Laing O'Rourke Explore Manufacturing Facility (Explore Industrial Park)
Steetley, Worksop, UK · Operational since 2009 (continuously upgraded)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchLaing O'Rourke's Explore Manufacturing facility is a pioneering example of industrialized construction in the UK. It represents a strategic shift towards offsite manufacturing to improve productivity, quality, and safety in construction. The facility's advanced automation and integrated processes demonstrate a commitment to modern methods of construction and a departure from traditional site-based building.
Key engineering challenges
Developing and integrating highly automated production lines for precast concrete components. - Achieving high levels of precision and quality control in offsite manufacturing. - Optimizing logistics and supply chain for efficient delivery to construction sites.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Laing O'Rourke
- Lead contractor
- Laing O'Rourke
- Lead designers
- Prilhofer Consulting (for plant design), Laing O'Rourke (overall facility design)
- Project type
- new build | upgrade
- Scale
- Europe's most automated concrete products facility; manufactures 564 twin walls, 651 columns, and 3,844 lattice planks for projects like Everton Stadium; includes automated carousel systems, mesh welding plants, concrete batching plants, concrete delivery systems, and overhead cranes.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; manufacturing engineering; automation
- Standards & frameworks
- ISO 9001, relevant British Standards for concrete products, CDM Regulations.
Sources: Laing O'Rourke (https://www.laingorourke.com/company/our-businesses/explore-manufacturing/) - CPMG Architects (https://www.cpmg-architects.com/projects/laing-orourke-explore-building-steetley) - Prilhofer Consulting (https://www.prilhofer.com/media/modern-precast-plant.pdf) - Solibri (https://www.solibri.com/articles/laing-orourke-making-digital-manufacturing-process-concrete)