Member Article

New technology speeds growth at Avoca

A construction engineering firm has grown its workforce and set out plans for overseas expansion after investing in groundbreaking new technology.

Avoca Consulting Engineers, based in Durham, has invested in the technology and training for the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, which enables the Company to co-ordinate its designs with the architectural and structural design of a building in a single building model.

The investment means that Avoca is now one of the few building services consultancies in the region to be using this technology as standard for all projects, ensuring co-ordination with every design.

The technology will also allow Avoca to gain a stronger foothold in the public sector market, given that, from 2015/16, BIM will be mandatory on all major government-funded developments.

Avoca is now expecting accreditation of its impending ISO 9001 Quality Management System, the internationally-recognised standard for the quality management of businesses, which the Company is hoping to receive by June 2012.

Meanwhile, Avoca’s international presence continues to flourish, with the now established partnership with Gulf-based Muamir Design and Engineering LLC to provide MEP consultancy services on projects across Oman and the UAE.

Managing director Mark Hooper said: “The Company performed well in 2011 and this year is shaping up to be even better, especially with the new opportunities that have arisen as a result of the investment in the BIM technology.

“The investment we’ve made in our future, which also includes the launch of a new website, is already starting to pay off and we are looking forward to seeing continued growth throughout 2012.”

To facilitate Avoca’s expansion, the business has increased the size of its engineering staff with the addition of engineering technician Ben Battram, who is dedicated to the management and implementation of the BIM technologies, along with principal mechanical engineer Stephen Farrell and younger brother Liam.

Mr Battram said: “I’m delighted to have joined a company that is well ahead of its competitors in terms of technology and eagerly anticipate helping it continue its expansion going forward.”

Avoca provides mechanical, public health, electrical and lighting design services for construction projects and has been involved in several high-profile national developments. For more information visit: [www.avoca-ce.com](http://www.avoca-ce.com“ target=).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .