PCE Design and Build News

PCE launches revolutionary SlingSafe

A NEW patented system designed to dramatically improved safety for personnel involved in the loading and offloading of delvery vehicles has been launched in the UK by PCE.

The new SlingSafe system uses a twin unique boom design to provide added security for operatives, who are protected against falls should they slip or stumble.

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PCE is moving on in more ways than one, with a new direction for the company and a new headquarters

Having firmly established PCE Design & Build during 2007, the company will be moving to new premises in Tamworth, Staffs, for the start of 2008.

The spacious new offices and facilities will enable PCE to concentrate all its operations under one roof, providing a single source solution for the complete precast concrete package.

The new Tamworth base will provide the focal point for all design, procurement and logistics involved in delivering a range of projects from concept to completion, and for co-ordination of PCE's own field workforce of more than 100 fully qualified and accredited precast concrete erection operatives.

Conveniently located near the motorway network, the new offices are just a few minutes from the M42 and M6 toll road junctions, making it even more accessible for visitors.

Explains Managing Director Vince Wetton: "Over the past few years, PCE has been moving rapidly from a mainly erection only service to a larger and more dynamic organisation offering the complete package for customers requiring a full design-to-build service."

"The launch of PCE Precast Design & Build and the move to larger premises shows that we are moving on in more ways than one."

PCE Makes it all square at Trafford Centre

PCE has completed the installation of high quality architectural reconstructed stone cladding units forming part of an extension to one of the UK's leading retail developments.

The £70 million Barton Square development will form a new extension to Manchester's Trafford Centre and is due to open in Spring 2008.

Working on behalf of Nottingham-based Trent Concrete, PCE was responsible for the installation of bespoke precast elements weighing up to 38 tonnes at the development, which consists of four L-shaped blocks arranged to form a central square, mall and colonnade, together with a large entrance rotunda.

The building has an external appearance echoing the original Trafford Centre construction and features a wide variety of buff-coloured reconstructed stone elements with an acid-etched finish.

PCE was responsible for installing almost 1,300 units over the 42-week contract, which was completed on schedule.

These include storey-height pilasters, typically eight metres in height, cornice units, ashlar panels, plinths and a variety of curved units that combine to give the new development its distinctive classical appearance.

Each of the units was delivered to site in the correct sequence on a just-in-time basis, with off-site manufacture ensuring consistency in quality and colour throughout.

For the majority of the contract, PCE deployed a crew of six and the company's own Liebherr 160 tonne crawler crane, supplemented by an additional crew of four where necessary.

David Walker, Managing Director of Trent Concrete comments: "Trent Concrete are delighted with the performance of PCE .The Barton Square project with it's different facets of external wall cladding and the special structural elements which form the collonade,coliseum and rotunda, is a complicated project requiring a high degree of skill, ability and experience. We have designed produced the heaviest units in the company's history.

"The site operations required detailed planning and close co-operation and co-ordination with other trades. PCE were faced with a number of challenges on site which they overcame in a competent, safe and highly professional manner."

Client: Trent Concrete
Main Contractor: Bovis Lendlease Ltd
Architect: Leach Rhodes Walker