M&E contractors are not known for spending vast amounts of their hard-earned lolly on research and development. In fact, for one of the UK’s largest industries, construction generally comes out as one of the poorest in terms of investing in its future. Of course, low profit margins are partly to blame but in any business you have to speculate to accumulate.

Amec is one contractor that sees the wisdom of investing in best practice today to bear fruit tomorrow. Its Continual Process Improvement (CPI) Centre looks for innovative solutions for the m&e and facilities sector (pages 33-34). It’s the small things that can make a big difference. For example, simple changes to mounting brackets for heavy electrical equipment have meant that installations can be carried out by one person rather than two, with huge savings.

Amec has sought to differentiate itself in a tough marketplace by improving programming, productivity, cost, safety, quality and environmental concerns. There is no doubt that clients are taking notice.

You would think that Amec would be keen to keep its secrets to itself but, in an impressive act of altruism, the company is joining forces with the ECA to spread the word to members at the Association’s regional conferences. The initial presentations from Amec’s head of CPI Ron Haldane will be followed up by day-long workshops for those contractors wanting to delve a bit deeper.

Don’t think that Amec’s work is only for the big boys. Go along to the presentations and find out for yourselves that there are lessons to be learnt for firms of all shapes and sizes. As Ron says: “It’s up to every individual and company to use this knowledge and process in their particular markets.”

Andrew Brister, Editor

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor