Project Overview
This facility equipped Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) with a cutting-edge venue for testing electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The Battery Test facility in Gaydon empowers JLR to conduct comprehensive destructive testing on live batteries.
SDC collaborated closely with JLR’s Project Management Team, the end-user team, site-wide facilities, and the client’s quantity surveyor.
Enabling works packages were initiated to swiftly survey and mobilise on-site, clearing it for piling. Simultaneously, the facility’s design was developed in collaboration with the client’s direct contractors, utilising a design responsibility matrix to delineate roles and responsibilities through detailed workshops.
The facility offers diverse testing scenarios and can withstand the possible explosion of a battery pack during the tests.
The building allows for various testing methods to be applied, encompassing abuse testing by evaluating resilience against severe conditions such as drops from heights and underwater submersion, and vibration testing, wherein batteries attached to a car body-in-white undergo charging while enduring intense vibrations.
The test cells are constructed using twin-wall prefabricated concrete panels, augmented with in-situ concrete for enhanced soundproofing.
A sizable basement accommodates large concrete seismic blocks, supported by inflating airbags that isolate the building from vibrations during vehicle testing. A steel-framed structure envelops the test cells, featuring built-up cladding to the facades and roof. Externally, a plant area is located on the eastern side, enclosed by an acoustic fence
Adrian Kite, Associate, Ridge & Partners
“Working with SDC has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had when collaborating with a Principal Contractor. They understand our client’s needs and how to facilitate these in all phases of delivery. I can’t praise SDC enough and look forward to working with them again.”
Core Team
Gary Wykes
Board Director
Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.
In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.
Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.
Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.
Elliot Smith
Contracts Manager
Elliot joined SDC in 2002 and has progressed to Project Manager, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and successful project delivery. Elliot is involved in projects throughout the entirety of their lifecycle and is dedicated to achieving exemplary standards. He has worked on several projects with repeat clients such as Jaguar Land Rover. His communication skills and focus on stakeholder satisfaction consistently drives positive project outcomes.
Phil Janes
Commercial Manager
Stephen Manley
Services Project Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
