Sika's new system is built on the INEOS site where the utility companies supply other industrial companies and in some cases, also run and maintain their systems.

Added value in project management
We reduced the turnaround time by dividing the project into three zones or "areas" - the storage area, chiller area and process area. Sika commissioned Grontmij in January 2008, preparatory construction work began in May, the first pile foundations were laid in June, and the storage area was complete by the end of 2008. The chiller and process areas were completed in January and late February 2009 respectively. Because we kept a tight rein on project management the entire build went according to schedule.

The harsh, cold winter delayed the construction activities, but presented little or no danger to the commissioning and start-up phases. These activities, including test runs and thorough functionality checks, were carried out in March and April 2009.

Procurement is crucial
Grontmij has made a great deal of effort to align the various partners in the construction process with the production system. The procurement strategy used was crucial to this process. Part of this strategy involved setting priorities in relation to the project's critical path. This path was carefully monitored and contracts were amended accordingly.

Safety coordination
Grontmij was responsible throughout the project for safety coordination and supervisory activities during construction. We focused on safety aspect right from the design phase, so we could easily identify and prevent potentially unsafe situations. A safety coordinator screened the safety plans and gave advice while a safety supervisor kept an eye on things on site and assisted the construction manager to insure all work went as instructed. The necessary inspections and acceptance tests were scheduled in good time and, as a result of good agreements with the bodies concerned, the safety process went according to plan.

The end result
Looking at Sika's new production system, it is easy to distinguish the three zones from each other. There is the storage area where Sika's base products are pumped into the process area. The end products are also stored here and transported to an INEOS trucks loading station  through a direct pipeline. The chiller area is where the cold water production, storage and distribution take place. Finally, we have the process area for end product production. This zone also provides space for the cooling system, including the cooling tower, two thermal oil systems and a scrubber. Furthermore, the system has been designed in such a way that it is reasonably straightforward to perform a split or a capacity expansion.

The cooperation and relationship between the parties involved was especially good. This is a highly successful example of how an EPCm project  is realised.