Case Study: MME1 Symmetry Park

The project

The project was worth £90 million. It involved the construction of a large, three-storey logistics centre covering 1.5 million square feet. This logistics fulfilment centre project was based on the outskirts of Darlington. The property was built for a global online retailer. 

As ISG’s preferred powered access platform supplier, Nationwide Platforms delivered a Partnered Managed Service. For all powered access equipment across the entire site, this included: 

• Identifying 

• Sourcing 

• Managing 

This ensured safe, efficient, and cost-effective support from start to finish. 

The Challenge

ISG was already working to a tight and demanding schedule. During the build, they faced even more challenges. Several design changes were made midway through the project. This was to meet updated requirements from the global client. 

Bad weather added to the difficulty. Heavy rain affected ground conditions, making indoor machines unusable on waterlogged floors. 

More than 550 workers were on site across multiple trades, all spread over the building’s three storeys. This meant a wide range of safe and suitable MEWPs was needed to support each trade. However, they also meeting strict weight limits on site. 

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The solution

The MME1 project needed a large number of MEWPs. ISG also wanted strong safety measures in place. Nationwide Platforms provided a Partnered Managed Service to meet both needs. This service made sure MEWPs were supplied, managed, and used safely. It also gave ISG and their subcontractors extra support and safety on site. 

The benefits

Nationwide Platforms acted as a one-stop shop for all MEWP needs on the MME1 project. This included machine supply, on-site support, and health and safety guidance. Their goal was to keep work safe and productive from start to finish. 

A dedicated project team was always on hand. They worked with the on-site MEWP compound and engineer to respond quickly to any issues. If a machine needed repair or replacement, it was handled quickly. This kept downtime low and reduced costs with fewer transport needs and flexible hire options. 

Nationwide Platforms has the largest MEWP fleet and depot network in the UK. This meant they could meet ISG’s needs, even when plans changed at the last minute. 

When bad weather made the ground too wet, indoor MEWPs could not be used. Nationwide Platforms quickly swapped them for rough-terrain boom lifts. This helped the team avoid delays and stay on schedule. 

To boost safety, a full range of BlueSky attachments was used, including: 

• SkyRakEdge™ 

• SkyRakBoom 

• SkyRakPlus 

• SkyRakPCS 

• SkySiren™ 

These tools helped protect workers during the internal fit-out. 

Every MEWP on site was also fitted with SkySentry™. This system gave ISG and Nationwide Platforms full control over machine access. It prevented unauthorised use and strengthened safety for all working at height. 

Why the MME1 project was a success 

The MME1 project showed how Nationwide Platforms can support a large and busy construction site. 

Here’s what made the project a success: 

• Full support from start to finish. Nationwide Platforms supplied and managed all powered access platformsMEWPs on site. 

• Quick responses to problems. The team acted fast when plans changed or weather caused delays. 

• Help available on site. A project team, engineer, and MEWP compound were based at the site every day. 

• Smart planning. Machines were delivered and swapped quickly to avoid delays and extra costs. 

• Focus on safety. Every MEWP came with safety features like SkySentry™ and BlueSky attachments. 

• Strong partnership. Nationwide Platforms worked closely with ISG and helped keep the project on track. 

This project proved how simple, safe, and well-managed powered access can make a big difference.