FEATURE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
DESIGNING A SMART AND efficient factory space
With over 2.5 million employed in UK manufacturing Matt Colebrook discusses how fit-for- purpose facilities can support output in terms of functionality, aesthetics and environment
M
anufacturing accounts for a significant proportion of the UK
economy. The sheer volume of employees involved lends increasing importance to the assembly of spacious, fit-for-purpose factory premises. Facilities that are able to house numbers of workers on the ground must be conducive to productivity, safety and quality. There are three key areas to consider in order to maximise the quality of the building, the production processes and the factory’s output: functionality, aesthetics and the environment.
SMART, MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDINGS Modern factories often include administrative offices allowing potential customers and client partners can visit to see operations and view the latest technologies in action. Economies of scale rule that having at
least the bulk of manufacturing processes in one place not only reduces costs of transport but makes overall production faster and more efficient. An example of a well-designed
manufacturing plant with offices and operations on one site is Aston Martin’s headquarters near Warwick. The showroom is adjacent to the production facilities to allow visitors who come to buy a car to see processes in action where safety features and cutting-edge technology can be readily demonstrated.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR APPEARANCE The importance of appearance to a production plant should not be
appropriately. Inside the plant visibility and safety can be optimised with white interiors including steelwork, cladding and walls with low-level luminaires in areas where high colour rendering is needed such as checking bays.
underestimated. Building sizeable premises in a well-populated area will undoubtedly have repercussions for the local community so aesthetically pleasing buildings are a necessity in order to receive public approval and avoid reputational damage for the company. If built in an urban or residential area the premises could be surrounded by greenery to block out interior noise and further increase the visual appeal. The front of Aston Martin’s HQ is
designed with departments including company offices and conference suites built around the outside with punched windows and Derbyshire sandstone to give an attractive appearance. Inside the plant ingress of natural light
is highly important to give workers a sense of the outside world. Flat panel windows with full-height glazing and all racking on the manufacturing floor kept at a low level allows maximum light to spread across the whole facility. As it is important to avoid the sun’s
direct glare thermal modelling in the factory design stage can test how far the sun penetrates the manufacturing floor so that machinery can be positioned
Departments including company offices and conference suites are built around the outside with punched windows and Derbyshire sandstone to give an attractive appearance
THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT Controlling temperature is highly important both for operator comfort and quality of operations and production. For example, a factory that makes parts from metal components needs an optimum temperature to maintain their tolerance, mechanic structure and size. Temperature control systems should be
in place within the strict measuring areas of the factory to keep room air temperature consistent as part of the quality assurance process. Displacement and pressurisation systems help to prevent dust ingress which can hinder the manufacturing process. Environmentally-friendly designs will keep energy costs low which is a major consideration when heating and lighting such a large area, along with running machinery. Polished concrete flooring keeps dust levels manageable and reduces the risk of employees slipping and injuring themselves. Multi-functional facilities improve the
communication and overall efficiency of the processes while external aesthetics and ecological measures help to lessen the building’s environmental impact.
Rolton Group
www.rolton.com
WIRE-FREE TECHNOLOGY HOLDS FIRE DOORS OPEN TO EASE ACCESS
The Agrippa range of acoustic wire-free fire door holders and ‘swing-free’ closers are a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution to the problem of holding open fire doors to ease access throughout a building, closing them in the event of a fire emergency to protect a building’s occupants.
The Agrippa range is said to be the first of its kind on the market that uses proven digital wire-free technology to ‘listen and learn’ the sound of a specific fire alarm, virtually eliminating false activations. The Agrippa is designed to be mounted behind the door at either floor level or at the top. It will not damage flooring and can be reapplied or moved with minimal fuss. It requires two C cell batteries (which last for 12 months), has battery life indication and low battery warning. Approved to EN1155 and CE Marked, the Agrippa is an overhead battery powered acoustic ‘swing-free’ door closer. Closing speed is adjustable with a holding angle of 65-105 degrees and can be programmed for daily release. The closer is approved to EN1155, EN1154 and CE Marked.
Geofire 22 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT T: 01388 770360
www.geofire.co.uk / FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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