CHALLENGE

Centregreat Fabrication was appointed as the sole structural fabrication and erection team for the new Aldi store in Exeter. A key feature of the scheme was the 1,644 m² footprint, of which 1,205 m² is retail space. The design required six 29.8 m trusses spanning side to side to create a clear, open-plan shop floor with no internal columns interrupting the retail area. This store formed part of a wider framework agreement secured through a collaborative partnership with Owen Associates and Aldi Stores to support Aldi’s expansion programme across the UK.

Delivery

Centregreat Fabrication were required to draft, fabricate, paint and erect 70.4 tonnes of structural steel to plan, sequence and budget. This included the full steel portal frame structural steelwork, along with all secondary steelwork to facilitate fixing of the new cladding. Using StruCad software, Centregreat Fabrication modelled and delivered the entire project to BIM Level 2. The IFC models were used to generate accurate 2D general arrangement drawings for review and comment by Owen Associates, structural engineers, architects, and for clash detection by other subcontractors such as cladding installers. Once approved, Centregreat Fabrication proceeded to fabricate and erect the structure to completion within a seven‑week window. One erection team was on site for two weeks, with the project completed in March 2021. The project was manufactured to Execution Class 2.

Outcome

Centregreat Fabrication successfully delivered the Exeter Aldi structure on time, to specification and within the agreed framework parameters. Through effective collaboration with the client and design team, accurate BIM Level 2 modelling, and tightly controlled sequencing, the project achieved a high-quality finish and a clear, open retail space aligned with Aldi’s store standards. To date, Centregreat Fabrication have delivered over 40 Aldi store structures through the framework agreement, demonstrating a consistent track record of reliable delivery, quality fabrication and efficient erection for the Aldi programme.