LMA is a global leader in the development and marketing of laryngeal mask airway devices. The new facility aims to help meet rising demand by enabling LMA to manufacture the devices directly, thereby reducing their reliance on third-party manufacturers, as well as giving them greater control over quality and operational costs.
Beca's project management team was initially engaged to work with LMA in formulating a fully functional brief for the new facility, while providing for future expansion requirements. Subsequently Beca provided site feasibility advice, master planning, procurement strategy, as well as tender preparation, issue, evaluation and award of the Design and Build contract to a Penang based consortium.
Beca project managed the delivery of the fast track project remotely from Singapore, where LMA's client team was located. Regular site visits were complemented by Beca engineers from Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta, who offered additional technical support at various stages of the construction and commissioning phases. They provided quality assurance and managed the interface of the building and production equipment.
An additional challenge to the seven month construction timeframe was a 30% increase in scope after construction had started, without any extension of time. The 30% additional scope included kitchen, cafeteria and office interior fit-out, which required specialist design consultants and vendors. To address this challenge, Beca brought in Beca MEP engineers to undertake the testing and commissioning of parts of the facility, and re-test MEP equipment that had additional load imposed on it after installation of the interior fit-out.
Beca's experience of managing fast track projects, along with extensive experience in Asia, was an invaluable contribution towards enabling the facility to be completed within the tight total timeframe of nine months.