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In December 2005, following a major explosion at the Buncefield fuel depot in Hemel Hempstead, AREPA UK Ltd was appointed to recover over 30,000 pieces of electronic equipment. Many of the companies involved were international organisations running their European businesses out of Hemel Hempstead. Most relied on computers to run their operations and coordinate with their global partners. Some were involved in complex R&D programmes relying on bespoke systems and software. The business argument for restoration was clear since sourcing and configuring replacement equipment would have involved unacceptable delays. The systems, software and data held on many of the affected computers may have taken years or proved impossible to reconfigure. The Arepa team worked closely with the clients, insurers and loss adjusters to organise the removal of all recoverable equipment. Coordinating effectively on site with the clients and other recovery companies was an essential part of the project; as was ensuring that all equipment was properly registered and secured at the Buncefield sites, in transit, and throughout the restoration process. Clients were offered the facility of prioritising the return of the most critical equipment, so full traceability at every stage was essential. Many pieces of equipment were involved which required close cooperation between AREPA and the client companies and tight control over the handling and logistics process. The precise number of items requiring attention was unclear at the outset. Only as the buildings were emptied was AREPA able to fully catalogue and register the equipment. Throughout this phase security and accuracy were paramount. Thanks to sound financial management and detailed cost control, AREPA brought the project to a successful conclusion and kept the total cost comfortably within budget. |
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