When robotic picking systems are involved, the floor spec is everything.
In June 2024, Cempump was appointed to deliver the concrete works for five new robotic picking runways at the B&M Bargains Distribution Centre in Warrington. It involved 450m³ of high-strength concrete, restricted site access, and a finish standard that left no margin for error.
Why did the floor specification matter so much?
Each runway ran over 100 metres long and 3 metres wide. The automated picking equipment that operate on them required a surface meeting SR1 surface regularity tolerances. It is the most demanding classification in the UK flatness standard. Any deviation risks disrupting the robotic system, so this was an operational requirement, not just an aesthetic one.
How was the concrete placed?
We used our Schwing line pump with over 120 metres of line to pump and place concrete to each runway from a fixed position outside the building. Pumped continuous placement kept material flowing steadily, reducing the risk of cold joints mid-pour — a real concern on runs of over 100 metres. All five runways were completed using this method, with 450m³ of high-strength concrete placed in total.
This is exactly the kind of project where concrete pump hire pays for itself in quality of result, not just convenience.
What made it challenging?
Access restrictions meant over 700 sheets of steel reinforcement mesh had to be moved by hand before concreting could begin. Combined with the SR1 tolerances, large concrete volumes, and a live distribution centre environment, the project required careful planning at every stage.
For a breakdown of how pumping addresses access and scheduling challenges like these, see our post on common challenges on construction sites and how concrete pumping solves them.
Why a line pump rather than a concrete boom pump?
A concrete boom pump is ideal for height, large open areas, or placing concrete over structures. Here, the runways were at ground level inside the building. A line pump with extended hose was the right tool, letting us reach all five runway positions without repositioning equipment.
How was the SR1 finish achieved?
The concrete was placed at 200mm depth and power floated to produce a smooth, dense surface meeting SR1 tolerances. Timing the power float correctly, to the concrete’s set rather than a fixed schedule was critical. It’s one of those finishing details that determines whether a slab passes inspection or requires costly remediation.
Why in-house delivery matters
All works — reinforcement installation, concrete pumping, placement and finishing — were managed and delivered in-house by Cempump. On a project with this level of specification, having one team accountable from start to finish removes the coordination gaps that tend to cause problems.
A reliable partner for commercial concrete works
Cempump has delivered concrete pumping and placement for projects of all sizes since 2012, across the Midlands and nationwide. Whether you need concrete pump hire for a high-specification commercial pour or advice on the right pump for a complex site, we’re happy to help.
Get in touch to discuss your project, or visit our FAQs for answers on concrete pumping, coverage and more.
Call: 01332 410 021
Email: info@cempump.co.uk
Cempump – taking the hard work out of concreting.
