The Largest Single Site Installation in HAN History
Blue Star Print Group - the Melbourne Installation
From the onset, the installation of new equipment and
relocation of Blue Star Print Group Australia's primary offset
division to a new 8,200 square metre purpose built facility within
the Clayton Business Park was to be a major project for Heidelberg.
Plans to install all new equipment concurrently in June 2006
with the relocation from the Craftsman Press facility (Blue Star's
"retired" Melbourne location) to the new, state of the art, print
production facility were first brought to the table by Blue Star
during negotiations for new press and bindery equipment.
This was to be the largest single site installation ever
carried out by Heidelberg Australia & New Zealand, utilising
resources from our Customer Support and Service departments to an
extent never before adopted for the one project, and our
involvement in such an exciting project was highly anticipated.
Planning began in the final months of 2005, over six months in
advance of the scheduled commencement date, as it was imperative
Heidelberg had the structure in place to effectively deliver a
successful installation. Both Business Development and the
Victorian Service teams worked very closely to ensure the project
was given the attention it required. After several meetings, the
enormity of the installation soon became evident and it was clear
that Heidelberg needed to appoint a Project Leader; one person to
be the point of contact for communications between the customer and
Heidelberg, as well as manage the project as a whole from start to
finish. Sam Casa, Team Leader of Electrical/Prepress for Heidelberg
was identified as the ideal person for this role. From the
customer's side, Mike Shannon, Chief Operating Officer for the Blue
Star Print Group was to be Heidelberg's point of contact. Many
meetings were held with Mike in preparation for installation and to
define project timelines.
The project consisted of installation of a new XL105-6+LX,
SM102-10-P, SM102-8-P, PM74-2-P, ST350, TH82, TD94 and Ecoclean
system, and the relocation of 4 x Folders, 4 x Guillotines, Muller
Prima Stitcher, 2 x QM46, SM52-2-P and 3 x SBB Cylinders. Also
required was the decommissioning, repair and relocation of
SM102-10-P from the Craftsman facility to Link Printing in Sydney.
The following equipment was also required to be decommissioned as
they were traded in by Heidelberg. This included 102SP, Komori 628,
Komori 540, MOZP, GTOZP, ST300 and TF78.
During the initial planning stages, a potential acquisition
by the Blue Star Print Group was notified however only ever
referred to under its codename 'Paris'. Towards the end of
June when it hit the press that the Blue Star Group had acquired
Print in Vision, the relocation of CD74-5-C from Print In Vision
across to the new Clayton premises was incorporated into the
project plan. It was revealed that 'Paris' referred to a certain
hotel heiress who it was hoped would be available to officially
open the new Clayton premises.
Many weeks went into the planning and allocation of resources
required for this project. Victorian Field Service Representatives
(FSRs) were advised that leave entitlements during the proposed
installation period would not be possible as all hands were
required on deck. Planning proved difficult in that access dates to
the building changed several times which meant plans for resources
had to change also. Finally, a start date of May 30 was confirmed
and all plans in place. Prior to the installation commencing, all
support staff were briefed on the schedule and the impact each
person's role had on ensuring the project was delivered
successfully.
During installation, daily site meetings were held to discuss
plans for the day and requirements for the days ahead. These
meetings were very effective in ensuring installations remained on
track as the Heidelberg team worked very closely with Twin
Electrics, the electrical and plumbing contractors.
Upon completion, the project will have utilised more than
5,000 man hours of labour contributed to by more than 40 individual
FSRs from within HAN, spanning over a 16 week period. It is
expected that the project will be completed by mid September.
Projects such as this show the strength of Heidelberg working
together and set us apart from the competition, creating greater
opportunities for us as a company in the future. So far it's been a
huge team effort and a lot of hard work, however at the same time
an enjoyable experience for those involved. Thanks to all those who
have contributed in some way for your efforts and commitment.
Further Information
Sam Casa - Team Leader - Electrical / Prepress
PH: +61 3 9205 4148
Email:
Sam.Casa@heidelberg.com
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