News category: hythe group

A Year on With Hythe HOSMU Storage and Distribution Solutions

HOSMU airport winter resilience storage and distribution solutions

One year after Hythe HOSMU was formed, we take a look at the companies storage and distribution solutions projects, the challenges faced, and goals for the future. 

storage and distribution solutions by HOSMU at heathrow airport airside winter resilience

In their first year, Hythe HOSMU installed a modular self-help system at Heathrow Airport. This system allows for the distribution, deployment and return of equipment, coupled with the safe, measured and effective dispensing of de-icing media. We discuss the challenges and wins of this crucial winter resilience project at one of the world’s busiest airports.

But before we get into it, what exactly does Hythe HOSMU do?

 

An Introduction to Hythe HOSMU

Back in 2019, HOSMU was formed to support the mass production of bespoke modular units. These units enable the efficient storage, distribution and deployment of self-help tools, plus aircraft stand and roadway clearing equipment. 

HOSMU is part of the Hythe Group. What sets it apart from the other companies within the group is its capability to design, develop and install bespoke and tailored storage and distribution solutions specific to clients’ operational requirements. 

Specialising in Aviation and Rail projects, HOSMU compliments the group’s proven strength and experience in providing Marine and Building Services. 

 

Storage and Distribution Solutions for Heathrow’s Winter Resilience

Previous winters had seen the deterioration of the pre-existing winter resilience solution at Heathrow, coupled with inadequate storage for grit and de-icer. 

Hythe HOSMU provided Heathrow’s Winter Operations team with a one-stop location for important tools and necessary equipment. The project aided the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft on stands, while keeping airside roads and pathways clear.

The innovative HOSMU self-help solution we manufactured provides the consolidated and organised storage of essential winter resilience tools and stand clearing equipment. De-icing products are now distributed safely and with precision.

“We’re delighted to report that following the recent snowy conditions our HOSMU custom made modular units have successfully improved operational effectiveness during a ‘snow event’ airside at Heathrow Airport.” – Neil Robinson 

storage and distribution solutions by HOSMU at heathrow airport airside winter resilience

What Did the Project Involve? 

Following a period of consultancy and development of the project brief, the HOSMU system installation provided an innovative four-part solution.

This included a consolidated single collection point for essential winter resilience operating equipment and the management of stand waste, combined with winter media storage and distribution. 

Forty-eight key airside locations were identified across the terminals, including aircraft stands, pathways, roadways and control posts. These key locations were provided with the requisite modular parts to provide winter resilience tool storage and effective, consolidated housing and distribution for snow and ice clearing media in use across the entire site.

Each custom made component features an RFID asset management and inspection system. The system regularly records inspections and reduces the need for maintenance and equipment replenishment commonly associated with winter operational use.

During an intensive period of prototyping and feedback, HOSMU presented Heathrow with nine client-driven revised prototypes. To ensure quality throughout the project, each step incorporated feedback gathered from presentation and review at airside events and consultations with the winter operations team.

 

What Was the Biggest Challenge HOSMU Faced and How Was it Overcome?

In addition to understanding, overcoming and changing behavioural and methodological operational airside practices in Winter, perhaps the biggest challenge faced by the HOSMU team was providing a solution to safely store and dispense the winter de-icing media commonly known as ‘Prill’.

Prill is a pelletised form of de-icing media formed by the congealing of a liquid and it provides a safe and effective way to rapidly de-ice and melt ice and snow. It robustly stays in place when deployed ahead of a ‘snow event.’ Prill is packaged in 25-kilogram bags which, once opened and left exposed to the elements or moisture, hardens and is wasted. Hundreds of kilos of prill were often squandered during winter due to bags being partially used or stored ineffectively in grit bins or left exposed to the elements. 

The key was to develop a modular unit capable of being able to receive an entire bag of prill at a safe lifting height and then dispense a specified amount determined by the user, depending on the surface to be treated.

