Clydach Nickel Refinery - Case Study
Project:
Quantity Surveying and Cost Consultancy services under NEC Contract
Location:
Swansea, Wales
In Brief:
Easton Bevins was appointed by the principal contractor, Oaktree Construction (Wales) Ltd, to support the delivery of complex civil engineering works within the LIN Storage Compound at Europe’s largest nickel refinery. The project centred on constructing a substantial reinforced concrete foundation designed to accommodate new process equipment, requiring disciplined coordination, structured commercial management and close collaboration between all parties.
The works involved installing an 800m² reinforced concrete slab incorporating over 550m³ of concrete and approximately 80 tonnes of reinforcement. The slab was supported by 28 reinforced concrete piles extending to depths of around 25 metres, providing the load‑bearing capacity required for the proposed installation. This combination of deep foundations, heavy reinforcement and precise sequencing demanded a methodical approach to both technical delivery and commercial oversight.
As with many large‑scale civil engineering projects, several design and construction challenges emerged during delivery. Easton Bevins worked collaboratively with the contractor and client teams to identify design discrepancies early, allowing amendments to be assessed and incorporated without affecting programme certainty. Regular risk reduction meetings were undertaken to manage project risks and maintain progress against a firm completion deadline linked to the installation of specialist equipment.
The project was successfully delivered on time, meeting the client’s critical operational requirements while maintaining a high standard of quality throughout the construction phase. In our role as Quantity Surveyor, we facilitated regular commercial meetings with the client and contractor to review variations, monitor costs and maintain transparency regarding the anticipated final account and cash flow requirements. This proactive commercial management enabled the client to secure additional funding and purchase orders where required, ensuring the project maintained sufficient cash flow to be delivered without disruption.
Understanding the scope
The client required a robust and compliant foundation system capable of supporting new process equipment within the LIN Storage Compound. Early coordination focused on reviewing the existing design information, identifying areas requiring clarification and establishing the technical requirements necessary to deliver a safe and structurally sound installation. Given the depth of the piles and the volume of concrete involved, early engagement with the design team was essential to ensure that sequencing, reinforcement detailing and load‑bearing criteria were fully understood.
Clear communication between Easton Bevins, Oaktree Construction and the client team was established from the outset. With a strict operational deadline in place, early identification of risks and potential design changes became a central part of the project’s preparatory work.
Developing a coordinated strategy
With the scope defined, we supported the contractor in shaping a delivery strategy that balanced technical compliance, programme certainty and commercial transparency. The team coordinated design information between all parties, issued instructions and monitored progress to ensure the works proceeded in accordance with the agreed specification. This structured approach provided the client with confidence that the project was being managed consistently and transparently.
Navigating contract administration
Throughout the programme, Easton Bevins acted as the central point of governance. Regular progress reviews, programme monitoring and commercial discussions ensured the contractor adhered to the agreed timescales and quality standards. The team supported risk management and maintained clear communication channels between the client, design team and contractor, helping to resolve issues quickly and ensuring the works remained aligned with the project’s objectives.
Commercial management
Easton Bevins provided full commercial control across the £660,000 programme, administering the contract value, monitoring expenditure and delivering accurate financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle. Interim payment applications were reviewed to ensure payments reflected actual progress, while compensation events arising from design development or site conditions were valued and agreed promptly.
Cashflow forecasts were also monitored closely, enabling the client to secure additional funding where required and ensuring the project maintained financial stability throughout delivery.
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered from contract award through to practical completion, with Easton Bevins providing commercial leadership alongside the operational expertise of Oaktree Construction (Wales) Ltd. The works were completed on programme, meeting the client’s critical operational deadline and achieving a high‑quality finish.
Full commercial transparency was maintained throughout, with early identification and management of design changes reducing both cost and programme risks. The successful delivery of this technically complex civil engineering project demonstrated Easton Bevins’ ability to combine commercial discipline, structured contract administration and strong communication to support the safe and timely completion of critical infrastructure works.
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