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Barlows creates Lovejuice
20 July 2006
Barlows – the leading interior solution specialist - has just completed its first new build shop for the Lovejuice drinks chain in Milton Keynes, and will be shortly starting work on the company’s next outlet to open at the Birmingham Bullring.
The management of this project adhered to Barlows’ new lean operating principles of collaborative planning, to ensure the completion of tasks meet hourly deadlines, and off site manufacturing. Both dramatically reduced time on site by up to 50%.
The design of this Lovejuice outlet – which is the sixth to open in the UK – was undertaken by Barlows in collaboration with the client’s designers. By working closely with those already familiar to the juice chain, Barlows was able to create the most effective and efficient use of space in a striking retail environment.
To save valuable time, the project was managed on a fast track basis, with work beginning quickly as soon as the designs and planning permission were approved. Within the initial stages of the project, Barlows finished all walls and ceiling with plasterboard, laid sheet flooring and installed new lighting, plumbing and safety systems.
And by working to collaborative planning methods, daily on site induction meetings and timed deliveries, the entire team and key sub-contractors were aware of the hourly deadlines to meet. This stringent planning process greatly reduced disruption as only the necessary trades and personnel were on site at any one time, which was essential when working on such a small site.
Much of the outlet’s fixtures and fittings – including solid hardwood counter, stainless steel back counter, food preparation units and main fascia signage – were preassembled in the factory before being delivered to the site.
After completion of the initial design, Barlows was then responsible for the commissioning and installation of specialist food refrigeration, preparation and display equipment including chillers, freezers, blenders, grinders and juicers.
“I was amazed at how quickly the store was built once on site and, on the whole, how problem free it has been to Lovejuice from concept to completion,” comments Norine Brown, Operations Director at Lovejuice.
“The entire project was undertaken efficiently and within both the agreed time scales and budget. This is the first project we’ve undertaken in partnership with Barlows and I have been told by my Managing Director John Heseltine that this has been the smoothest build yet! We are planning a rapid expansion over the next 12 months and we look forward to working in partnership with Barlows again on our next outlet in the Birmingham Bullring.”
Barlows Project Leader Mathew Fleming, concludes: “By managing the entire new build process – and by combining our lean design and build practises with the highest quality service and products - we were only on site for two and a half weeks, which was a real benefit to the client."
For further information on Barlows, visit www.barlowgroup.co.uk or call 0114 280 3000.
New outlet at Milton Keynes
