Greater Manchester-based steelwork and engineering contractor William Hare Group, whose recent projects include London’s Walkie Talkie tower and the conversion of the Olympic Stadium roof, has gained certification as PAS 1192-2 compliant.
The company has successfully completed the external audit by Newcastle-based Ocean Certification to confirm that it satisfies the requirements of BIM Level 2 and PAS 1192-2.
The company is the first steelwork contractor, and the first TIer 2 contractor in the supply chain, to gain certification. Up until now only architects, Tier 1 main contractors and consultants have gained BIM certification.
David Lowry, business development manager at Ocean Certification, told BIM+: “William Hare is the first manufacturing organisation that has gained certification with us, so from our point of view they are definitely ahead of the game.”
William Hare is the fourth company to have gained certification from Ocean, following contractor Howard Russell Construction and architecture practices Edwards Architecture and GWP Architecture.
Lowry said there is a strong interest in certification and he expects more companies, both on the design side and in the construction supply chain, to become certified in the near future.
“We have several other clients currently going through the process of certification and we continue to receive a steady stream of new enquiries. Generally these are from design-led firms, such as architects and technical consultants, but we are increasingly receiving interest from a variety of construction and installation firms in the supply chain that are responsible for delivering the physical works.”
According to William Hare, the company is committed to the use of BIM throughout all aspects of its business operations and supply chain interfaces and utilises BIM to deliver schemes economically using lean fabrication and erection processes.
Ben Curtis, BIM business certification scheme manager at BRE, which also offers BIM certification, welcomed the news that a wider range of firms in the supply chain was starting to become certified.
He commented: “Good on William Hare for taking the initiative. Our BIM certified businesses to date are predominantly main contractor and design based but we are keen to get more supply chain companies on board.”
In a press release, David Hodgkiss, CEO of William Hare, said: “As a business we have been utilising BIM for a number of years, so we are pleased to have been officially certified to Level 2. We are committed to being a world leader in the use of BIM and using this approach to the maximum possible extent to ensure optimum project delivery for our clients.”
The auditor, David Robinson from Ocean Certification, said: “The staff interviewed showed an understanding of BIM in practice – it was clear that there was strong commitment to the principles of digital design and compliance with client information requirements.”
We continue to receive a steady stream of new enquiries. We are increasingly receiving interest from a variety of construction and installation firms in the supply chain that are responsible for delivering the physical works.– David Lowry, business development manager, Ocean Certification
