Overview
MRI were appointed to deliver a large-scale, multi-phase plant movement, cranage, transport, storage, and specialist installation package within a live data centre environment.

The project involved the removal of redundant roof-level equipment, delivery and positioning of new mechanical and electrical plant across multiple levels, specialist roof-level manoeuvring of buffer vessels, bespoke fabrication works, secure off-site storage, and complex internal movement using certified lifting systems.

Operating within a restricted live environment with evolving site conditions, MRI provided a fully coordinated end-to-end solution from planning through to final positioning.

Scope of Works
MRI delivered a complete integrated package, including:

• Removal of 14 roof-mounted dry air coolers, each approx. 4,060kg, using full contract lift cranage and removals transport

• Internal movement and positioning of new plant across multiple floors, including condensers, CRAC/CRAH units, pumps, and 2 existing transformers at 4,250kg each

• Additional Level 2 and Level 3 works, including 6 CRAC fan bases, revised CRAH/CRAC positioning, and return visits where live-site issues affected progress

• Handling, storage, transport, lifting, upending, and final positioning of 5 buffer vessels, each over 5.4m high and approx. 3,500–3,900kg

• Fabrication of bespoke cradles and transport stands for buffer vessel handling

• Plate load testing and geotechnical surveys to verify outrigger positions and crane setup strategy

• Provision of floor protection logistics, including staged delivery and 8-week hire of half sheets where access restrictions prevented use of full sheets

• Retention and weekly hire of specialist gantries, hoists, genie lifts, and lifting equipment where programme delays required continued roof-level support

The Challenge
This project required MRI to manage a wide range of lifting, movement, and logistics operations within a live, restricted environment where access, sequencing, and changing site conditions were critical.

Challenges included:

• Coordinating roof-level cranage and internal plant movement across several levels

• Working around goods-lift limitations, breakdowns, delayed roof readiness, and inaccessible workfaces

• Adapting to revised installation methods, including CRAC units being placed onto newly introduced fan bases

• Managing specialist buffer vessel storage, staged deliveries, and delayed upending works until steelwork and scaffolding were ready

• Verifying ground conditions through testing before critical crane operations could proceed safely

The Solution
MRI delivered a structured, multi-phase solution combining Appointed Person planning, crane operations, specialist plant movement, fabrication, storage, transport, and live-site problem solving.

The project was supported by:

• Lift plans, CAD support, supervision, and project coordination throughout

• Certified movement and lifting equipment, including gantries, chain hoists, cantilever beams, genie lifts, and lift-pull systems

• Bespoke fabricated supports for transport and manoeuvring of buffer vessels

• Secure off-site storage and staged HIAB delivery aligned to programme requirements

• Flexible adaptation to changing site conditions, additional labour requirements, and revised methodologies without losing delivery control

The Outcome
MRI successfully delivered a highly complex package of plant movement, removals cranage, roof-level manoeuvring, fabrication, storage, and transport support within a live project environment.

The project demonstrates MRI’s ability to combine engineering-led planning, specialist lifting, internal movement, fabrication, and logistics into one fully coordinated service.

💥 Key Highlights

• 14 redundant dry air coolers removed from roof level at 4,060kg each

• 5 buffer vessels stored, transported, lifted, and positioned, each over 5.4m high

• 2 existing transformers moved internally at 4,250kg each

• Large-scale CRAC and CRAH positioning across multiple floors

• Bespoke fabricated cradles and transport stands delivered for specialist handling

• Ground investigation and plate testing undertaken to support crane planning

Services Delivered

• Contract Lifting

• AP-Led Lift Planning

• Plant & Machinery Movement

• Heavy Haulage & Specialist Transport

• Secure Storage Solutions

• Specialist Fabrication

• Internal Mechanical Installation Support

👉 Need a contractor that can manage complex lifting, movement, storage, and specialist installation in one package? Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.