Welcome to issue 5 of the 1872 magazine. Recently, I’ve done some reflecting following feedback sessions with our Project Managers. I wanted to share some of those thoughts with you as they’re pertinent to the Exyte Hargreaves we are today.
When I came into the business and after my first 3 to 6 months, it was clear to me that whilst Exyte Hargreaves has a great business model, there was a lot that still needed to be done and areas which required improvement and change. I think we achieved a lot last year, and I hope you agree that we are in better shape today compared to 2023.
Last year was about laying the foundations for further and greater success.
How we did this?
• Agreeing and clarifying a clear identity and vision
• Removing some inefficiencies
• Aligning with Exyte Group
• Adopting a new structure and procedure for work winning
• Securing more work/projects
• Establishing an achievable pipeline of future project opportunities
• Changing the overall business structure, processes, and procedures
By no means are we the finished article, we still have a lot to do, but we made a great start. More importantly, we ended last year in a stronger financial position. This is due in no small part to the fantastic relationship between our operational teams and clients. Thank you.
What’s new in 1872?
It’s over a year now since we launched the 1872 magazine and issue 5 is jam-packed with content. In the last issue we covered project progress at HPC, so this time we’ve over at HS2 with our South Ruislip team (page 12). We also welcome the new faces to our business with two features this month:
• #24In24 (page 6) focuses on some of our new starters this calendar year
• On page 14 we take a first look at our Apprentice Class of 2024
Elsewhere, there’s content on Safety, National Manufacturing Day and the events we’re attending towards the end of the year. Hope you enjoy reading the latest 1872 magazine!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Here’s a quick look at some of the recent news from Exyte Hargreaves.
Glaston-Bury Recap
We were thrilled to be the headline sponsor at our local Glaston-Bury music festival. Since the early 2000’s the event has served to showcase musical talent within the Greater Manchester area. Most importantly, the event raised thousands of pounds for Bury Hospice, our local charity. A number of our team were able to support the event over August Bank Holiday weekend.
Recruitment Brochure
Recruitment is a big priority for Exyte Hargreaves during the current year. Working with our friends at YouSayTomato creative branding agency, we are pleased to present our new Recruitment brochure. It is a fantastic addition to our recruitment toolkit and details the many opportunities for careers at Exyte Hargreaves.
A new Storage Facility
It’s exceptionally busy in the factory at the moment with Hinkley Point C, HS2 and defence projects dominating the production floor. We have taken some new premises in Bury which will be used to store completed products before they are shipped to live projects. Pictured is our Logistics Manager, Cath Ogden as well as Joe Lowther and Brendan Fay from our Manufacturing team.
DfMA Capability Statement
Another new piece of literature is an update to our DfMA capability statement. The growth of modular construction in our current project pipeline is really encouraging. This marketing document explains the benefits to employing off site manufacture and why our dedicated factory in Bury is the perfect place for it.
Exyte Hargreaves is a unique business. There’s few contractors like us who can take a HVAC project from beginning to end. Here’s how we do it:
Our engineering design for HVAC systems spans all levels of detail (definitions, development, execution and verification).
We have a strong design capability across mechanical engineering, EC&I, CAD, BIM and specialist HVAC disciplines. All design work is carried out in house to achieve the optimum value for a client in relation to project size and scope.
We are committed to minimising any adverse social, economic and environmental impacts across the life cycle of our activities, products and services throughout the supply chain. Our Integrated Management System (IMS) is an ISO accredited management tool to ensure best value and minimise wastage for our clients.
Our project teams are highly experienced and committed to working collaboratively with our client and the wider project supply chain. The size and complexity of our HVAC systems means our teams constantly innovate to deliver a solution-based approach to site installation. We work to the highest quality standards and commit to an Incident Free Workplace. At the end of the project we deliver product records with full traceability from design to installation, giving clients a complete record of the Exyte Hargreaves service. Our client relationships are long-standing and valued, helping to create the strong reputation which our business prides itself on. Our
• Design and Manufacture off site in our factory
• Faster, more sustainable on site install
• Modularise HVAC systems in a Quality-controlled environment
• Avoid unnecessary delays to your project programme
Find out more on our website.
24 24
#24In24
Recruitment remains a huge priority for Exyte Hargreaves - and we’re going through a purple patch when it comes to talent spotting. We’re pleased to introduce you to some of the incredible people who have joined us this year. This special feature welcomes our 24 in ‘24!
Gary Blackburn
Mechanical Design Engineer
Stephen Holmes Quality Manager
Joined 3 January
Lewis Cullen
Commercial Trainee
Joined 5 February
Jennifer Sears
“I’d previously worked for Hargreaves 40 years ago on the Heysham 2 power station.”
