General Electric

Brilliant Factory

General Electric’s new state-of-the-art gas engine plant is one of the most advanced in GE’s global operations and the first of its kind in Canada. “It’s a plant that is reimagining how we manufacture. It incorporates all the concepts of lean: speed with excellent quality — coupled with everything that is now available and that is coming down the pipe in digital technology, with the latest in software developments.”*

— Elyse Allan, GE Canada CEO

HH Angus provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, IT, lighting and vertical transportation consulting. The multi-modal plant, now owned by Advent International, manufactures gas engines that are coupled with either air or gas compressors, or with electric generators. The engines are distributed worldwide, primarily outside North America, in the oil and gas industry.

The plant runs three-dimensional machining simulations for CNC programs, gains real-time analytics to better understand the operating conditions of a machine or a test cell, operates lights-out machining, and combines all with advanced lean manufacturing practices.

Our IMIT scope included flexible structured cabling systems and supporting infrastructure, consisting of the latest shielded copper and fiber technologies, providing a transport platform for data, voice, video and other IP-based systems.

We also provided design for all low voltage technology systems. The factory uses equipment and machines embedded with sensors and connected to the high availability Industrial Internet Protocol-based network. Equipment data is streamed over secure links to the cloud for analysis.

Extensive design and installation of multiple audiovisual systems facilitate collaboration between global sites. Plant cabling design was provided per the most recent Industrial Premises standard. Working closely with the client’s IT, Security and AV groups, network-based systems were designed to the latest technology.

Our Angus Connect team was also involved in determining the performance requirements of client systems, product selection, preparation of working drawings and specifications, tender preparation and response evaluation. 

SERVICES
Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Security and IMIT Design | Vertical Transportation Consulting | Lighting Design


PROJECT FEATURES
Size: 450,000 ft2 | Status: Completed 2018


LOCATION 
Welland, Ontario


KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
Multi-model plant | Plant is fully air-conditioned to  prevent "flash rust" | real-time analytics | Transport platform for data, voice, video and other IP-based systems | AV systems enable collaboration between global sites | Test cell scope added later | Met aggressive schedule for working drawings | LEED Silver Certified


Custom HVAC control

The plant is fully air-conditioned to prevent ‘flash rust’, which can occur during machining of items such as crankshafts and connecting rods if humidity levels are not carefully controlled.

Industrial and support spaces

In addition to the main assembly and machine areas, three test cells, warehouse space, and paint areas, the plant also features front of house spaces such as offices, staff support, fitness centre, customer areas, hoteling for visiting customers and GE staff, conference rooms, etc.

Expanding our scope

HH Angus’ project scope was increased to include the physical design of a significant new Test Cell addition to the plant, and to ensure Canadian compliance. The three test cells are connected to the main plant for testing engines prior to delivery. We met an aggressive schedule to produce working drawings for tender.