Gratte Brothers Group: Ark Data Centres project
Gratte Brothers Group is one of the UK's leading independent building services companies with a history spanning back to 1946. It provides a complete range of electrical, mechanical, security and commercial catering equipment services.
“We believe in quality, not shortcuts – and we’re committed to providing outstanding service in every area of our business. Being a member of JIB and having JIB Companies in our supply chain, helps ensure that our projects are delivered on time and to the highest quality“
Recent projects include electrical upgrading work for the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon; electrical and mechanical installation for residential and commercial development Camden Lock Village, mechanical and electrical infrastructure fit out for Ark Data Centres, Meridian Park detailed below.
Client: Ark Data Centres
Sector: Data Centre
Duration: 32 Months
Services: M&E services infrastructure fit out of a new 16MW data centre.
Gratte Brothers Limited was also appointed Principal Contractor by Ark Data Centres to undertake the M&E services infrastructure fit out of a new 16MW data centre within an existing live building, the first phase of a multi-phase project at the client’s site, Meridian Park. This innovative site benefits from electrical power generated from a local waste management site, which turns waste into low carbon energy.
Project Description
Gratte Brothers was appointed Principal Contractor by Ark Data Centres to undertake the M&E services infrastructure fit out of their new 16MW data centre within an existing live building, the first phase of a multi-phase project at the Meridian Park site.
The mechanical and electrical services were designed and installed across 2 floors and included multi-voltage (MV) infrastructure, MV generators, low voltage (LV) transformers and switchgear, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) and data hall cooling units. These services were in addition to busbar, lighting and power, fire alarms, gas suppression, building management systems (BMS), domestic water services and drainage.
This innovative site benefits from electrical power generated from a local waste management site, which turns waste into low carbon energy and the finished scheme delivered a total of 16MW of white space across 7 Data Halls, all cooled by indirect evaporative cooling units, which are housed on external plant gantries.
The team achieved practical completion at the end of May 2021 and works were completed with minimal interruption to the project timeline despite the need to navigate pandemic challenges and implement stringent COVID secure procedures at short notice.
This successful outcome demonstrates Gratte Brothers ability to deliver innovative projects in challenging times and has assured future clients about the quality of the company’s work
To find out more about how to become a JIB Member Company email membership@jib.org.uk.
West & West Electrical Engineering
Standing out as a beacon of quality, safety and excellence within the industry is increasingly important and JIB membership is a significant marker of distinction.
JIB membership is synonymous with quality and assures clients that they are engaging with a company committed to the highest standards of workmanship and safety. For West & West, this means that projects are completed and accomplished with an assurance of excellence and compliance with the latest industry standards.
"For companies like us, being a JIB member is not just a badge of honour; it's a testament to our commitment to the highest standards in our field."
The company is also committed to training and development and welcomes the opportunities that JIB membership brings. Membership also offers health and safety guidelines, ethical standards, HR solutions and impartial dispute resolution services. This means that any issues can be resolved swifty, ensuring a stable workforce, to focus on project delivery.
"Our JIB membership is a cornerstone of our business ethos. It reinforces our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in our operations, from safety and training to quality assurance and ethical practices. It also gives our clients the confidence that they are partnering with a leader in the electrical contracting industry, one recognised for its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement."
BGEN
BGEN is a multi-disciplined engineering solutions provider, operating in a diverse range of industry sectors in the UK and internationally, and providing a wide scope of project services from project management, design, fabrication and installation to commissioning and ongoing maintenance services.
Nick Woollacott, BGEN IR/Labour Manager, commented: “As a long-standing member of the JIB quality, efficiency and our people are at the heart of the values of BGEN Ltd. JIB membership helps us to stand out as a quality employer and the JIB benefits package demonstrates to our people and the outside world that we value them.
"The JIB brings stability to the industry by implementing good work practices and setting standards. It sets benchmarks to assess competencies that ensures the workforce is suitably skilled, it also promotes personal professional development that encourages all members to adopt and learn new skills and practices. Furthermore, the JIB team are always at the end of a phone providing support when we need it."
Camelot Electrical
Camelot Electrical carries out a wide range of electrical installation works, mainly within major projects such as complete new electrical and data installations or refurbishments for call centres, schools, and the police authority.
Paul Russell, Director at Camelot, commented: “We joined the JIB as we wanted to introduce more clarity across our business in terms of employment structure and everyone 'singing from the same hymn sheet.'
"The health cover provided by the Benefits Scheme allows us to give something back to our engineers, and over the course of this year we also plan to take advantage of the Occupational Health Assessments available to us. The fact that we can subcontract with other JIB members is also a benefit and we hope this will open up more business opportunities to us."
RDM Electrical and Mechanical Services
Founded in Swansea in 1988, RDM Electrical and Mechanical Services has grown to become one of the most prominent in the industry. David Kieft is one of the Owner Directors and is a Past President of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). David has a great record of promoting training within the engineering industry, as well as within his own company.
RDM makes good use of both its JIB and ECA membership, mostly on human resources and employment issues. David commented: "We are engineers and, for us, HR is a minefield. The JIB and ECA understand our industry."
David has also received assistance in identifying the training needs of his staff, especially when it comes to keeping up to date with regulation changes that affect the industry.
David added: "People often don’t see the true value of the JIB wage and benefits package. There is a lot in the package that would be hard, if not impossible, to get elsewhere for the same price. And then there are the non-monetary benefits; the way that the JIB employers look after their people - employment protection and various items of insurance cover.
"The recognition we gain in other areas of the construction industry by virtue of our JIB and ECA membership is extremely helpful, even if it is hard to quantify its monetary value.
"With the JIB and ECA, there is always somewhere to turn; always someone there who can help you with any issues. These people are always on top of their game and professional at all levels in their approach."
