In February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc across New Zealand, bringing relentless rainfall and devastating flash flooding. Among its many casualties was a large wool and carpet manufacturing facility. The site faced extensive damage, with silt, mud, and debris inundating sensitive machinery, the building structure, and surrounding compounds.
Floodwaters had also breached tunnels and pits beneath the main warehouse, further complicating the restoration. Given the age and specialised nature of the manufacturing equipment, replacement was not an option. Immediate, comprehensive recovery efforts were critical to mitigate further damage, restore operations, and minimise financial losses.
The Solution
Deployment and Coordination
Steamatic Global Recovery (SGR) mobilised a skilled team of 10 restoration experts to manage and coordinate a recovery crew of nearly 60 members. Operating in two shifts, this collaborative effort ensured the seamless execution of the restoration plan without delays.
Mitigation Measures
Swift action was taken to stabilise the site and create safe working conditions:
13 commercial desiccant units, portable dehumidifiers, and high-powered blowers were installed to expedite drying and control moisture.
Critical areas were prioritised to prevent the degradation of assets and to enable phased recovery of operations.
Site Cleanup and Machinery Restoration
Manual Removal of Debris: Silt and mud were removed from warehouses with the aid of lightweight machinery to protect structural integrity.
Machinery Decontamination: All manufacturing equipment was carefully cleaned and treated to prevent further deterioration.
Surface Cleaning: Warehouses were pressure-washed and scrubbed with approved sanitising agents to eliminate contaminants.
Heavy Machinery Deployment: Excavators and loaders cleared large debris, while external areas were pressure-washed to restore hygiene.
Testing and Validation
Post-remediation verifications (PRVs) were conducted at each stage, providing rigorous assurance that restoration met the required standards.
Outcome
SGR’s expert project management and technical precision resulted in the successful restoration of this large-scale facility. By safeguarding critical manufacturing equipment and accelerating recovery timelines, SGR minimised operational downtime and ensured the continuity of the client’s business.
This project exemplifies the value of strategic planning, specialist expertise, and rigorous validation in delivering seamless large-loss recovery.
Your recovery starts with us. Call 1300 074 700
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Completed on Time and within Budget
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