Eighteen metres high and a long way from home
Back row: Chris Coote, Cos Miglionico, Tracey Wester, Dayne Lawrance, Daniel Pereira from NPSG Australia
Front row: Jose Ortiz Cordero, Adam Dodge, Rob Garza, James Piloto from NPSG Global
Four NPSG Global team members have travelled from the United States to Melbourne to support one of NPSG Australia's most complex automation installations to date.
Rob Garza, James Piloto, Jose Ortiz Cordero and Adam Dodge are working alongside the Australian team on the installation of a Dematic Multi Shuttle System. Standing 18 metres high, stretching 30 metres long and eight metres wide, the structure is designed for robotic operation and must be installed within tolerances of just 2mm.
The 12-week project requires careful planning, clear communication and a high level of precision.
While the installation itself is impressive, the project has also created an opportunity for teams from opposite sides of the world to work together, share knowledge and build new relationships.
James, Rob, Adam and Jose bring experience from a range of structural, racking and automation projects completed across the United States. As NPSG Global expanded into automation and integrated installations, the team worked with both established and emerging automation providers, developing skills that are now being shared on the Melbourne project.
Adam, NPSG Global's Program Manager for Automation Mechanical and Integrated Installs, said the Australian team had quickly adapted to the specialised requirements of the installation. "The uprights are huge. They are 18 metres in height with all kinds of brackets and cross bracing. The installation is very intricate."
He has also been impressed with the way the local team has approached the challenge. "Chris and the team are doing a great job understanding the details and executing at a high level."
Tracey Wester, Managing Director of NPSG Australia, said the project is a great example of how NPSG's teams can come together to deliver complex work while creating opportunities for professional growth.
"Collaborating with our colleagues from NPSG Global has been incredibly valuable for our team. We're not only sharing technical knowledge and expertise, but also building strong relationships and developing skills that will support future projects. This collaboration is helping NPSG Australia strengthen its capability in automation and enhancing our ability to deliver projects of this scale in the future."
Photo: Rob experiencing the nature of Victoria
Photo: Jose in Melbourne
Photo: James and Rob exploring the coastline
Photo: Jose at Bells Beach
Photo: Adam taking in the scenery
Photo: Exploring the CBD
Photo: A trip to Australia would not be complete without a Kangaroo steak for dinner!
Outside the worksite, there have been plenty of opportunities to experience Australia. Learning to drive on the left-hand side of the road proved to be an early adjustment, while Melbourne's mix of modern and historic architecture quickly made an impression.
The Australian team's welcome has stood out just as much. "Everyone has been very nice and willing to help," James said.
Adam said life felt a little less rushed than it does at home, while Jose summed up the experience simply: "We are treated very well."
The team has also been building its Australian vocabulary. James has picked up "ute" and "Maccas", while Rob has added "brekky", "trolley", "G'day mate" and "no worries" to his growing list. Adam's favourite expression so far is "no wuckas".
The visitors have taken time to explore Melbourne and regional Victoria, with Bells Beach proving to be a highlight.
While the scale and precision of the installation brought the US team to Melbourne, it is the people they are likely to remember most. The project has provided an opportunity for both teams to learn from one another while delivering a highly specialised automation system.
As Adam put it: "It quickly felt like working with a team I'd known for years."
Photo: NPSG Australia and NPSG Global staff working together in Melbourne.