Flora-tec Case Studies

Flora-tec case study: Cemex, Thorpe Park

Design Brief
Cemex’s extensive grounds in Thorpe Park needed an injection of fresh ideas to improve the standard of maintenance and groundskeeping, to reflect the importance of the site as a Global Headquarters. Flora-tec won the maintenance contract for the
Cemex site against the long-standing incumbent company, taking over the management of the existing maintenance team, on the strength of their innovative ideas for rejuvenating the corporate grounds. As part of the brief, Flora-tec was asked to refresh and repair the architectural elements of the landscaping that were built several decades ago. These included water features that had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Solution
Flora-tec has made extensive improvements to the grounds at Cemex. New plants have been introduced to make the most of the
remarkable landscape architecture – including ponds, lakes, roof-top gardens and raised walkways. Important living features, including specimen trees and an ancient wisteria, are receiving extra special care from our horticulture experts. Adding real value to the service they provide at Cemex, the Flora-tec team has worked hard to communicate the seasonal developments in
the grounds to the Cemex staff. Measures such as signs next to plants and trees and mini reports on the staff noticeboard are aimed at increasing employee interest in the gardens.

Maintenance
The Cemex site requires a high level of maintenance because of the complexity of the terrain and the varied nature of the planting.
Flora-tec has a static station on site, and there is always a member of staff on site. The latest equipment is employed to undertake the special ‘smart’ maintenance programme, including the new ‘Site Master’ system, which allows Flora-tec to manage the
contract electronically – and efficiently. The maintenance scheme is designed to benefit each section of the Cemex grounds individually. In some instances this has meant cultivating wild areas, which has have a positive impact; this summer, a wild Bee Orchid was found growing in the wild flower meadow.

“‘Flora-tec have breathed new life into our corporate grounds, maintaining them with professionalism and care. I’m very happy with the quality of their work.”

Andy Turner, Assistant Facilities Manager,
Carillion Facilities Management
Cemex, Thorpe