TMT successfully handover their biggest and most complex industrial project to date for NVS in Stoke!

TMT were selected as the construction partner, collaborating closely with CBRE, to fulfil NVS’s (National Veterinary Services Group) ambitious goal of transforming ‘Spitfire House’ into Europe’s premier facility for storing and distributing veterinary products, an impressive 250,000sqft. This project involved doubling the site’s current size, ultimately making the new facility the largest fulfilment centre within the Patterson Pharmaceutical portfolio.

Some of the key numbers for this state-of-the-art facility include:

220,000 sqft temperature regulated warehouse, 

80,000 sqft mezzanine

30,000 sqft office

20,000 pallet spaces on a VNA racking system

15,367m sprinkler pipework installed

5,313 sqft temperature controlled cold store installed

1,200m AHU vent duct installed

402 energy efficient LED warehouse lights

48 electric vehicle charging points

Given the nature of the medical supplies handled by NVS, the facility required comprehensive temperature control, achieved through enhanced external wall cladding and a comprehensive M&E solution. Additionally, an internal cold store with temperature-controlled dock levellers was constructed to maintain temperatures between 2-5 degrees during loading.

TMT played a key role in assembling a team of specialists, collaborating closely with client partners, to ensure the project met rigorous audit requirements. Our responsibilities included coordinating mechanical, electrical, data, sprinkler systems, racking, ductwork, drainage, and a secure room compliant with Home Office Security and transit regulations for storing and distributing schedule 2 and schedule 3 controlled medicines.

One of the project’s highlights was the installation of an innovative automated racking system from Knapp, known as the ‘hot picking system.’ This marked a pioneering achievement in the UK, offering industry-leading high-performance warehouse capabilities that will significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the NVS operation.

Additionally, a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Racking system, boasting 20,000 pallet spaces and reaching over 14 meters in height, was seamlessly integrated, complete with in-rack sprinklers. Coordinating this extensive racking project required careful planning, including the installation of magnetic guide wires for the VNA trucks. This innovative safety system enables the trucks to operate automatically without manual steering, allowing for reduced aisle spacings and increased racking capacity.

Environmental sustainability was also a top priority for the client, with Spitfire House featuring a cutting-edge electric vehicle fleet, comprising 48 EV charging stations, complemented by on-site solar PV electricity generation capabilities. Additionally, the project demonstrated a commitment to preserving biodiversity through the establishment of soft landscaping and the construction of a pond.

Additionally, a significant priority for the NVS management team was also to guarantee that their investment had a beneficial influence on their employees. The well-being and culture of the NVS team held a prominent position on their agenda, TMT was entrusted with the complete design of the office space, aiming to create a facility that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its occupants, while also fostering collaboration and providing ample meeting areas. We placed a strong emphasis on acoustic performance and enlisted the expertise of specialist acoustic consultants. Carefully designed partitions and glazing were installed to meet stringent standards, ensuring that acoustic comfort was achieved.

In addition to the warehouse, we constructed operational offices and a pharmacy on top of the mezzanine, introducing a first and second-floor structure that offers panoramic views of the warehouse operation. A purpose-built pharmacy area was also added, allowing NVS to expand its direct-to-customer services.

Furthermore, we established Superloo facilities, private shower rooms, and a complimentary gym for the convenience and well-being of our staff. To enhance the overall work environment, we introduced a micro-market to the canteen, offering fresh and nutritious food options in a self-service setting.

This is one of our biggest and most complex industrial project to date and we are immensely proud of this project!