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Not Half!
27 June 2006
Barlows has completed a refurbishment project for leading petrol retailer TOTAL UK in half the time.
The retail interior solution specialist does not do things by half - except reducing shutdown and time on site by 50% - thanks to its new lean operating principles.
Completing the refurbishment after just four days, rather than seven to ten days under previous operating methods, had significant benefits for the client and will see all future contracts for TOTAL UK carried out to the same lean practises.
Jim Gregory, Planner at Barlows, says: “Because we managed the whole refurbishment process, we were able to reduce store closure by 50%, which was key for TOTAL UK. The fact that it only had to close for four days ensured that they received a higher revenue than they would have done, just by Barlows doing the work two weeks faster than you get with traditional methods."
It is the first project to be undertaken since Barlows’ recent shift in commercial emphasis, which now sees it manage the entire lifecycle of a building from a retail perspective, offering a more cost effective refurbishment solution through off-site manufacture and stringent preparation and on-site planning.
Paul Crane, Shop, Food and Services Manager at TOTAL UK Ltd comments: "Our strategy is based on trying that bit harder for our customers, which is why this refurbishment programme was such a welcome improvement. We were able to significantly reduce consumer inconvenience due to store closure in addition to experiencing the obvious associated commercial benefits."
Patrick Howley, Network Engineering Manager, at TOTAL UK Ltd, continues: “On the whole I was pleased with the quality of finish and very pleased with the comments I received from the shop manager, shops development manager and network engineer about Barlows’ performance. It would appear that the hard work that has gone into developing the lean concept has proved a success and Barlows is to be commended for its effort.
“The vinyl wall finish is excellent and far better than the painted finish and should be adopted on all sites from here on in.”
The effective and efficient completion of this project was due to collaborative planning and pre-manufacture, which saw the implementation and adhesion to hourly time plans, timed deliveries and having only the necessary contractors on site at any given time.
Barlows undertook collaborative planning with TOTAL UK and all key sub-contractors to determine the most cost effective way to undertake the refurbishment. An initial meeting took place prior to the commencement of the project and a second upon completion.
Control was gained through daily on site induction meetings to ensure that everyone was aware of what was expected of them and when.
And to further reduce time and contractor costs, much of the outlet’s fixtures and fittings, decoration and signage were assembled off-site. Similarly, lighting was pre-wired for simple positioning upon delivery and all sinks and taps were pre-plumbed for a quick and easy ‘push fit’ connection.
For further information on Barlows, visit our contact page or call 0114 280 3000.
Day 1, Demolition - Total Meadowside
Day 4, Completion - Total Meadowside
Day 4 - Handover