Through an innovative collaboration between Walraven, Trane and Utitech, the Trane machines on the roof of TLR Ridderkerk are now safely and efficiently accessible for maintenance. Thanks to digital engineering, prefabricated solutions, and intensive coordination, a service deck has been realised that meets the highest safety and sustainability standards, significantly facilitating the work of technicians and installers.
TLR International Laboratories in Ridderkerk, specialists in food and animal feed analysis, faced a complex challenge: safely and efficiently managing and maintaining two large Trane CMAF multi-pipe units on the roof. The lightweight roof structure meant that traditional installation methods could not be applied. A temporary scaffold did not provide sufficient safety or flexibility, prompting TLR to seek a sustainable, future-proof solution.
In close collaboration, Trane, Walraven, and Utitech developed a bespoke service deck. Walraven brought digital innovation to the process by measuring the roof and existing situation with millimetre accuracy using a 3D scan (LiDAR). Based on this digital twin, a floating service deck was designed, which did not rest on the roof but on the existing steel structure. The design was presented in AR/VR to Trane and TLR so that all parties could assess the result in advance. The prefabricated approach, with Walraven RapidStrut® systems, handrails, and durable surface treatment (Walraven BIS UltraProtect 1000®), ensured a safe, efficient, and future-proof platform.
Materials were delivered from Walraven Mijdrecht and placed on the roof by Utitech in segmented loads to prevent overloading. Installers received VR training and clear instructions in advance, enabling safe and swift installation. Drone footage documented the process for future training and communication. The collaboration was intensive and transparent, with continuous coordination and involvement from all parties. The project was completed within five working days, with strict quality controls and a focus on safety.
Piet Haage (Trane): Emphasises the importance of safety and circularity. Trane sees the project as a market example, with the prefabricated approach and service deck contributing to a shorter lead time, higher safety and future-proof solutions. The collaboration is considered particularly good, with much professionalism and depth.
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Willem van Rotterdam (Utitech): Appreciates the intensive collaboration and clear instructions provided in advance. The prefabricated configurations and the Walraven RapidStrut® rail system resulted in significant time savings and increased efficiency. Willem stresses that good cooperation between installers, suppliers and clients leads to lower failure costs and more value in the chain.
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Lukas Buchsteiner (Advisory Bureau J Vriesema): Interview to follow, but Lukas is enthusiastic about the innovative approach and sees opportunities to apply this method more widely, for example, in hospitals.
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This project demonstrates how progress arises through collaboration and shared innovation. Each party contributed its own expertise: Trane with sustainable cooling and heating solutions, Utitech with expert installation and logistics, and Walraven with digital engineering and prefabrication. Open communication and joint commitment resulted in a future-proof solution that can inspire similar projects in the sector.
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