and safety, quality and paint inspection personnel.
Engineering Manager Brian Goth took a particularly keen interest in the surrounding habitat “I never cease to be amazed at the biodiversity of the wildlife within close proximity to our worksites, with hourly sightings of Pheasants, Dippers, Kingfishers, Buzzards and Oyster Catchers. Families of Otters also live very close to some of the structures we have worked on. I feel very privileged to be working in an environment such as this.”
Working as a subcontractor was an unusual circumstance for Taziker Industrial. However, we embraced this change by working together with BAM Nuttall to share best practice. Our vast experience as a principal rail contractor also proved vital, as we worked together with fellow contractors in order to plan the works in the most effective manner to deliver a successful project. The collaborative approach to working together with BAM Nuttall proved a success, reshaping our approach to contractor relations in future schemes.
To date Taziker Industrial have completed works to eleven bridges, with works to a further three due to be completed in September. Our scope of works includes scaffolding, encapsulation, grit blasting, painting, steelwork strengthening, repairs, handrail installation and new timber/steel decks. A total of 17,000 square metres of steelwork is being blasted and painted, using 700 tonnes of grit and 20,000 litres of paint. At its peak Taziker Industrial utilised 40 operatives on site. Taziker Industrial Site Manager Andy Pettinger said “We relished the challenges posed by this high-profile project. Working together with BAM Nuttall has allowed us to continue to improve our processes and justify our reputation as the UK’s leading structural refurbishment specialist.”