Nine concept prototypes were developed by the HOSMU team offering a range of solutions. After a sustained period of testing the final ‘media Hopper’ design was approved by Airfield operations and following two winters has proven a success. It uses a unique mechanism to ensure the prill is dispensed in its pelletised form, even if it has solidified within the hopper, or has been added to the hopper in a solidified form. 

 

How Has the Installation Changed Life for the Winter Resilience Team?

“HOSMU’s custom solution has taken our outdated self-help tools and media storage and provided airfield operations with an innovative and robust concept ready to tackle the snow events we manage each winter, helping to keep the airport fully operational…” 

– Winter Operations Manager at Heathrow 

For the first time airside at any airport, all winter self-help equipment is in one easy to use modular system at key locations.

Winter operational efficiencies were vastly improved during the recent snow events at Heathrow. Notifiable asset management and inspection systems are in place with each component. As a result, the need for maintenance and equipment replenishment associated with winter operational use is reduced. 

The HOSMU now provides a clearly identifiable, branded focal point for the organisation and storage of the equipment and winter media. It also ensures operational equipment is returned, reducing the likelihood of trip hazards and lowering the need for tool replenishment. The units are also used as a mechanism to promote safety messages, like the ‘safety 6’, to the airside community.

storage and distribution solutions by HOSMU at heathrow airport airside winter resilience

What’s next for Hythe HOSMU?

HOSMU are ready to present their winter resilience solution to the wider airport community and other industries with a winter resilience requirement. 

The team have also been developing four additional components. These allow for totally consolidated equipment storage on stands and airside at airports. Including; bollard bin clamps, cone and trolley storage, sawdust storage for minor spills and a tiered approach to chock storage. 

HOSMU‘s storage and distribution solutions will give ramp users a one-stop location for all equipment associated with the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft. It also provides stakeholders with the necessary self-help tools to carry out their roles.

The HOSMU modular concept can be tailored to any industrial operational requirement

Contact our team to discuss HOSMU’s storage and distribution solutions capabilities for your upcoming projects. 

Hythe Group Introduce a New Joinery and Carpentry Workshop

Meet Peter Barker and Mike Budd

Hythe Group have opened up a brand new workshop specifically for woodworking projects. To find out more we spoke to experienced carpenters Peter Barker and Mike Budd, who recently joined the Hythe team.

Peter and Mike first worked with Hythe Marine Services (HMS) in May 2019, as contractors on a project for the Royal Navy’s Hunt Class minesweepers. After seeing their skill and work ethic, HMS offered them permanent roles within Hythe Group and in September 2019 they joined the team full-time.

The new joinery workshop

Hythe Marine Services’ shop floor previously focused solely on metalwork and fabrication. Metal welders and fabricators often work in cold environments, whereas woodwork requires a warm, dry workshop. Combining these two crafts under the same roof would have posed a potential fire hazard (between the sparks of welding and the wood shavings of joinery work) and so the decision was made to keep the two workshops apart. 

As a result, Hythe Group built a brand new workshop designed especially for woodwork, which is spacious, warm, clean and well-lit.

New team members Peter Barker and Mike Budd

Both Peter and Mike obtained their NVQ Levels 1,2, and 3 in Carpentry and Joinery whilst completing apprenticeships at shipyard companies. Throughout their careers, they have worked for numerous businesses within the marine engineering industry. 

Since his apprenticeship, Mike built a wealth of experience and skill working for A&P Shipcare, Sunseekers, Harris Pye Marine, Trimline, and BSA building and maintenance. During Mike’s time at A&P Shipcare, he worked on deck heads and bulkheads, built cradles for the ships

 to sit on, was part of the team dry docking ships and was involved in stripping out cabins.

Whilst working with various businesses, such as BAE Systems, Peter gained invaluable industry knowledge which he brought to HMS. Peter also spent time working for luxury yacht companies like Oyster and Compass Tenders. Throughout his time at Compass Tenders, Peter built and moulded high-end superyacht tenders from scratch, such as the Jupiter tender for their superyacht ‘Alisail’.

