Primark
The Company
Primark is a retail group with 177 stores in the Ireland (under the Penneys brand), Spain and the UK, with 4.8 million square feet of selling space. Primark Stores Ltd is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods who generate global sales of £6.8 billion with 85,000 employees in 43 countries.
The Challenge
Primark has undergone an aggressive expansion programme, which included the takeover of a number of former Allders and Littlewoods stores occupying prime high street locations throughout the UK. Many of these stores had been built or refurbished at a time when the use of Asbestos Containing Materials was commonplace in the building industry.
It was critical to Primark's expansion strategy to identify where such materials were present in order that they should be safely and properly removed.
Our Solution
Life Environmental has assisted Primark with the identification and procedures for the management of asbestos since 2004.
We have provided our expert guidance in the preparation of the Primark asbestos management plan and through effective Project Management. So far, we have conducted asbestos surveys at 162 Primark and Penneys stores. Our survey activities are ongoing.
A large proportion of surveys are undertaken as part of the due diligence exercise during the group's acquisitions. During 2005/06, we completed Type 3 (intrusive) surveys of such stores prior to refurbishment and re-branding as Primark stores.
The asbestos registers produced as a result of the surveys are stored securely in electronic and hard copy format at the Life Environmental offices. The reports are also available within Primark and to Primark's authorised contractors via their system.
The Results
An excellent relationship has been established between Life Environmental and Primark. We have been able to provide valuable expert advice, guidance and information with regard to asbestos management surveys and also with regard to any possible problems that may arise.
- Risk mitigation; dependable surveys enable the control and removal of risk
- Cost effective; by enabling expansion plans
- Add value; through expert guidance and advice
