HFD completes TUV SUD NEL R&D building in East Kilbride

HFD Property Group (HFD) has announced practical completion of TUV SUD NEL’s (TUV) new test flow laboratory in East Kilbride. Construction of the base building, which will be known as the Reynolds Building, has been completed and TUV have now commenced the fit out of the £16million Advanced Multiphase Facility (AMF) in East Kilbride.

Construction of the 20,000 sq.ft. building began in September 2017, and was completed on time and on budget to a short 6-month programme. Despite major weather disruption during the winter months including ‘The Beast from the East’, which saw most of the UK come to a standstill.

Scottish Enterprise has supported the development of the AMF with £4.9 million of research and development funding. TUV’s parent company, TUV SUD AG is investing £11.1 million, alongside the grant from Scottish Enterprise. The project marks the largest capital investment to date in the company’s UK business.

The major investment being made will provide for a £1.45million, full production scale separator with an operating weight of 270 tonnes, and required HFD to collaborate closely with the occupier’s project team to incorporate enhancements to the base building.

Once the fit-out is completed, the AMF’s test range capability (operating pressures, temperatures, flowrates and metrology) will be beyond anything currently available in the world. Operating at pressures up to 150 bar, this will double current capabilities to replicate extreme production conditions experienced by the oil and gas production industry.

Alongside providing opportunities for industry-led projects and training, the AMF will also support academic research. Creating at least 17 new jobs and safeguarding 82, the AMF will futureproof the delivery of innovative technical services to the oil and gas production market for the next 25 years, and position Scotland as a world leader in multiphase flow measurement.

Matt Bellshaw, Property Director of HFD Property Group, said:

“HFD are delighted to be part of a Scottish led project of such international import; HFD as a group prides itself on working with occupiers to ensure our buildings meet their needs in full. In this instance the challenges were both technical and timebound; and we are delighted to have succeeded in delivering this key milestone for TUV. HFD has a wealth of experience working with Oil & Gas occupiers and having provided this platform for the project, we will continue to support TUV throughout their fit out and beyond.”