The brief: the right climate for aerosols, razor blades, electricals and batteries
After increasing capacity at its distribution centre on the Manor Farm Industrial Estate in Reading with another purpose-built warehouse, Gillette tackled the question of heating — specifically, which kind of HVAC solution would best suit the storage of aerosol products, razor blades, electrical equipment and batteries in a facility owned and managed by logistics specialists Tibbett & Britten.
- A closely controlled environment was needed, with temperatures held above +10°C
- The temperature had to support the microbiology hold process required by certain products before despatch to retail, and provide frost protection
- A low-maintenance system was needed to keep the new 151,680 m³ facility running smoothly, without disrupting operations
- The design had to work around an ESFR sprinkler system, lighting, high-level smoke sensors and high-bay racking reaching 11.6 m
The solution: a self-balancing air induction system, designed with CFD
After researching a number of potential solutions, Gillette's project director opted for a low-maintenance JET air induction system, specified by M&E contractor Howvale Building Services. JET used its logistics sector expertise to design an energy-efficient, self-balancing system for Gillette's diverse requirements, taking a whole-life view of the development.
- Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) used to evaluate heating and ventilation requirements before the system was designed
- Self-balancing by design — no dampers in the ductwork or at the outlets, and no access to the operational space needed for maintenance
- 1 direct gas-fired system with a 600 kW installed heater load and 8.38 m³/s supply air volume
- Co-ordinated around the ESFR sprinklers, lighting, smoke sensors and 11.6 m high-bay racking
What the system delivered
Controlled environment
Temperature is maintained above +10°C, supporting the microbiology hold process and providing frost protection.
No maintenance access
With no dampers to adjust, no access to the operational space is required, and no downtime needs to be built into the facility management programme.
Commissioning in hours
Installation was fast-tracked and commissioning shortened from weeks to a matter of hours, reducing on-site costs.
On time, on budget
Delivered with principal contractor SBH and M&E contractor Howvale Building Services, eliminating administrative costs along the way.
What the project team said
"JET worked in conjunction with the principal contractor SBH and the M&E contractor Howvale Building Services to bring the project in on budget and on time, while also eliminating costs in the administrative process to deliver real value to Gillette."
Operations Manager, Tibbett & Britten
"The nature of this building and Gillette's definitive product storage requirements demands a closely controlled environment. JET's solution ensures the temperature is maintained above +10°C, which aids the microbiology hold process required by certain products before they can be despatched for retail, and provides frost protection."
Operations Manager, Tibbett & Britten
"Our solution meets Gillette's specific building and application criteria and affords the company tangible productivity benefits. The system is self-balancing so there are no dampers in the ductwork or at the outlets which would need to be adjusted on a regular basis, and no access is therefore required to the operational space for maintenance."
Technical Director, JET
About Gillette and Tibbett & Britten
The Gillette Company
Founded in 1901, Gillette was the global market leader in the grooming, portable power and oral care sectors, with 34 manufacturing operations in 15 countries and distribution to more than 200 countries and territories. Its portfolio of world-class brands included Duracell Ultra batteries, Braun electric shavers and Oral B toothbrushes.
Tibbett & Britten
Tibbett & Britten, which owns and manages the Reading facility, was one of the world's top ten logistics and supply chain management companies, working under long-term contract for major retailers and multinational manufacturers in 33 countries. Its business spanned conventional logistics and e-commerce support for household names including Tesco, Carphone Warehouse, Marks and Spencer, Gillette, Cadbury-Schweppes and Unilever.
Inside and out
Show technical specifications
| Location | Manor Farm Industrial Estate, Reading |
|---|---|
| Length | 128 m |
| Width | 79 m |
| Eaves height | 13 m |
| Ridge height | 17 m |
| Average height | 15 m |
| Floor area | 10,112 m² |
| Volume | 151,680 m³ |
| Internal design temp. | 10°C |
| External design temp. | -2°C |
| Number of units / systems | 1 no. |
|---|---|
| Heater type | Direct gas fired |
| Installed heater load | 600 kW |
| Supply air volume | 8.38 m³/s |
| Distribution | Self-balancing air induction system |
| Racking height | 11.6 m |
| Client | Gillette |
|---|---|
| Facility owner / operator | Tibbett & Britten |
| Principal contractor | SBH |
| M&E contractor | Howvale Building Services |
| HVAC design & installation | Jet Environmental |
From frost protection to multi-zone climate control, our engineers design bespoke HVAC systems that perform. If you have a facility with a similar problem, talk to us about it.
