Pacific Marine Batteries, Plant Relocation, Osborne

The facility manufactures batteries for the defence programme from base materials through to the finished battery.

The production facility contains many hazardous sections including acid storage, metal smelting and decommissioning of aged products.

Due to timelines associated with the continued production, much of the equipment to be installed was new and bespoke rather than relocating existing, compounded with a new product line that will only be produced within the new facility.

Completing the design for all services including hydraulics, mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, fire detection and suppression with coordination of security systems was complicated by the need to create a flexible infrastructure that was robust enough to adapt to the growing business needs.

The site was unusual for statutory connects, including multiple HV transformers which were installed in a central location as opposed to usual SAPN requirements for installation on the boundary. The facility and surrounding properties are also serviced by a ‘low pressure sewer system’ with properties required to pump sewer directly into a common low pressure rising main. PMB were the first development within the area which required us review and define SA Water connection requirements and policies for a system which had previously not been utilised.