ABL 1 Touch - Teesside

The Details

PROJECT OVERVIEW

IDES Electrical Services were appointed by ABL 1 Touch Group to deliver the complete electrical design and installation package for a new-build accident repair centre at Teesside International Airport Business Park. The development formed part of ABL’s continued expansion across the UK and required a comprehensive electrical infrastructure package to support a modern, high-capacity vehicle repair facility.

In addition to delivering the electrical installation, IDES acted as Principal Contractor for the project, managing site operations, coordinating trades and fulfilling CDM responsibilities throughout the construction programme.

THE CHALLENGE

The project involved the delivery of a complete electrical installation within a new-build bodyshop facility, including power, lighting, emergency lighting, distribution systems and supplies for specialist bodyshop equipment.

A key challenge was the delay to the permanent DNO electrical connection, which threatened the client’s operational programme. ABL required the facility to become operational as quickly as possible to meet demand from vehicle repair providers, meaning an alternative solution was required while the permanent utility connection was being progressed.

The project was therefore delivered in two phases, with the first phase focused on achieving partial operational capability within eight weeks, followed by full completion and handover within a further five weeks.

OUR SOLUTION

IDES provided a complete design-and-build solution, undertaking electrical design, lighting calculations, installation and commissioning works throughout the facility.

To mitigate delays associated with the permanent utility connection, IDES designed and installed a temporary generator supply to energise the site and allow operations to commence ahead of the DNO connection being completed. The team also coordinated the subsequent mains switchover, managing the transition from temporary generation to the permanent electrical supply with minimal disruption to the project programme.

The installation included electrical distribution systems, AUTOLUX workshop lighting delivering approximately 1,000 lux at floor level, emergency lighting, power supplies for specialist bodyshop equipment and full electrical services throughout the office, reception and welfare facilities.

As Principal Contractor, IDES maintained overall responsibility for site coordination, programme management and health and safety compliance, supported by a dedicated full-time Site Manager throughout the construction phase.

SERVICES DELIVERED

Principal Contractor Services
CDM Coordination & Site Management
Site Survey & Electrical Design
Lighting Calculations & Design
⁠Electrical Distribution Design
Full Electrical Wiring & Distribution
AUTOLUX LED Lighting Installation
Emergency Lighting Systems
Bodyshop Equipment Power Supplies
Office, Reception & Welfare Area Fit-Out
Temporary Generator Installation
DNO Coordination & Mains Switchover Management
Testing & Commissioning

PROJECT OUTCOME

The project was successfully delivered over a 13-week programme, with the facility becoming 50% operational after just eight weeks and fully operational following completion of the second phase.

By implementing a temporary power solution and coordinating the transition to the permanent utility connection, IDES enabled ABL to begin operations significantly earlier than would otherwise have been possible. The completed facility benefits from high-performance workshop lighting, robust electrical infrastructure and specialist equipment supplies designed to support high-volume accident repair operations.

The project demonstrates IDES’ capability to deliver complex automotive developments, combining electrical expertise, programme management and Principal Contractor responsibilities to successfully deliver major projects from concept through to completion.