From New Facility to Legacy Site Decommissioning: Continued Project Management/Consultancy Support for Guala Closures

Location: Bridge of Allan, Stirling & Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, Scotland
Project Industry: Food & Drink
Service Provided: Project Management

Project Overview

Following EPS’s successful project management support in delivering Guala Closures new manufacturing facility in Gartcosh to full operational readiness, EPS was re-engaged to support the next major phase of the programme: the decommissioning of three legacy manufacturing sites.

The repeat appointment reflected the trust established during the Gartcosh project and EPS’s proven ability to manage complex, operationally demanding projects involving multiple contractors, stakeholders and workstreams.

EPS Project Management team worked alongside Guala’s Engineering/Technical/HSE/ Senior leadership teams to coordinate the safe, efficient and compliant decommissioning of the legacy facilities.

The Challenge

Decommissioning a manufacturing site is far more complex than simply removing equipment and closing the doors.

The programme required the coordinated transfer of manufacturing equipment to Guala Group facilities across Europe and worldwide, alongside the removal of hazardous materials, chemical waste, asbestos, redundant plant and utility infrastructure.

All activity had to be carefully managed across multiple sites, with a strong focus on health and safety, environmental compliance, contractor coordination and clear communication with stakeholders.

Our Role

EPS provided dedicated Project Management/Consultancy services across the decommissioning programme, taking responsibility for coordinating the numerous activities required to safely close and clear the three legacy sites.

Our scope included:

• Coordinating RAMS, notices, work permits, communications and key stakeholders
• Managing subcontractors involved in the removal of manufacturing equipment, hazardous waste, asbestos and scrap materials
• Managing health, safety and welfare requirements across the sites
• Coordinating the transfer of manufacturing equipment to Guala Group facilities across Europe and worldwide
• Supporting the SEPA permit surrender process through the safe removal and compliant offsite disposal of chemical waste
• Coordinating the removal and offsite disposal of approximately 245 tonnes of scrap materials, including plant equipment and utility framework
• Providing structured weekly progress updates/dashboards and reports to the client

Managing Complexity Through Coordination

With multiple specialist contractors and workstreams operating across the programme, effective coordination was critical.

EPS provided a central point of project management control, ensuring that activities were planned, communicated and delivered safely. This included managing contractor interfaces, coordinating permits and documentation, maintaining oversight of site activities and ensuring the client had clear visibility of progress.

The programme also required careful management of environmental and regulatory responsibilities. EPS provided targeted support throughout the SEPA permit surrender process, helping coordinate the safe removal and compliant disposal of chemical waste.

The Scale of the Decommissioning Programme

Across the three legacy sites, approximately 245 tonnes of scrap materials were removed and disposed of offsite.

At the same time, manufacturing equipment was carefully transferred to other Guala Group facilities across Europe and worldwide, ensuring valuable assets could continue to support the wider organisation.

This combination of asset transfer, specialist removal works, environmental compliance and site clearance required detailed planning and disciplined project management throughout.

Continuing a Trusted Client Partnership

The decommissioning programme represents a continuation of EPS’s relationship with Guala Closures following the successful delivery of its new manufacturing facility in Gartcosh.

From supporting a major new facility through to operational readiness, to managing the complex transition away from three legacy sites, EPS has provided continuity, leadership and project management expertise across significant stages of the client’s operational transformation.

For EPS, the repeat appointment demonstrates the value of building client relationships through successful delivery.

Project Management Beyond Project Completion

Major transformation programmes do not always end when a new facility becomes operational.

Legacy sites, equipment transfers, environmental obligations and decommissioning activities all require the same level of planning, coordination and control as the delivery of a new facility.

EPS provides experienced project management support across the full project lifecycle, helping clients manage complex transitions safely, efficiently and with confidence.

Planning a complex manufacturing, relocation or decommissioning project? Contact EPS to discuss how our project management expertise can support successful delivery.