Offices and Laboratory facilities - Syngenta, Grangemouth

"Our experience with Yorkon's building system at other sites has shown that modular construction can achieve significant savings in programme time. This means that new facilities can be brought into beneficial use much earlier, which is a key advantage in a fast changing industry."

The Requirement

The formation of Syngenta, following the merger of Novartis and AstraZeneca's agribusinesses and the division of the Grangemouth site, created a shortfall in office and laboratory accommodation. Yorkon was chosen to provide a new, purpose-designed office scheme, which would reflect Syngenta's strong corporate image.

The Solution

A new £1.5m site headquarters building was completed just five months after the start of work on site.

Designed by Yorkon, the scheme has a light grey external finish with contrasting charcoal glazing and tinted glass in keeping with Syngenta's high-tech image and reputation for innovation.

The interior is modern and spacious. The use of full height glazing on both the front and rear elevations adds interest to the exterior and allows a large amount of natural light to enter the building. The reception area is designed to be welcoming for visitors to the site and features a natural slate floor and a curved reception desk, which is reflected in the ceiling above it.

Comments from the Client

Allan McKenzie, Project Manager at Syngenta:

"Our experience with Yorkon's building system at other sites has shown that modular construction can achieve significant savings in programme time. This means that new facilities can be brought into beneficial use much earlier, which is a key advantage in a fast changing industry."

"As health and safety is a prime concern for our business, the fact that the Yorkon solution allows closer monitoring of construction activities off-site is important. This reduces the impact on our existing operations and production activities, resulting in a considerable improvement in site safety."

Awards

Following completion of this scheme, Syngenta presented Yorkon with an award for excellence in site safety at its 2000 Engineering, Maintenance and Construction Safety Awards.