Fire-damaged silicon factory owned by Thomas Edison’s firm rebuilt

DEVELOPER HCM Projects, part of Harris Construction Management, has finished rebuilding a factory damaged in a blaze for the world’s only manufacturer of silicon chips, a key component in pressurised aircraft environments.

The factory, owned by GE Druck employs more than 600 people at Groby near Leicester and was struck by fire in June last year.

Fire fighters quickly put out the fire in a laboratory facility, but approximately 8600 sq ft that forms an integral part of the site was destroyed in the blaze.

GE Druck, is part of multinational conglomerate General Electric which was founded by light bulb inventor Thomas Edison in 1878.

The firm appointed HCM Projects as the main contractor to oversee repair work, provide a responsive construction service and minimise insurance costs.

Jason Adlam, group chief executive of HCM Group, says: “This has been an extremely challenging project due to the scale of the damage and the fact that large parts of the design had to be undertaken on a piecemeal basis in order for work to start immediately.

“However, much of HCM’s success is based on our ability to adapt and react quickly depending on a project’s individual circumstances and this approach certainly paid dividends here.

“We’re delighted to complete this work and to be able to leave a lasting legacy in the village of Groby, by erecting a fantastic range of play equipment at the local school – it is a real bonus for everyone concerned with the project.”

HCM Projects is an operating division of Harris Construction Management, a multi-disciplinary organisation providing a comprehensive service that includes Construction Projects and Interiors throughout the UK from its base in West Yorkshire.

HCM’s clients include Asda, Arla Foods, Coca Cola, The Duchy of Lancaster, PepsiCo UK, Goodman Restaurants, Burger& Lobster and Nando’s.

HCM also built a new playground for a local Lady Jane Grey Primary School.