A joint venture (JV) between Sir Robert McAlpine and subsidaries of Bouygues and VolkerWessels is using an Amazon Locker-inspired delivery system at its HS2 site in Hertfordshire.
The Secured by Design VJ iStore, created by distributor and manufacturer of construction tools VJ Technology, is located at the Align JV’s HS2 site in Rickmansworth. It consists of a 40ft-high bespoke modular shipping container which acts as a vending machine.
Align said the new 24/7 system will allow the company’s supply chain contractors to click and collect the products they need “in a matter of minutes” directly on site. These include almost 300 items such as bolts, washers, nails and sealants, among others. Products are paid for after collection.
More than 30 Align contractors are authorised to procure and collect from the VJ iStore.
The lockers are restocked once every 10 to 14 days through an active stock control system that Align claims will result in a reduction of up to 70% of carbon emissions previously resulting from daily deliveries to site.
Align’s cross passage superintendent, Peter Mckeown, said: “We use the VJ iStore 24/7 and so far 25% of our orders have been out of hours – before 8am or after 5pm – and 15% have been on weekends. Previously this could have resulted in project delays and or rescheduling, but this solution enables us to continue.”
