Caunton Engineering has designed & supplied the structural steelwork for a major new drinks distribution depot at Thatcham, in Berkshire in "double" quick time. Caunton was working for contractor Fitzpatrick ,whose client was major development company Gazeley Properties who were themselves in joint venture on the project with development giant, British Land.



The depot itself was designed as a warehouse facility and consists of twin 45m span portal -frames housing internal two storey office blocks. In tandem there is a 21m span portal frame together with two 20m span propped canopies running in effect the entire length of the building. These provide the shelter required for some 48 loading docks plus the Transport Administration Office.



Gazeley's " Fastrak" programme required precise planning to ensure the main structure was fully erected & handed over after only seven weeks. This was achieved by Caunton working in close cooperation with Fitzpatrick .The structure itself comprised over 1400 tonnes of steelwork, and encompassed an area of 42,000 sq.m. This was no mean feat as the erection teams had to overcome the major obstacle of an open culvert bisecting the site.



Caunton were also responsible for the design & supply of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility, a separate building, and this was completed within the same programme period.



During the majority of Caunton's erection period, the company employed a team of 16 erectors utilising 3 cranes, 10 "cherry pickers" & 2 telehandlers for offloading materials.



Once again steel's flexibility and speed of construction have fulfilled the demanding requirements of a most successful client.