// ARTICLE


Unipart Construction Technologies: Bringing a transformative new approach to Construction


Solving the industry’s Sustainability and Productivity challenges in a modern world. M


ichael Starr, Commercial Manager at Unipart Construction Technologies, discusses how Unipart’s skills in digital optimisation and advanced manufacturing have been harnessed to bring innovative new solutions to the Construction industry.


Who are Unipart Construction Technologies?


Since Unipart Construction Technologies (UCT) was formed last year, it’s been a really busy first twelve months.


Bringing innovation in not one, but two major areas of construction (structural reinforcement for concrete, and MEP support structures) has quickly led to UCT’s involvement in major building and infrastructure projects for a range of clients. It’s fair to say that the response has been extremely positive!


Whilst the Unipart name has traditionally been associated with the automotive industry, today Unipart is a leading provider of supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies, with deep expertise and a breadth of capabilities across a range of sectors.


With such a focus on improvement, venturing into the traditionally conservative world of the construction sector is perhaps not as surprising as it may first appear.


We’ve drawn on 50 years’ of Unipart experience in areas including precision engineering, quality assurance and volume manufacturing to create specialist Designed for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) solutions that support Modern Methods of Construction.


This journey has not been without challenges, however just over one year later, UCT are


24 Summer 2024 M32


exhibiting our solutions at Offsite Expo in September and can clearly see the disruptive potential of our unique technology, in an industry that now knows it must change and adapt to meet the needs of humanity in the 21st Century.


What are these solutions?


Manufactured Reinforcement Systems – a new approach to concrete reinforcement for both Buildings and Infrastructure. Think beams and columns for the former, and retaining walls, tank bases and much more for the latter. Add to these an array of foundation solutions that suit both areas, and new products that are constantly under development to solve client needs.


MEP Support Structures – stainless steel Modular Risers, Panels and Lateral Cassettes for M&E installations, solving many of the issues inherent with current hot-rolled steel and welded box section designs. UCT has created a DfMA solution without the usual drawbacks.


How are they different?


UCT’s solutions are designed with productivity gains in mind. Modular, laser cut frames formed from sheet steel improve every type of install, from self-supporting riser structures in high-rise residential blocks, to modular foundation solutions for the utilities and transport sectors.


Moreover, each new product offers significant reductions in material usage and in embodied carbon (up to 40% reduction). An innovative, digitally optimised design approach has created an ability to provide everything from bespoke designs for specific applications, through to volume production.


Dave Allen, General Manager at UCT, explains further:


“Optimisation takes place at two levels – holistically and at component level. Holistically, our in-house soſtware enables us to support early design and scheme development. We then select the appropriate components to best suit the application based on structural performance and required outputs.


This is really powerful as everything is updated in real time based on key metrics including carbon, cost, and construction programme”


The satisfaction in developing truly optimised ground-breaking solutions, that offer significant reductions in embodied carbon (CO2e), major productivity gains, and more has been a major driver for UCT.


With a highly skilled team of specialist digital and structural engineers, mechanical design engineers and civil engineers working on technology and product developments, the goal is to deploy this technology to support clients in their pursuit of Net Zero whilst also driving down their labour costs and reliance on specialists who are increasingly in short supply.


What’s next?


UCT are partnering with forward-thinking, progressive clients in the UK who want to utilise this technology to benefit their projects. UCT’s technology has the potential to be a significant catalyst for CO2e reduction whilst also speeding up projects and improving safety.


If you’re reading this and would like to find out how UCT’s design expertise and innovative solutions could benefit you, then please contact them here:


www.unipart.com/construction-technologies


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