Prior to joining Hythe Group, Peter and Mike were working at the same company. Peter told us about a fantastic antique yacht he worked on during his time there. “I worked at a classic boatyard in Germany where we re-planked an antique boat from scratch. We used American cedar inboard plank and mahogany exterior plank, and the joinery consisted of old school scarf joints or for oak frames we used brass screws. It was traditional boat building in a very prestigious boatyard. A great project to be a part of.”

Through their previous company, Mike and Peter worked for Sunseekers on interior subfloors, roofing and decking. Interior fit-outs were always to an impeccably high standard. They recalled being in awe at the sheer size of the superyachts, and their unbelievable features like gyms and even cinemas! 

“The work that we do is really rewarding because ultimately, the end result is on display for everyone to see. Having worked with superyachts and other high-end clients, the standards are extremely high and the finishes must be top-notch. It’s great to finish a project and see all that hard work on display,” Mike Budd.

What does this mean for Hythe Marine Services? 

With the new workshop, Hythe Marine Services can now provide custom high-quality joinery and carpentry services to the marine industry. This is a new in-house capability for Hythe Group, and they look forward to the different nature of projects it will bring. 

Since starting with HMS in September, Pete and Mike have been busy working on some exciting woodwork projects. These will usually begin with a drawing, cutting list and edging and finish with bespoke, handmade items that meet customer’s exact requirements. These projects include custom wardrobes with built-in beds, radiator covers and bathroom utility units. After drawing up designs for one customer, they built a bespoke kitchen suite using tongue and groove vertical lines. 

Mike commented: “Hythe Marine Services do exceptional work but it’s usually behind the scenes and hidden once the end product is completed. Our work is the final product, minus the finish, so it has to be perfect before leaving the workshop.” 

In the future, Pete and Mike are looking to do more woodwork for Royal Navy carriers, such as their cabin refits, bar tops and workspaces and are also hoping to expand within the building side of the business. Their diverse careers have given them a wide-ranging skillset which enables them to adapt to anything. Their skills go beyond woodwork to mechanical fitting and installations, with Mike and Pete often helping out with bulkheads, tracks and deckheads. They also spent a lot of time last year working on the HMS Queen Elizabeth adding hinges to fire doors. 

The new joinery workshop is now up and running within Hythe Marine Services. A great benefit to Hythe Group is the new workshop can also assist Building services on their projects where required. The new team with Peter and Mike is there to support the turnkey solutions HMS require. This gives customers the added ease of a one-stop-shop for their projects.

To find out more about how our bespoke woodworking services can help your next project, contact us here!

Hythe Group – Where it all began

Today, Hythe Group specialise in the provision of premium design and engineering services. The Group operates globally within a variety of industries such as building, commercial, marine as well as the storage and distribution sector.

But where did Hythe Group begin?

 

A little history

The original business, Hythe Marine Services (HMS), are renowned worldwide for their work on bespoke design and engineering services. As HMS developed a strong reputation within the marine sector, demand for their design and engineering services started to diversify beyond that of the marine market. 

At this time the company’s sole focus was not on growth, or being the biggest company within the industry, speak with Hythe Group Director Josh Mathias and he will tell you it’s all about being the best at what you do, that reputation for delivering unrivaled quality and service is far more valuable than purely chasing market domination. 

Having said that, in 2016 a highly motivated team within HMS pitched the idea of separating the company into two entities. One side would continue operating within the marine sector and the other would focus wholly on the building industry to meet growing demand. They saw a requirement to take on small prefabrication and installation packages for larger companies, who held a major part of contracts. The demand was clear, these larger companies were over stretched and needed a reliable, flexible and motivated team to take care of the problem. Josh Mathias commented that, “funnily enough this attitude towards work was how Hythe Marine Services was built and is what continues to ensure its growth today.”

Anyone who’s done it will tell you that the thought of starting a new business is daunting. However when it became clear there was an opportunity for slow, controlled growth, and high demand for quality labour within the commercial sector, expansion seemed to be a good and progressive option. And so in 2016, the team took the leap and Hythe Pipe Services was born, which later got rebranded as Hythe Building Services in 2019. 

