Working on airport sites presents a unique set of challenges that go far beyond the technical installation of equipment. Two recent projects involving Joe & The Juice branches at Stansted Airport and Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) offered our Chiller Box team a valuable opportunity to demonstrate not only our technical expertise but also logistical knowledge, problem-solving, and clear communication skills.

Project overview

We were tasked with installing cold rooms and connecting display refrigeration units at two Joe & The Juice locations. While the refrigeration work itself was relatively straightforward, the airport environment introduced a range of complexities that required careful planning and flexibility on our part.

Additional challenges

Airport sites demand a much higher level of logistical co-ordination due to the strict security protocols and operational constraints. At Manchester T2, which was undergoing a major refurbishment as part of a larger construction project, all equipment had to be delivered to a third-party logistics firm. From there, it was transported into the airport and lifted to the required level.

One major hurdle was the size restriction on palletised deliveries. The cold room ceiling panels exceeded the maximum allowable pallet size, which meant we had to redesign the ceiling construction to comply. These problem-solving skills are where we excel, identifying the issue, consulting with the client, and implementing a viable solution.

At Stansted, the security requirements were very stringent. The team faced extensive paperwork, tight delivery windows, and the need for precise co-ordination of staff, tools, and materials. Working closely with the fit-out contractor and liaising with the existing Joe & The Juice branch on-site helped streamline the process, but it still required a high level of organisation and planning.

Extensive work behind the scenes

While the technical installation wasn’t complex, the background work was. Airports operate under strict processes to avoid unexpected disruptions to passengers, so we had to be meticulous in planning every step

Airport projects demand a proactive approach to communication and co-ordination, and this was especially true when working alongside other contractors. Understanding who was responsible for what, ensuring all parties had the correct security clearances, and maintaining clear lines of communication were essential to keeping the project on track.
Lessons learned and planning ahead

This was our first experience of airport work, and we loved working on these two projects and found them to be valuable learning experiences. If we were to work on future airport projects, we know that organisation is everything; from asking the right questions at the outset to anticipating additional costs and communicating them clearly with the client.

Fortunately, Chiller Box has worked on many Joe & The Juice sites and we have a strong client and supplier relationship which really helped with the smooth running of this project. This collaboration, combined with our commitment to problem-solving and clear communication, ensured the project was delivered successfully.