Britcon was appointed by MAN Truck & Bus UK to deliver a new Vehicle Testing and Service Centre at Preston Farm Industrial Estate, Stockton. Valued at £4.2 million, the project involved the refurbishment and extension of an existing warehouse to create a modern servicing and testing facility capable of supporting MAN’s growing operational requirements. The development was designed to enhance customer experience, increase workshop capacity and provide a high quality working environment for staff, while maintaining operations within a live business park environment.
Scope of Works
The project comprised the extensive redevelopment of an existing industrial unit and the construction of a new extension to accommodate specialist vehicle servicing facilities. Works included the replacement of external wall and roof cladding, structural alterations, slab thickening to support specialist equipment and the formation of new service bays, inspection pits and access doors.
Internally, Britcon delivered high quality office and welfare accommodation designed to CAT B standards, alongside the installation and coordination of specialist mechanical and electrical services. The facility was fitted with vehicle lifts, cranes and testing equipment supplied by specialist manufacturers, requiring close collaboration between numerous subcontractors and equipment providers to ensure successful integration within the building fabric.
Challenges
A key challenge was delivering a technically complex facility within a condensed 26 week programme while meeting critical end user operational deadlines. The project required extensive co ordination between building trades, MEP specialists and equipment suppliers to ensure all testing and servicing systems were installed, commissioned and ready for operation at handover.
The redevelopment of the existing warehouse structure presented further challenges, including structural modifications, slab enhancements and the integration of new facilities within the existing footprint. Maintaining safe access and minimising disruption within the live business park also required careful planning and stakeholder management throughout the construction process.
Outcomes
The completed facility provides MAN Truck & Bus UK with a state-of-the-art vehicle testing and service centre that enhances operational efficiency and customer service capabilities. The modern workshop environment incorporates specialist servicing equipment, high specification office accommodation and improved infrastructure to support future business growth.
Through proactive collaboration, effective programme management and early engagement with specialist suppliers, Britcon delivered the project safely, on time and within budget. The completed development demonstrates Britcon’s expertise in industrial refurbishment, specialist vehicle facilities and the successful delivery of technically demanding projects within live operational environments.