‘Zero Defects’ delivers savings for clothing firm George

Barrett Steel Buildings’ ‘zero defects’ approach has delivered cost savings and a two week saving on programme on a project to design, supply and erect a steel frame for a large new distribution centre for Asda’s clothing subsidiary George.

The 1150t steel frame building close to Washington, Tyne & Wear, which was erected in seven weeks, covers an area of 362,000ft² and has a clear height to the underside of the haunch of 16m.

The project benefitted from use of a new galvanised steel ground beam designed by Barrett Steel Buildings as an alternative to precast concrete. Commercial Manager Andrew Marston said: “The ground beam was developed as part of the ProShed ‘Quality built in 50 days’ project and eliminates the need for a return visit to fit cold rolled rails. Our galvanised steel ground beams are cheaper than using concrete beams and speed up the time taken to erect a steel frame building.”

Construction of the distribution centre gave Barrett Steel Buildings a chance to employ and evaluate the success of its new zero defects approach to its work. ‘Zero defects’ involves identifying and rating potential hazards at the design and drawing stage and introducing control measures to make sure and problems do not reach site.

The main contractor is Simons Construction, the architect is Chetwood Associates, the engineer is Capita Symonds and the cladder FK Roofing.