Webuild establishes a pioneering TBM refurbishment facility in Terni, Italy.
- The factory aims to economise by extending TBM lifespans and reducing dependence on manufacturers.
- Webuild’s investment includes establishing Webuild Equipment & Machinery (WEM) for TBM regeneration.
- The strategy aligns with Webuild’s extensive tunnelling projects, particularly in Sicily and the UK.
- Future technological advancements in TBM automation and safety are anticipated through this initiative.
Webuild, an Italian contractor known for its extensive tunnelling projects, has innovatively established a facility dedicated to the refurbishment and assembly of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in Terni, Italy. This strategic move is designed as a cost-saving measure, challenging the traditional practice where contractors would traditionally return TBMs to manufacturers such as Herrenknecht in Germany once projects were completed. The initiative reflects Webuild’s ambition to reduce costs while exploiting the synergy of in-house expertise and resources.
The newly inaugurated company, Webuild Equipment & Machinery (WEM), is tasked with the vital role of managing the firm’s TBM fleet. This includes servicing, remanufacturing, and modifying machines, thus ensuring their viability for subsequent use. Webuild’s inventory encompasses 58 TBMs, each designated for various stages of operation, from those actively in service to others pending assembly and those ordered for future projects.
Significantly, Webuild’s refurbishment facility underscores its commitment to large-scale tunnelling endeavours, particularly within Sicily. The island serves as a focal point for Webuild’s activities, where seven railway projects span 200 km of network, encompassing 175 km of tunnels. The operation in Sicily alone necessitates the deployment of 19 TBMs, with financial undertakings exceeding €400 million. This ambitious project portfolio provides the scale necessary to justify the establishment of an in-house refurbishment operation.
Additionally, Webuild’s engagement extends beyond Italian borders, as evidenced by its participation in the ambitious A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down project in the UK. As part of the More joint venture, Webuild, in collaboration with FCC Construcción and BeMo Tunnelling, is preparing to execute the construction of twin tunnels under the historic Stonehenge site. The substantial investment and strategic partnerships involved highlight Webuild’s expansive operational scope and its reliance on an efficient TBM refurbishing model to support such international projects.
The establishment of the TBM repair shop is not just about immediate financial savings; Webuild envisions accruing significant technological know-how. This includes potentially developing innovations that enhance the automation, safety, and efficiency of TBMs, ultimately contributing to the overarching goals of safety and quality in tunnelling operations. Such advancements could redefine the future landscape of tunnelling, presenting Webuild as a forward-thinking leader in the construction industry.
Webuild’s initiative in Terni marks a pivotal step towards sustainable and efficient TBM usage in future projects.
