Hams Hall Engineering Plant, Birmingham
Graf UK support BMW’s Hams Hall vision to create a facility capable of producing its next generation of engines.
BMW’s Hams Hall engineering plant produces the latest generation of three and four cylinder petrol engines. Since starting production in 2001, more than five million BMW and MINI cars have been powered by Hams Hall engines. Key engine components are also machined at the Warwickshire based site in a high-tech and complex operation.
With big plans set out for the manufacturing and distribution hub to grow in headcount and operations (to meet rising consumer demand), upgrades to the site have been critical in transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing its next generation of engines.
Following the successful delivery of a previous project, Graf UK were tasked with the design, supply and installation of an EcoBloc Maxx & EcoBloc Flex Stormwater attenuation solution, to support the site’s expansion plans and also to ensure that it is future proofed and well equipped for years to come.
Graf’s calculations allowed for a slightly deeper tank of 1.09 meters, exceeding the initial specification of one metre. This coupled with the EcoBloc’s high void ratio meant the footprint of the tank was reduced by nearly 75sq.m. This resulted in a significant cost saving on excavation, spoil removal, backfill, and pea shingle/gravel quantity.
The stackable nature of the EcoBloc attenuation crates meant the project was delivered efficiently using just five lorry loads (3x less than the lorries needed to deliver single-piece crates). This also meant less storage space was required before installation works began.
Working with Stephen and Will at Glencar has been an absolute pleasure, they are organised and professional. The design did change a couple of times and the tank moved slightly with additional inspection runs but again this went extremely smoothly and we are delighted with the outcome and look forward to working with them again on another project.
Debra Butler, Stormwater Team at Graf UK
The stormwater attenuation solution from Graf UK is now operational in Hams Hall, Warwickshire. Creating a sustainable engineering site that can handle adverse weather conditions and minimize flood risk.
