G-TEM is a renowned manufacturer of metal automotive pressings. Established in 1997, the Gloucester-based business has grown to be a respected name in the pressings industry.

As part of the development of its new Gloucester manufacturing facility, G-TEM required the construction of two pits to house presses for the creation of Toyota and Honda car parts.

As a leader in groundworks and press pits, Interclass Construction Services, part of the Interclass Group, turned to RMD Kwikform to provide its new ground shoring excavation products and formwork to support the excavation and concrete works within each pit.

RMD Kwikform has supplied contractor Interclass Construction Services and subcontractor John O’Sullivan structures (JOS) with a below and above-ground formwork and shoring solution for the excavation works.

“We’ve installed RMD Kwikform’s 254 GeoBraces within each of the pits, along with Maxima Formwork strutted apart with Alshor Plus legs to form the walls,” said Damian Barnett, Project Manager at Interclass Construction Services.

“The first pit, which is six metres deep, will be for an 800-tonne press, the second pit that reaches seven metres deep will be for a 1,500-tonne press. Due to the depth and unique structure – both form a crucifix shape – we needed a robust solution that would allow us to excavate and cast the concrete walls safely and efficiently.

“In the seven-metre deep pit, we’ve installed three frames; one set at 1.5 metres below finish level and the other 1.5 metres above formation level. Two of the frames are set together because of the sheer depth and size of the excavation required; however, we were able to lower the braces in quite easily and build in-situ.”

RMD Kwikform’s 254 GeoBrace is one of the recent additions to the RMD Kwikform ground shoring product range.

Since launching the division in 2015, RMD Kwikform boasts the UK’s first fully CE-marked fleet of equipment. One of the critical differentials is due to the manufacturing and design process; all products are both more durable and lighter with additional handling points. The products have been designed to ensure safe and efficient installation and dismantlement. In addition, RMD Kwikform’s Maxima & Alshor Plus Struts were used to support the casting of the concrete walls; this was erected in-situ and reused for each pour.

Damian Barnett continues:

I could really see the difference in using brand new ground shoring kit. Although there are a few more steps when it comes to physically installing the equipment, it is much lighter and far stronger. The fact that it is so robust gives me more confidence that the team on site is safer and secure.