The annual ICE Presidential Debate saw Laing O’Rourke join panellists from Network Rail and Atkins to debate the challenges of major infrastructure project costs savings – before hosting a visit to the Metrolink project to show ICE President why DfMA is part of the solution.
The annual Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) presidential debate – held this year in Manchester – focused on discussing the UK’s recent Infrastructure Cost Review, borne out of the National Infrastructure Plan. President of the ICE Richard Coackley (pictured, centre) spoke of the Plan as a “gilt-edged opportunity” to inject long-term economic growth into the UK – but remarked that there will be a limited window of opportunity to make an impact for the wider good of the industry.
Laing O’Rourke Engineering Leader for the North, John Carson, argued for the need for collaboration and innovation, citing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) as the way forward.
During a lively debate, other key themes included the need for early contractor engagement, whole-life-cycle thinking, and greater transparency and cooperation at all levels, from client, through to design consultants, and into lower tiers of the supply chain.
Following the debate, the Presidential party was taken for a visit to Manchester Metrolink’s Phase 3B, where they were shown examples of DfMA platforms, retaining walls, rail panels and lift shafts.
Metrolink-based Laing O’Rourke graduate and recently chartered engineers were invited to the event and tour, where they had the opportunity to speak to the ICE President.
Tracy Westerby, CEng, (pictured, second from right) said “It was interesting to hear at the debate about the importance of the relationships and engagement with designers, particularly from a DfMA perspective. Collaboration is a really important part of our relationship as part of the MPT joint venture, so it was also interesting that that was emphasised as important to the future.
“It’s encouraging that Laing O’Rourke invites young engineers to events like this. It’s been interesting to meet Richard Coackley – we discussed my recent Chartership and whether there are still challenges being a female engineer.”
James Thorpe (pictured, far left), an engineer on Laing O’Rourke’s 2010 Graduate Development Programme, added “Richard seemed really interested in preassembly and offsite manufacture. I was actually involved in placing some units on one of the lines earlier in the day, so had some recent experience to share with him! We chatted about the practicalities of DfMA and he was impressed with the time savings it can produce.”
To read about Richard Coackley’s views on professional development and building a sustainable future, click here.