Johnsons1871 scoops two 2019 Grafters Awards

Johnsons1871, the complete moving, project management, storage and installation Group, has won two awards at the recent 2019 Grafters Awards Ceremony.

The award wins were for Northern Roots, National Reach and for the second year running Best Specialist Contractor.

We have been operating for almost 150 years and are based in Northwich, Cheshire. As a group we predominantly support domestic and commercial clients across the UK and international removals are also available.

The Grafters Awards allows companies and individuals across all aspects of the construction and property sector to have their achievements recognised. This year the format for award shortlisting changed with 50% of awards being based on votes and the other 50% being based on judging criteria.

Warren Hamlin, Commercial Director said “We are delighted to have won two awards at this year’s Grafters Awards. All credit goes to our dedicated team who go all out to exceed our client’s expectations. As a Group of companies, we are always moving with the times and investing in the best equipment, training and processes and it’s fantastic to see this recognised by the Grafters Awards”.

Cells4Life

The Project

This project involved the relocation of cryostores for Cells4life.

We relocated 17 tanks containing liquid nitrogen with stem cell samples in them, all tanks were vapour phase. We relocated 15 from Bishops Stortford and two from Rochdale.

They were all transported to our storage site in Uckfield, East Sussex. We transported two tanks per trip with one trip per day, this was to comply with insurance conditions due to the value of goods being up to £3m per tank.

The Challenge

Due to design, weight and condition of some of the tanks we were unable to use a standard forklift truck to relocate them. To overcome this we used a reinforced tail lift. This provided more stability and therefore more safety onsite.

We also used ADR compliant vehicles and utilised our in house DGSA who ensured that all elements were covered and captured prior to and during the relocation so that everything was done correctly and following guidelines. He completed specific RAMS for the logistics and answered any questions that arose throughout the planning and relocation period.

The Result

Everything went well and without any problems. We have a good relationship with Cells4Life and have now completed several projects for them. We continue to quote for and undertake work for them on a regular basis.