“In the time that I’ve been with the company it’s just been a really, really positive experience.”
Vanita Hirani Dorothea Place
Joined 2 January Quality Engineer
Joined 3 January
“It’s a great team! I’m still learning but I’ve always got someone next to me that can pass on their knowledge.”
Purchasing Assistant
Joined 4 March
“I’m actively trying to get my friend a job here as we speak!”
“This is a successful business built in the town I was born in, so I wanted to be part of it.”
Abeel Akhtar
Document Controller Joined 11 March
“It’s a good natured and considerate environment. I am working with an experienced Document Controller and an excellent line manager.”
“The idea of engaging within multiple projects across different sectors was a very exciting opportunity.”
James Dutka Document Controller Joined 25 March
Assistant Joined 7 May
“I’ve been working a lot on Hinkley Point C and assisting the other operatives in their work.”
24 24
#24In24
“If you want to come to a company that’s going to look after you I’d recommend Exyte Hargreaves.”
“The company wants you to succeed and you can really grow here.”
“I wasn’t quite aware of the potential of the business. In a few years we’ll need a bigger boat!”
“Our welding is so specialised so you get to learn a lot and progress within the industry.”
“Everyone offered time and support to build me up and get me used to the role, which was absolutely fantastic.”
Purchasing Assistant
“It’s a great place to work, they offer really good rates of pay and the working conditions are fantastic.”
“It’s a good company to work for and they give you plenty of training.”
“My role offers a unique blend of leadership, problem-solving, and financial oversight.”
Sonya Cromack Hadley Coulson
Liam COllingwood Steve Horrocks
Andrew Busby
Shane Crosby
“I enjoy the challenges the role brings and also the great working relationship we have with the client.”
“The company has a bright future with the projects that we have in our pipeline.”
“They’re a company who, when they say they’re going to do something for you, they actually do it.”
“It’s a great team and everyone makes you feel welcome at Hargreaves.”
“My time has been dedicated to the HS2 projects, reviewing technical information and specifications.”
“I’ve been working a lot on Hinkley Point C and assisting the other operatives in their work.”
“I’m working with someone who is experienced in his work. There’s good opportunities and career paths here.”
“It’s a good company to work for and they give you plenty of training.”
Brad Randen
Bradley Hales
Liam Massey
Eamon Tarrant
Lawrence Lonsdale
Daniel Cannon
Kevin Toombs
Lee Stevenson
Special Feature: HS2
South Ruislip
Great news! After the successful installation of the DfMA risers back in July, the HS2 team are pushing towards the next phase of the project…Shaft Installation.
We’re almost done with the design stage of our project. Due to new instructed information, the BIM team had to revisit completed areas and adjust to suit the firestopping detail provided. The team has been working hard, and we’re now just putting the finishing touches on the final details. Once that’s wrapped up, the design gets presented for approval by the lead designer on the project and as long as he is content, we’ll be ready to issue the ductwork for manufacture.
What’s Happening:
• Design: We’ve completed all the major parts of the design. Just a few tweaks left, and we should be good to go.
• Procurement: The engineering team have been working incredibly hard to issue technical submissions which once approved (code A) allows us to to go out and buy.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing team is ready and waiting to start production as soon as the designs are finalised.
• Installation: We’ve already started planning for the installation phase, so we can hit the ground running once manufacturing is underway.
What’s Next:
• Final Design Check: We’ve got a final design review meeting set for early September to make sure everything’s in order.
• Manufacturing: Once the design certificate is signed, it will be all systems go at our manufacturing facility.
• Remobilisation: We are planning on the site operatives returning to site on the 14th October to carry out the next installation phase .
So, what about our other projects I hear you ask, well…
Mandeville Road and Copthall Tunnel assets are both in the final stages of design also. Again, the BIM team have had to revisit the model to make changes following late firestopping details.
The civil works on these projects have made good progression in the last 6 weeks, and the team are planning to visit both sites for the first time in September.
Finally West Ruislip, the new addition to the HS2 portfolio. The contract started on 14th August, and we are in the final stages of completing the report after reviewing the stage 4 models and drawings issued to us.
We as a team are really looking forward to taking our learnt lessons from the other projects to really ensure this one will run smoothly.
Wrapping Up
I am most pleased with how we have managed to build a great team on this project, the communication and integration between our colleagues is great to witness and be a part of.
The direction we are heading in really leaves a positive vibe around, and the rewards are coming. We’re in a good spot right now, with the design stage almost behind us. I’ll keep you all updated as we transition into the next phases of the project.
