News
FUCHS PHASE 1
EXPANSION ON TRACK
The Isando site will see a new warehouse , head office , blending plant and tank farm . The new head office and warehouse for Fuchs Lubricants South Africa was on track to be completed in February 2022 . “ Completion on time and within budget , is a significant achievement not only for such a complex industrial project , but also due to the fact that Covid-19 regulations and protocols had to be taken into account at all stages ,” says managing director Paul Deppe .
The company has invested over R250-million in the expansion at its existing location in Isando , Johannesburg in the wake of rapid growth in sub-Saharan Africa . The feasibility study for the initial scope of work was embarked upon in 2019 , with DRA Global appointed as the Engineering , Procurement and Construction Management ( EPCM ) consultant .
The Phase 1 expansion , which consists of the office complex and new warehouse , commenced in June 2020 . While Phase 2 is still in concept development , it is planned to comprise a new lubricants plant to bolster the company ’ s strong growth and expansion plans for the continent .
ILS was appointed as the warehouse consultant . The warehouse itself will incorporate the latest technology , including all product being wrapped , with 100 % selectivity and batch control introduced . The latest materials-handling equipment will also be implemented , such as narrow-aisle lift trucks stacking to 17 m high . The warehouse system itself will be based on a fully integrated barcoding system using SAP .
In addition , the fire protection system is being designed according to the latest international best practice . The warehouse features 13-m-high cast concrete tilt-up panels that provide a firewall between the warehouse and the production facilities , which are close by . The use of these panels in this size is believed to be a first in South Africa .
The new head office building involves the refurbishment of an existing building on-site . “ We took the existing structure back to its bare bones and created a new concept entirely from scratch that was based on the context of it being an industrial building within an industrial precinct ,” highlights Graeme Palmer , owner and director of GPD Studio , the architectural firm contracted to the project . The main design elements were off-shutter concrete work , face brick , two-tone plaster finishes , steel , and glass .
Sustainability elements incorporated in the final building include low-flow sanitary fittings , movement sensors on all lights , which have low-wattage LED fittings , and double glazing
GPD Studio Fuchs
A render of the new Fuchs head office .
An aerial view of the new Fuchs head office and warehouse .
to enhance thermal performance , with one skin comprising low-emissivity high-performance glass . Natural shading elements have been included on the façade in the form of concrete ‘ eyebrows ’ to provide shade in summer and allow light in for warmth in winter .
In addition , cavity walls reduce heat transmission , while PV panels reduce the overall power demand . Another feature is a rainwater harvesting system due to the large roof area provided by the warehouse , with one tank to irrigate the new landscaping and a second tank to supply the urinals and cisterns .
Looking to the future , Deppe is confident that the new head office with its visibility will be testament to Fuchs ’ strong growth prospects on the continent . “ We have a lot of confidence and are growing market share . This makes our Phase 1 expansion such an important step forward that will consolidate our South African operation as the regional hub for Sub Saharan Africa ,” Deppe
concluded . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I April 2022 3