“It’s largely because of that team that the idea became a reality. Today the foundations have become even stronger by bringing in like minded people to help drive the company in the correct direction at a controllable rate.” Josh Mathias | Director |Hythe Group 

Today Hythe Building Services (HBS) specialise in bespoke pipework, welding, fabrication and design services within the industrial, commercial and public sectors. For HBS to succeed, in this new and extremely competitive market, the team focused predominantly on controlled growth and the maintenance of Hythe Group’s reputation with solid client relationships and outstanding project deliverance. 

Three years later, in 2019, Hythe HOSMU was formed. This division within Hythe Group is a concept driven manufacturing business capable of designing, manufacturing and implementing consolidated and organised mass storage and distribution solutions. The team specialise in providing bespoke solutions to unique storage and distribution challenges, access limitations and/or functional hurdles. 

Hythe HOSMU was developed in partnership with Our Soles Ltd. and Heathrow Airport, to provide bespoke storage and distribution solutions to Heathrow’s winter resilience team. Although this is the youngest company within Hythe Group, HOSMU will soon begin to take on larger projects of mass-produced and bespoke items, using its knowledge from the marine fabrication sector to fast track its quality and set up. 

“Hythe Group were the perfect team to choose for the Heathrow project. I had seen how diverse their skills in metal fabrication and engineering really were, skills that were essential for the bespoke nature of the Heathrow Airport project.” Neil Robinson | Managing Director | Our Soles Ltd.

After the creation of Hythe HOSMU Josh decided it was time to group the companies together and link them all under one umbrella. The overarching Hythe Group brand now allows for the promotion of each company’s diverse skill set through one single platform. 

 

The role of the team

A unique advantage for Hythe Group businesses is the ability to create brand new companies using existing team members. Hythe Marine employee capabilities are recognised globally for their quality service, high standards, unique skills and attention to detail. These characteristics have carried through to the newer companies and employees.

Many team members have worked together for decades, harking back to when HMS was under previous titles Avrotech Design and Mathon Engineering. These long term employees of Hythe Group are known by name with industry-leading organisations, such as the Royal Navy, Babcock, BAE systems and the Ministry of Defence.

The small team who came up with the idea to split HMS into marine and building divisions are a great example of the Hythe Group mentality. It was because of their knowledge and dedication that the idea became a reality. Since then, the foundations have become even stronger by bringing in like-minded people to help drive the company in the correct direction.

We asked Josh Mathias about the team dynamic at Hythe Group: “The entire group at all levels enjoy improving themselves. The senior workforce is happy to pass on their knowledge to our apprentices and it’s great to watch them support the younger generation by passing on their knowledge within specific trades. In years to come, these apprentices are going to be highly skilled in multiple disciplines, making them the future must-haves hybrid traders of the industry.”

 

Group diversity

The staff turnover at Hythe Group is almost non-existent. Because of this, there are ever-growing amounts of in-house knowledge to continue the overall goal of upskilling and developing the workforce throughout the group.

Creating Hythe Group has made the company extremely versatile in applying their core skill sets. The workforce are able to comfortably move around to meet demand due to their wide-ranging experience. Despite being standalone companies, Hythe Group’s integrated teams ensure they are able to assist each other in periods of high or low demand. 

Team members are used to following incredibly strict policies and procedures. As a result the group is renowned for their ability to complete demanding turnkey projects in what are usually very short time scales.

 

What comes next?

An inevitable result of carrying out quality work and building strong relationships is an increase in demand. Hythe Group predicts the continued natural growth of each business for the coming years. This will be managed by selecting the right companies to work with, by taking on turnkey projects and supporting a growing workforce. 

Hythe Group’s immediate focus is the development of each business within the group, working to solidify their foundations, maintain the Hythe brand reputation and grow at a controllable rate. But most importantly, Hythe Group will ensure both the workforce and their clients are being looked after. 

To discuss how Hythe Group can assist with your next project?