Safety recognition for installation project

“The work highlights our capability in terms of equipment design and installation as well as project management,” Tom Mercer, George Koch’s UK MD, said. “We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the production efficiency and environmental performance of such a major manufacturer and also, of course, extremely proud to have received the two awards.” 

The George Koch facility – part of a £3.4 million project – centres on the installation of a new oxidiser, which links to oven emission control, and an upgrade to the process heating system. Focused on Toyota Manufacturing’s paint shop, the design replaces a 23-year old system which previously operated with localised exhaust handling and incineration. The new facility brings all such outlets together via a single Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) that now handles exhaust streams throughout the plant – some 63,000 Nm³/per hour at 98% thermal efficiency.

 “The installation was conducted over a series of phases designed to minimise the impact on ongoing vehicle production,” Mercer added.  “This required us to develop a safe method of access protocol for the works, which was one of the factors that is at the heart of the recognitions that we have now received at the site.”  

Mark Ashmore, vehicle production engineering manager (Paint) – Toyota Motor Europe, UK Branch, said: “Working with a new supplier can present many challenges as they adapt to our requirements and procedures, but the positive approach of the George Koch team associated with this project from conception to completion helped us to achieve an excellent result in terms of safety and impact to production.

“The awards issued by our internal health and safety department are based upon feedback from site safety audits on consecutive years of construction, and demonstrate our appreciation of a job well done.”