Good Food & Wines - Storage Tanks New Build

GFW had a requirement for a new bulk vinegar store/Warehouse on their site on Medway City Estate. The site was cleared and levelled, removing many tons of earth and debris. A new drainage system was laid in, including a specialist system for any vinegar spillages to prevent contamination of the water or ground in the area. First 25no 9 metre deep piles were installed to provide a solid base.

Then a cordex floor with specialist membrane and 350mm reinforced concrete base was installed ready for the new steel portal frame. The steel frame, which had been pre-manufactured off site was delivered and erected by cranes with all of the new cladding and roof fitted to the framework. Externally, brickwork was built up to the cladding and internally new block walls were constructed.

A mezzanine floor was installed for all of the mechanical equipment required for the new building and to provide a laboratory area needed. Careful attention had to be paid to ensure a clean environment when the building was operational. GTCI Electrical Ltd carried out a full design and installation of the lighting and power systems including 3 phase power supplies. The construction work and internal fit out of the new building need to be complete prior to taking delivery of 8no x 35000 litre stainless steel tanks from Spain that had been pre-ordered, this deadline could not be missed and was achieved.

The tanks arrived on the day planned and the site was ready with a local crane operator and a full crew from GTCI ready to aid safely removing them from the 4 low loaders on which they travelled. Turning them 90 degrees and then slowly and carefully lifting and pushing them into the tight main doorway to their final resting place in the eight bays in the store. The Spanish manufacturer spent approx. 2 weeks on site connecting the tanks them with aluminium pipework to pumps and drains.

The whole building was then finished internally with specialist finishes such as Whiteroc wall lining, 2-part epoxy floor painting, ceramic floor tiling and wall paints all specifically chosen to provide durable finishes and to aid the control of the temperature of the unit throughout. Finally, the external shutters, doors and fast doors were fitted with all external areas completed and tidied.

We are proud to say that the project was completed within budget and almost two weeks early, during the project which was very challenging at times no major or minor injuries occurred which is testament to the professionalism of our site managers and staff.