FP McCann has supplied three key precast concrete structural elements on a brand new extension to the famous Thomas Tunnock chocolate confectionery factory based in Uddingston, Scotland.

When open, it will enable the company to increase production of its renowned caramel wafer biscuit from 6.1 million bars a week to 7.2 million. The work involved a three storey extension to the existing bakery, complete with a 4.5 tonnes capacity goods lift and two new stairwells.

A solid plank precast concrete floor was specified for levels 2 and 3 to provide additional load bearing capacity and minimise sound and vibration from the new production lines. Manufactured at McCann’s adjacent Uddingston plant, 1850m2 of 100mm deep steel reinforced solid planks were supplied over a two month period to be installed by the J&D Pierce team.

Each 3.5 metre span is designed with a 17.5 KN/m2 superimposed load and the floor build up is with exposed soffits and a 60mm structural screed topping. The flooring has a fire rating up to 1 hour.

This project also incorporates FP McCann’s precast concrete lift shaft. Measuring 22 metres in height, the 4 storey box section shaft was installed over three days by FP McCann’s specialist fitting team. Comprising of 1 pit, 4 main sections and 4 smaller spacer sections, plus a capping slab, the completed shaft weighs 165 tonnes with internal dimensions 3600mm x 3600mm.

The precast concrete design was chosen due to the quality of finish achieved from the wet casting process. Each of the stair flights weighed 3.5 tonnes.

Site: Factory extension for Thomas Tunnock Ltd - Uddingston, Scotland
Client: Thomas Tunnock Ltd
Main Contractor: Luddon Construction Ltd
Designer/Structural Engineering Consultant: Nimmo & Partners/Ramage Young
Steel Framework Subcontractor: J&D Pierce Ltd
Lift Shaft Construction: FP McCann Ltd
Precast Concrete Supplier: FP McCann Ltd (Solid precast floor planks/stairs/lift shaft)