£43m expansion at TWI on course for completion by end of this year

Following successful completion of groundworks in preparation for a 25,000 square metre expansion at its South Cambridgeshire laboratories, TWI has announced the appointment of Bedfordshire-based construction company SDC as main contractor for the programme. SDC is on schedule to complete the construction work by the end of 2014. Gillian Leech, TWI Director of Finance, said: ‘As we reach this important phase in our building schedule, we are keen to ensure continuity in the progress of our high-value programme to deliver new facilities, which will create new business and educational opportunities in the region. We are pleased to appoint SDC as part of our team. ‘ Earlier this year, TWI welcomed government support from the UK Regional Growth Fund to kick-start the expansion initiative. This, together with funding put forward by the company itself in partnership with Barclays Corporate Banking, Cambridge and under the auspices of the industry-led Structural Integrity Research Foundation, will supply new laboratories and facilities for research and development, with provision of a new centre for postgraduate studies in an industry environment at the centre of the building project – the new National Structural Integrity Research Centre is already accepting applications for PhD and MSc engineering studies. The completed facilities, designed with Eric Parry Architects, will cover 36,000 square metres approx. and contain laboratories for the study and performance of materials and the impact of welding and joining techniques as applied in industry.  These will be supported by a full range of information services, including the TWI library – the world’s most comprehensive library of welding and joining related publications – together with meeting and conference rooms, and restaurants. Craig Millar, SDC Project Director, said: ‘SDC is proud to be involved with TWI on this exciting new expansion project. In many ways, the technologies and best practices developed and tested by TWI are very relevant to the construction industry, and manifest themselves throughout the construction process. SDC has strong relationships with many education and research institutions and looks forward to successfully delivering this facility for TWI.’ TWI and SDC will host a site ceremony to mark the official launch of the build programme on 7 March 2014, to be led by Andrew Lansley CBE MP, Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire and Leader of the House of Commons. Source :  http://www.twi-global.com/news-events/news/2014-01-43m-expansion-at-twi-on-course-for-completion-by-end-of-this-year/