With less than three months to go until Christmas, factory operators are already looking ahead to what needs maintenance, decommissioning or replacement during the Christmas shutdown period.

Much of the activity required during planned downtime at Christmas will have been scheduled months in advance but getting everything done within the mission critical deadline is always a challenge. And this year, following the pandemic, along with the pressures of limited downtime, many operators are also having to plan around staff absences/shortages, missed maintenance intervals and adapting the factory floor to adjust to new market conditions.

As a company with a 40-year track record in industrial services, AIS Vanguard can help factory operators plan and implement Christmas shutdown programmes, offering a wide range of skilled personnel, project management, lifting equipment and vehicles. The company’s team works closely with each operator’s management and maintenance teams to ensure all activity is co-ordinated and that safety procedures comply with both industry best practice and the individual policies of each site.

Asking the right questions to gain a thorough understanding of operators’ Christmas shutdown requirements, AIS Vanguard identifies preparation work that can be done in advance of the shutdown period, such as diverting M&E services, to help operators make the most of their planned downtime.

Developing a detailed method statement following a full briefing and a site visit, with a critical path to achieving the project’s goals within the available timeframe, the AIS Vanguard team works collaboratively with operators’ in-house teams and any third parties, such as machinery manufacturers or maintenance contractors. The company ensures the correct expertise, accredited personnel and lifting equipment is deployed on site to deliver all activity is carried out safely, on time and cost effectively, taking on the role of principal contractor, with full CDM responsibility, where required.

With a national network of local branches and international experience in lifting, moving and industrial M&E services, AIS Vanguard is working with factory operators now to help them prepare for the Christmas shutdown. The team is available on 01257 441111 to discuss your Christmas shutdown requirements now.