Successful collaboration delivers on stretch target

Business brief
Alastair Reid
M&IS Executive General Manager

I’m pleased to share that I awarded the April Teamwork Baton to the MMNW Port and East Pilbara team, for the successful execution of the Fortescue Workshop Extension and Portal Wheel Lathe Installation project, recognising the way they came together to deliver an excellent outcome for our customer.

This was both a technically challenging and operationally critical project, which involved working within a live rolling stock maintenance environment at Fortescue’s Thomas Yard in Port Hedland. The team, led by experienced Project Manager Rob Kean delivered a multi phased scope spanning civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, design and commissioning, while keeping safety front and centre and ensuring day to day operations continued without disruption.

What really stood out was how the team collaborated closely, across Monadelphous, with Fortescue and with various delivery partners, including Fortescue Projects, RSM Operations, the project designer Andrew Engineering, and OEM Hegenscheidt. The team consistently demonstrated a willingness and ability to solve problems together, which kept momentum going even under extreme time pressure.

The project objectives were considered ‘stretch’ due to the high risk posed by the ageing wheel lathe to Fortescue’s rail network. The team created earlier access for downstream works through disciplined planning, including re-sequencing critical activities, such as the main switchboard installation and site power switchover. Their efforts meant practical completion was achieved nine weeks ahead of schedule, delivering value while reducing operational risk for our customer.

The team achieved this while maintaining strong safety leadership and a positive, inclusive culture throughout what was a long period of high-risk work.

The team are highly deserving winners of the Teamwork Baton, which is about celebrating our teamwork and achievement values, and recognising their collective drive to deliver the right way for our customers.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved.

To follow the baton’s travels, click here.