As part of Scottish Water’s £15m project to improve the water supply to customers in North Uist and Bayhead, RSE have completed the design, build and commissioning of the modular water Transportable Treatment Unit (TTU) for Lochmaddy to replace the existing water treatment facility on the island.

The project is the latest example of Scottish Water and RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) working together to produce the best possible solution and the highest water quality for their valued customers.

Off-site construction of the module frames
Off-site construction of the module frames

The Lochmaddy WTW is RSE’s largest Transportable Treatment Unit (TTU) built to date – housed within a two-storey building and consisting of 16 No. modular units.

Water Treatment Modular Units re-assembly on site
Water Treatment Modular Units re-assembly on site

Once fabrication was complete, the TTU was broken down into the 16 modules and transported 128 miles by road, then taken by ferry before assembly in North Uist. A 150-tonne crane also made the journey with the modules to North Uist limiting the impact on the environment by keeping the transport to a minimum with few journeys required.

More info on the journey can be found in the following article from the BBC – BBC Lochmaddy Article

The project value engineering process included directing and engaging local subcontractors to optimise the site location. This initiative minimised the visible impact of the works and allowed for the reuse of excavated rock, blasted when clearing the site, for the construction of access roads. Incorporating some of the traditional below ground structures such as the chlorine contactor into the modules enabled the provision of a simple foundation slab for construction.

Scottish Water project manager, Anoushka Ainslie-McAlpine, said:

“These deliveries represent an exciting milestone for this project which, once complete, will see a single, improved water supply in place for Scottish Water’s customers across North Uist and Berneray.”

“The way in which this project is being delivered is a great example of Scottish Water and Ross-shire Engineering working together in an innovative way to deliver lasting benefits for customers. Assembling and testing the water treatment works under factory conditions offers major advantages.”

water industry awards 2019 finalist logo

The project was selected as the winner of the DfMA Project of the Year at the Water Industry Awards 2019 Congratulations to the teams and everyone involved in the project! Pictured below are representatives from both Scottish Water & RSE attending the awards presentation evening.

Water Industry Awards Team

The Press and Journal covered the project in an article including comments from the local councillor discussing the benefits brought to the area thanks to the WTW. Read the article here – Press and Journal Lochmaddy WTW Article

The bespoke TTU achieved 8 months programme improvement and more than 30% cost efficiency thanks to each of the modular units being fabricated, assembled, tested and fully dry and wet commissioned prior to being transported to site.

RSE’s innovative modular water treatment solutions provide advantages such as –minimal disruption to local customers, programme efficiency & certainty, and HSE & environmental benefits from construction off-site in a factory environment.

With over three decades of knowledge and experience, RSE takes pride in being recognised as a centre of excellence for modular build products and innovative water treatment solutions.

Ross-shire Engineering working collaboratively with Scottish Water & NEC proposed various changes to the Lochmaddy WTW contract scope. These changes shortened the programme by 37% (11 months) and cut the capital cost by 49% (£11.4 million).

NEC have produced a case study of the project which can be viewed by clicking the following link – NEC Lochmaddy WTW Case Study

Find out more by viewing our products that we provide across multiple sectors – RSE Products

Saftronics make the switch to RSE

Scottish-based Engineering and manufacturing contractor RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) have announced the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Leeds headquartered Saftronics.

Saftronics Motor Control Centres
Saftronics Motor Control Centres

Formed in 1979, Saftronics specialise in process control systems and LV switchboards for a wide variety of applications across many industrial sectors. They are the preferred and trusted supplier of choice for many leading and high profile companies.

The acquisition marks another step South for RSE as they continue to develop and expand their offering as a leading MEICA contractor to Municipal and Industrial water and utilities companies UK wide. Saftronics base in Leeds boasts a purpose built  2,400m² design, manufacturing and testing facility and the company employ 110 people.

Saftronics head office and production.
Pictured: Saftronics head office and production.

The deal will see RSE take up a majority equity share in the business whilst retaining the key skills of the Saftronics Management Team. Saftronics Managing Director, Mark Godfrey, commented on the deal:

“We are thrilled to become part of the RSE group. Having worked very closely with RSE for many years, the integration represents a truly great fit for Saftronics and will enable both RSE and ourselves to provide a much more enhanced offering to our customers than ever before.”

Power and Process Control System
Saftronics design, manufacture and install power and process control systems

RSE Managing Director, Allan Dallas, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Saftronics into the RSE group of businesses. We have worked extensively with the company and staff over a number of years and they will complement our services and growth strategy. Their focus on quality and innovation are a natural fit to what RSE are about as a company.”

 With over three decades of experience, RSE offer a full service capability, from project inception and detailed 3D design – through fabrication, installation and commissioning stages – together with client training and subsequent operational and maintenance support. The company is recognised for their industry leading design and manufacture of modular water treatment plants and recent previous acquisitions include adding Dalgety Bay based Chemical Dosing company PSI ltd.