Glen Nolan Project Manager
Meet our: Apprentice class of 2024
Exyte Hargreaves is delighted to be introducing our 2024 Apprentices. Following in the footsteps of our many graduates of the Hargreaves Engineering Young Talent programme, we have recruited young professionals for a number of departments around the business. Our new apprentices for this year will be joining our Manufacturing, Quality, Project Engineering, Safety, Commercial and Business Administration teams.
We wish all our apprentices good luck as they begin their journey with Exyte Hargreaves.
Jonathan Johnson Quality Apprentice
Neve Barker Business Administration Apprentice Manufacturing
Rio Hunter Safety, Health & Environment Apprentice
Harry Horsfield Fabrication & Welding Apprentice
Emil Boehinger Project Engineer Apprentice
Lynden Haigh Fabrication & Welding Apprentice
Patrick Clare Quality Apprentice Aidan Rogers Quantity Surveyor Apprentice
Dilian Zhelyazhov Business Administration Apprentice Office & Facilities
Jake Robinson Fabrication & Welding Apprentice
Jenna-Leigh Heywood Project Engineer Apprentice
Eber Clayton Fabrication & Welding Apprentice
Nicholas Bowden Project Engineer Apprentice
Wesley Willians Fabrication & Welding Apprentice
Afioluwa Adepoju-Ojo Business Administration Apprentice Governance & Quality
Michael Bridgen Construction Design & Build Apprentice
Exyte Hargreaves has once again been recognised in the 2024 H&V News Awards. The event is in its 30th anniversary year and we’re delighted to have been shortlisted in no less than 5 categories!
• Innovation in Construction & Building Engineering – Hinkley Point C
• Building Services Project of the Year – Hinkley Point C
• Training Initiative of the Year – Engineering Young Talent programme
• Apprentice of the Year (Over 21) – Leon Barker-Williams
• Apprentice of the Year (Under 21) – Beth Richards
About the Awards
The H&V News Awards celebrates the very best the HVAC sector has to offer. Our nominated employees and projects will shortly be presented to a panel of industry judges ahead of the ceremony in November. Wish us luck!
Plus, Offsite Awards goes Digital!
We were also delighted to have been nominated in the Digital Construction & BIM category at the Offsite Awards 2024. Our Digital Innovation team has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to bring new technology into our manufacturing facility. Judges were impressed by how this new technology is making our factory more efficient and able to embrace a future focussed mindset.
Exyte Hargreaves is delighted to be a Gold Sponsor for Nuclear 2024.
Nuclear 2024 is the industry’s leading nuclear conference. It is in its 24th year and we’re eagerly awaiting the publication of this year’s conference programme.
Meet the EHL team at our interactive event stand
Discuss Nuclear HVAC with our industry specialists including DfMA and Digitisation
Hear the latest on key industry topics such as Great British Nuclear, Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and SMR technology
Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Our eObservation system is critical to the maintenance of an Incident Free Workplace. Employees are encouraged to record positive observations and potential improvement actions via their laptop or mobile device. These are escalated to our EHS team and senior management (for EHS and Quality) so that high standards may be maintained at Exyte Hargreaves. It’s vitally important that we send all our people home safely at the end of each working day.
Nut Good Enough
Quality is critical to delivering excellence for our clients. In April we were made aware of a defective nut fastener received from a supplier. This would have resulted in a misalignment during install. The site team involved were commended for their vigilance and all defective products removed from circulation until the supplier had rectified the defect.
Chain of Command
A member of our Manufacturing team approached the Head of EHS on the shop floor. He identified an older crane which was missing its limiter – meaning the chain block was not stopping at ground level. The crane supplier was then contacted to have the machine retrofitted with the appropriate parts.
HiP Replacement
An employee pointed out that the minutes of safety meetings should be displayed on the HiP (our Intranet site). These are now displayed online to improve information sharing and prompt feedback/ideas from staff. In addition, new Health & Safety noticeboards were erected in the factory.
Laser Focused
One of our trained operatives on the Laser Cutting machine raised an observation explaining that he was not trained to operate the cranes. This led to inefficiencies because he had to ask another operative for help to move materials on/off the machine. The operative received the appropriate training and is now able to do the lifting independently.
An Open Book
We’ve spent a great deal of effort in the past two years on the improvement and diversification of our internal and external communications. This was complemented by a colleague who expressed that management information was more forthcoming. Indeed, we are now onto issue 5 of this magazine’s sister publication – an internal newsletter called Inside 1872!
Here are a selection of our favourite photos from National Manufacturing Day 2024. Follow @ExyteHargreaves on LinkedIn for the latest updates from #DuctWorld
