Warehouse case study: Energy suppliers SSE
Energy suppliers SSE rolled out nationwide projects with interlocking flooring manufacturer, ecotile, for specialist solutions to tough warehouse flooring challenges.
The Challenge
Energy giant SSE’s four million pound daily investment in infrastructure explains why the business has been a pioneer in renewable energy for decades. With a reputation for developing progressive and innovative solutions to the world’s greatest energy challenges, SSE needed a flooring solution that could perform with the same energy for its engineering workshops, stores and distribution centre.
Locations: Key UK Sites
Space: Typically 9500m2 per project
- SSE needed a fast-fit flooring solution that minimised costly downtime and that could be fitted with the least possible disruption to customers and employees, whilst also providing clear functional zoning.
- As the first energy supplier to go above and beyond the regulator’s Guaranteed Standards, it was important to SSE to find a flooring supplier with the same philosophy towards quality and compliance.
- The use of heavy aisle stackers and articulated lorries within SSE warehouses meant that the point loading was extremely high, so a flooring solution that was both robust and resistant to impact and vibration was vital.
- Leasing the warehousing facilities, SSE was keen to identify a flooring system that could be removed at the end of the tenancy.
The Solution
Market-leading manufacturer of interlocking floor tiles, Ecotile, designs and produces its comprehensive range at its UK production facility. Manufactured using the highest grade material on state of the art injection moulding machines, the unique grid pattern on the reverse of the tiles ensures absolute dimensional stability.
The pockets of air also create a mini vacuum to prevent slippage, especially if there is oil, grease or water on the substrate. The grid pattern also allows the tiles to breathe – vital when installing over concrete that has not cured or where there is damp within the floor.
“Our interlocking floor tiles are ideal for warehousing applications as they provide a durable and safe flooring solution that can be installed within minimal downtime and is robust enough to cope with warehouse traffic day after day. Many of our products can be installed without the requirement for a damp proof membrane, screed or adhesive, significantly reducing VOC emissions, installation time and cost.”
James Gedye, Managing Director, Ecotile
“SSE chose Ecotile for a recent project following a successful installation in 2007 when the product – and service – surpassed our expectations. We needed a hard-wearing flooring solution that could be installed without disruption to other set-up activities, and we also needed to highlight walkways in a contrasting colour. In addition, we were keen to be able to remove the flooring at the end of our tenancy in order that we could re-use – or recycle it – as required. The beauty of ecotile flooring is that no adhesive is required, making the installation fast and simple; we were able to install the floor in parallel with other commissioning activities which had enormous benefits in terms of project timelines. Furthermore, because ecotiles can be lifted and replaced in just a few minutes, we had the comfort of knowing that if we wanted to remove the floor at the end of the tenancy, it would be straightforward. Ecotile really shone when a large part of the warehouse was flooded by storms on the day of installation; the substrate was extremely damp, even after the debris had been cleaned away. Had we chosen any other floor covering, we would have needed to wait for it to dry out, which would have delayed the project by weeks. As Ecotile can be installed over damp floors, we were able to adhere to our strict schedule and budget. We were also delighted with the acoustic improvement, greatly enhancing the comfort of the warehouse as a working area.”
Graham Woodfield, UK Facilities Manager, SSE
A Sustainable Solution
All ecotiles come with a 10 year product warranty as standard. Once the tiles have reached the end of their useful life, the tiles can be collected – free of charge – and recycled to produce the next generation of Ecotile.
Ecotile is the only interlocking flooring tile manufacturer that holds the full complement of quality accreditations and certifications including:
• ISO9001 Quality Standard
• ISO 14001 Environmental Standard
• CE Mark
• BFI S1 Fire Rating
• R10 Anti-Slip Rating
• BS EN 61340-5 / IEC 61340 protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomona (ESD flooring)
• REACH compliant
• Achilles Approved
• Ü Mark (pending)
• European VOC Emission Regulations (pending)
To understand the benefits that ecotile can deliver to your warehousing facilities please call (+44) 01582 788232 or email [email protected].