News & Insights
Mercury delivers top-tier Life Sciences solutions for global giant
Mercury is proud to be playing a key role in the delivery of a leading-edge biotechnology facility for an international pharmaceutical supplier in Ireland’s mid-west. With over 40 years’ experience working in the Life Sciences sector, Mercury’s expert perspective ensures we deliver a breadth of skilled services which few others can match. Our teams are equipped to work to exacting standards and provide innovative onsite and offsite solutions, including quality installation and piping works.
For our client on this project, Mercury’s work encompassed the coordination and installation of MEP Services. The work has ranged from the production of pipework isometrics to the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as pipe racks and pipework for the facility’s logistics building, delivering the mechanical and electrical scope for the full design, coordination, and installation of the multi discipline support system for all services within the building. Mercury commenced early engagement work on the project in September 2022, with the project officially getting underway in the summer of 2023 and due to finish later .
Mercury’s work on the project is expected to take 140,000 man-hours in total. By completion, the team will have installed approximately 6500 metres of piping, nine pipe rack modules, each 8500kg in weight, 9793 metres of electrical primary containment and 10,000 square metres of duct work.
Mercury’s ability to deliver certainty for our clients is grounded in a high quality, specialist approach. Enda Murray, Project Manager who is leading Mercury’s team details what sets the company’s Life Sciences delivery apart. At the core of their success is both “people and supply chain.” Enda continues- “our work in Life Sciences delivery comprises three key stages. The first is early engagement and Offsite Manufacturing, the second is our on-site approach, and the final is turnover.” Murray comments that collaboration with the clients’ teams is crucial- “We pride ourselves on building strong and lasting working relationships which is proved by our track record of gaining repeat work to deliver optimum solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients in this industry.”
Powerful OSM capabilities
Mercury’s expertise in utilising Offsite Manufacturing has served the team well in providing value to the client from as early as possible. Even though on-site works on the project did not begin until August 2023, Mercury worked to address the clients’ needs with nine pipe rack modules fabricated, approved, and awaiting install ahead of on-site works commencing. Enda notes that the company’s “BIM expertise really helped set us apart in ensuring that we could have several works pre-constructed. This allowed us to get ahead of schedule before the official start date.” Completing construction activities ahead of the project and away from site leads to several advantages including enhanced efficiency, quality control, as well as improved safety and minimised waste.
Thanks to strong partnerships with a robust supply chain across Europe, Mercury’s project team was able to utilise several key Offsite Manufacturing facilities which meant there was reduced on-site construction activities and workforce. Mercury’s own dedicated Offsite Manufacturing facility is located in Kildare, Ireland and facilitates the production of carbon, stainless and high-purity process pipework and proved crucial to the seamless production and installation processes. As the company’s pharmaceutical work expands across mainland Europe, Mercury have recently unveiled a new dedicated OSM facility in central Germany which will further enhance their capabilities to deliver pharmaceutical works on the continent.
Mercury’s vast expertise benefits the on-site construction process, meaning teams can apply approaches developed on other complex, large-scale projects to work in the Life Sciences sector.
Masters of delivery
When on-site works did begin in August, key to Mercury’s delivery was utilising innovative approaches developed in other areas of the company’s large-scale portfolio of works. “For installation of the utility bridge pipe rack modules we used an Enerpac cube jack system which wasn’t in place elsewhere on this project. We had experience with the system on a semiconductor project and it proved very beneficial.” The Enerpac cube jack system involved modules being welded together at a lower height before being lifted synchronously to fit the final position. This system allowed for enhanced safety, with minimal working at heights, contributing to a more efficient installation process.
Mercury’s vast expertise across sectors benefits the on-site construction process, meaning teams can apply approaches developed on other complex, large-scale projects to work in the Life Sciences sector.
Ensuring efficient results
A third key element of Mercury’s process is guaranteeing the efficient turnover of systems to the client, which began as early as March this year. Mercury’s turnover process is a structured approach to ensure all systems and facilities are fully operational upon project completion. The process is thorough and involves several key phases including Pre-Commissioning, Commissioning, Qualification, Documentation and Validation, and Handover.
The turnover process is crucial to help identify and address any potential issues, reducing risks and involves extensive documentation and validation. It includes detailed planning and scheduling of the activities, engagement with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth execution, risk management and implementing mitigation strategies, and conducting rigorous tests and verifications to confirm that systems meet the required standards and specifications. The extensive documentation and validation provide a clear audit trail. Thorough testing and verification establish that systems operate efficiently from day one. The intensive process is designed to meet the highest standards of quality and compliance to ensure both product safety and project success.
By utilising innovative, powerful approaches, Mercury’s teams hold an ability to execute complex, specialised projects consistently and thoroughly.
Mercury’s teams hold a steadfast commitment to delivering best in class results across every element of a project, and this extends to prioritising the wellbeing of our people and supporting our local communities. Through organising several informational and volunteering events, Mercury’s 260 strong team raised €4,000 for the local, volunteer-led charity Limerick Suicide Watch. The activities not only raised much needed funds for the charity’s work, but also greater awareness for the cause. “The construction industry has long had a significant mental health problem and we wanted to address this by breaking down the stigma and fear of judgment,” Enda comments.
Tony Duddy, Director of Mercury’s Life Sciences Business Unit commented “Since commencing work on this project our teams have showcased a very strong commitment to delivering a premium facility through innovative construction methods.” Tony is proud of the wide range of specialist services Mercury offer, “from MEP, Fire, ICT and OSM which are all supported by our Front-End Engineering Solutions team, offering Design and Assist capabilities.”
Looking ahead to the future he notes that Mercury’s teams are set to utilise “our expertise and robust supply chain partners throughout Europe” as they seek to expand their pharmaceutical work across countries with the upcoming OSM facility which will “strengthen our production processes and ensure efficient delivery.”
Through utilising innovative, powerful approaches that guarantee a highly efficient turnover, Mercury’s teams hold an ability to execute complex, specialised projects consistently and thoroughly, always meeting the evolving needs of the Life Sciences industry.
About Mercury
Mercury is the European leader in construction solutions. We build and manage complex engineering & construction projects for the world’s leading corporations. Our solutions help deliver technologies and life changing advancements that connect people, communities, and businesses, giving them the power to achieve incredible things. Our people have the courage to be innovative. Their determination and sharp focus enable us to deliver with certainty, time and time.
