Obel Tower is not only a highly visible, not to mention impressive, addition to the Belfast skyline but, in terms of prestigious projects, they don't come much bigger at the moment. At 28-storeys high, it is the tallest building in Ireland and it's prime geographical position at Donegal Quay – and right beside the M3 - means that anyone travelling through Belfast can't help but notice the striking glass-fronted structure.
So for Uponor, being part of this project is definitely something worth shouting about, particularly when the main players involved in bringing Obel to fruition have such positive comments to make about the experts in flexible plumbing and underfloor heating.
Uponor's MLCP Modular System (16mm-110mm) pipework and fittings has been used throughout the buildings, including the 233 apartments in the 28-storey tower and in the additional apartment block and commercial office development that sits alongside the main structure.
M&E contractor, Blackbourne Integrated M&E was high in its praise of Uponor and explained why the company's products were chosen for Obel.
Solution
Liam Craughwell, Mechanical Contracts Manager for Blackbourne Integrated M&E, commented, “We have recognised that the building services industry has had to adapt and change from traditional methods, which may not always offer the best solution.
“We have had to embrace more innovative and cost-effective methods available in an ever-changing marketplace and Uponor has provided us with a product range and service that is second to none. “We look forward to working together in the future and developing the partnership that has worked so successfully on the Obel project.”
It was the sheer quality of Uponor MLCP and Modular fittings that lead to them being chosen for Obel but central to the range being specified was the cost savings the products offer. In addition, Blackbourne Integrated M&E also highlighted Uponor's customer service as another positive. Liam added, “Training and after-sales technical support from the regional Uponor BDM/RSM team has been excellent and a good working relationship has been established, with any issues being dealt with promptly on site. “Good stock levels and demand planning have been well co-ordinated between the the merchant supplier, BSS Group, and Uponor to ensure that all deliveries are on time and complete, hence keeping the project on track for the planned handover in June.”
The positive remarks continue, with Chris Young, Branch manager for BSS Group, high in his praise of Uponor. ‘‘As a commercial supplier, BSS has always prided itself on offering a first-class delivery and after-sales technical service to our loyal customers,” he said. “In a very competitive marketplace, we are always striving to find new, innovative and cost-effective products to give us an edge over our competition.
Experience
“We are delighted to have collaborated with Uponor on the Obel Tower Project because their company ethos very closely matches our approach to the marketplace and their reputation speaks for itself.
“Considering this has been our first experience of working with the Uponor BDM/RSM team in Northern Ireland, we have struck up an excellent relationship both in-house and working together on-site to ensure our customer, Blackbourne Integrated M&E, is happy with the service provided.
“The range of Uponor MLCP products (pipe and modular riser fittings) provided us with a system that we feel confident in selling and recommending to other commercial contractors.
“The in-house training provided by Uponor has been excellent and the after-sales technical support has been exemplary, which has ensured that we have had no problems.
“Due to the success of our relationship with Uponor to date and the continued level of enquiries for their products, we are now stocking comprehensive quantities of all Uponor MLCP pipe-work sizes and Modular System components.
“We look forward to working closely with Uponor in 2010 and further developing the excellent partnership already established.’’
For more information on Uponor, Limited contact Warren Smyth, Business Development Manager (Ireland), telephone +44 (0)7824 435216, e-mail warren.smyth@uponor.com or visit the website at www.uponor.co.uk