1 August 2012

Costain has been invited to join a task group that is charged with developing a strategy for using Building Information Modelling technology on future construction projects in Wales.

As part of the Supplier Working Group, Costain will contribute its knowledge and experience of using BIM technology and make recommendations for its future use as part of the Welsh Construction Procurement Strategy.

The Group was brought together by the Welsh Government and Constructing Excellence in Wales and comprises a Steering Group and three Working Groups – Client, Supplier and Experiential - to bring together the views and findings of the Group.

Milica Kitson, the Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in Wales, said her organisation will use the huge wealth of expertise available to prepare a set of recommendations that will form a key strand of the Welsh Construction Procurement Strategy.

“This is being launched in the autumn so our Task and Working Groups have a clear and defined timescale over which to respond. This is our opportunity to influence what we the Industry want and are able to deliver for Wales through BIM,” said Milica.

Costain has used BIM technology on a number of major contracts, most recently at Bond Street and London Bridge, and having an in-depth knowledge of how to make to make best use of BIM technology is now seen as a prerequisite to securing future work.

BIM is now seen as an invaluable component in the construction process as it allows engineers to generate and manage an enormous amount of data by checking for structural, architectural and building services clashes within existing structures.

It also allows the end user to build up a body of data that can be used in the repair and maintenance of an asset and potentially extend its life, which can also save time and money.

Costain, in partnership with Atkins, Halcrow and RPS Group, is currently using BIM on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road project in South Wales.

Commenting, Tim Bowen, Costain’s Regional Development Director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to the Constructing Excellence in Wales BIM Task Group. Costain has a proven track record in bringing innovation from the many different sectors in which it works in order to enhance the overall service to its customers.  This is a clear example of how Costain is prepared to collaborate and share innovation to improve the performance of our customer’s operations.”

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