Lindum successfully completed the fit out of a major new NHS distribution centre in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Our Construction division worked for logistics company Unipart, which operates the site on behalf of NHS Supply Chain.
The building will be used for the storage of non-medical equipment, including everything from tea and coffee to bed pans.
It provides additional warehouse capacity and is a key component of the supply chain’s logistics network, serving NHS organisations in the South East region and parts of East Anglia.
However, in recent weeks, the building has been used for the construction and distribution of life-saving hospital ventilators.
Building work began in September but was completed ahead of schedule so the centre could open early as the NHS began its fight against Coronavirus.
Lindum site manager Ian Moorhouse said: “Our work involved all elements of the fit out, including the mezzanine flooring and the M&E works,” he said.
“However, in the final weeks of the project it became apparent that the extra warehouse capacity would be needed as soon as possible. We did what we could to deliver it early, although the unusual circumstances made this harder.
“As all the local hotel chains closed meaning we had to hunt around for a place for our team to stay. We eventually found one place that was open to key workers and they let us have some rooms.
“Thankfully, Lindum’s policy of working with local suppliers where possible meant that most of our subcontracts were from the area and could still get to site.
“When Government guidance on social distancing was issued, we quickly adapted our ways of working to make sure we kept everyone as safe as possible.”
Following early completion, Unipart’s Head of Group Property Helen Lowther expressed her gratitude to Lindum for the time, effort and work that had gone into the project.
“This has not by any stretch of the imagination been a ‘normal’ or straightforward project so we do appreciate your support,” she said.
“The work you have done on this project has gone some way to assisting our client in coping with this pandemic and we should all be proud of our contribution.”
Frank Burns, Managing Director at Unipart Logistics previously said: “The new Bury St Edmunds site is an important enabler as we continue to identify opportunities to release value to NHS customers. By increasing our capacity, we can ensure we maximise productivity and efficiency within the logistics operation for NHS Supply Chain, and continue to provide a quality-led service.”
