Delivering a Seamless Network Installation for a Major International Logistics Company

When one of the world’s largest logistics and parcel delivery companies needed to overhaul the network infrastructure at three of their UK sites, they turned to us for help. The client, with sites in Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, and Derbyshire, was in the process of vacating these premises later this year following a part-merger and takeover of business operations.

The challenge? The existing network needed to stay fully operational for the incumbent company while we designed and installed a completely new network for the incoming business — all in active warehouses, with staff, stock, and forklifts moving around us.

The Scope of Work

We installed four new full-size cabinets in the offices and warehouses at each site, with new fibre links between them and high-level cabling throughout. Wi-Fi access points were fitted to ensure full coverage — no easy task in buildings over 25 metres high.

Specialist scissor lifts and a cherry picker were essential to reach the high and awkward locations, including navigating narrow warehouse aisles. At one site, we even squeezed a large scissor lift through a very tight entrance, leaving just centimetres to spare.

In addition, we installed point-to-point Wi-Fi solutions at two sites to link stand-alone security huts to the main buildings. This involved mounting long poles on the gatehouses and securing them carefully — especially challenging on one fibreglass hut, which required special bracing to withstand the winds and constant traffic.

Working Around Live Operations

All of this work was carried out while the warehouses remained fully operational. Our team of IPAF-trained engineers worked safely and efficiently, coordinating with staff and minimising disruption.

As the project progressed, additional works emerged, including:

• Installing power to six new warehouse cabinets

• Adding data sockets for office equipment like printers, scanners, and workstations

• Troubleshooting and testing the Wi-Fi network to ensure full coverage

We also provided on-site and remote “smart hands” support to assist the client’s UK-based and US-based IT teams — even working late into the night to align with US time zones.

Overcoming Obstacles

Like many large projects, we faced challenges. Stock availability and supplier errors meant some equipment arrived late or at the wrong site, but we stayed flexible and kept progress on track. At every hurdle, we found a solution and kept the project moving.

What’s Next?

We’re proud of what we achieved at these sites and look forward to returning later this year to upgrade the existing fibre to new OM4-grade cabling and carry out additional works once the outgoing tenant vacates.

What the Client Said

“A sincere thanks to you for your individual efforts in making our logistics company Wi-Fi go-live possible. A great achievement in a short amount of time. While many were involved, you guys were essential. Phil Horwood — you and your company: incredible. So many obstacles overcome, meeting every challenge with a solution. Legendary!”

It was a pleasure to deliver this project alongside the client’s team — and we’re proud to have made their network go-live a success.

Please note: Images are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual project sites or client facilities.