At Metcalfe Plant Hire, we’re proud to work in partnership with leading contractors across Cumbria and beyond, bringing our local expertise and resources to some of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.

One such example is the A595 Grizebeck Improvement Scheme, where we’ve been working alongside Story Contracting and Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver specialist rock extraction and processing works.

Below, you can read more about the project and our role, as originally featured in Story’s project case study.

Background:
Story is committed to working with strategic local supply chain partners across our project portfolio. By developing close relationships with specialist partners, we are able to work collaboratively to develop optimal project methodologies and unlock significant value engineering opportunities.

A prime example of this can be seen on the A595 Grizebeck Improvement Scheme, where Story and Metcalfe Plant Hire are working together to deliver rock extraction and processing works on the Westmorland and Furness Council project.

Metcalfe Plant Hire:
“We were initially engaged on an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) basis to support the Story site teams with the rock extraction and processing works at Pen Hill, aligning with the start of the earthworks season.

Our early involvement focused on identifying a safe and practical method for rock removal, which began with a series of rock extraction trials. Working collaboratively, we reviewed the results with the Story team to determine realistic output rates. These insights informed the development of the programme schedule and allowed both parties to agree on forward cost estimates.

Together, we established a safe working methodology for the excavation of the Pen Hill rock cutting, located behind residential properties. By drawing on Metcalfe’s experienced operators and working alongside Story and the Temporary Works Designer, we developed a robust and efficient solution that prioritised safety and minimised impact on the surrounding properties.

The project is now in the execution phase, with ongoing rock extraction and material processing into the various products required for the works. These activities are closely supervised to ensure safe delivery and compliance with the client’s quality and performance standards.

Our team remains in close collaboration with Story, regularly reviewing the construction programme and responding proactively to any changes in scope.”

Why this matters to Metcalfe

Being part of this project demonstrates the value of trusted partnerships in the local supply chain. By combining Story’s project management expertise with Metcalfe’s specialist knowledge and resources, we’re helping to deliver a safer, more efficient, and sustainable outcome for the local community.