Haverhill, Suffolk, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Guardtech Group, a Suffolk cleanroom and contamination-control specialist, has implemented Autodesk Construction Cloud as its central data environment to link teams, manage documents and federate 3D models. The business reports improved document control, real-time access to drawings, clash detection and faster coordination across its turnkey, modular and prefabricated cleanroom lines. Later, the company’s Haverhill facility was occupied during coordinated activist actions that also targeted other sites; arrests were reported. The government has introduced a draft order to proscribe the activist group and urgent legal challenges are underway, highlighting operational and reputational risks for contractors and clients.
Guardtech Group adopts cloud platform to sharpen cleanroom design as Haverhill site is later occupied during protest amid proscription move
Guardtech Group, a Suffolk-based specialist in cleanroom and contamination control, has rolled out a centralised project management platform to tighten design, coordination and document control across its brands. The technology adoption is reported as having an immediate effect on project complexity and collaboration. The Haverhill facility operated by the business was later the focus of a protest occupation, an event that occurred as the government moved to begin the process to list the activist group involved under anti-terror legislation.
What was implemented and why it matters
The company has implemented a cloud-based construction platform that acts as a single data environment for design and construction work. The system connects teams, workflows and data across a project life cycle so drawings, 3D models and survey data are accessible in one place. The move enables remote access to the latest documentation for site teams anywhere in the world and tightens document control procedures across the whole business.
Design and delivery benefits
Guardtech’s design leadership reports that the platform supports the integration of subcontractor 3D models and point cloud surveys to form a Federated model. This consolidated model improves co-ordination between trades and services, reduces on-site clashes through early clash detection during design, and helps keep delivery schedules and costs under control. Online access means clients and stakeholders can review models and mark up drawings for immediate feedback, with comments tracked against revisions to ensure issues are closed out.
The company says the platform is helping the wider business become more efficient as staff become familiar with the system. The Design Team maintains regular internal sessions to share lessons from recent projects, document solutions and add components to a growing digital library so more detail can be presented in designs for clients.
About Guardtech Group
Guardtech Group is based in Suffolk and operates multiple cleanroom-focused brands: a turnkey large-scale service, modular cleanroom specialists, prefabricated container solutions and smaller rapid assembly units. The business emphasises continuous improvement, new technology and adaptable practices across its operations. Its work includes technical facilities for medical, pharmaceutical and research clients, including projects that support stem cell work, chemotherapy drug manufacturing and neonatal care.
Site occupation and the wider protest context
The Haverhill facility was later occupied by activists during coordinated actions that also affected other sites in the region. Police response to the incidents included arrests on suspicion of criminal damage, unauthorised entry to a prohibited place and attaching oneself to people or objects to cause disruption. At another targeted facility, protesters blocked an entrance and applied red paint to symbolise casualties referenced by protesters, and at least one flare was ignited at that location.
Activists involved in the actions have challenged the planned government move to place their group on a list of proscribed organisations, arguing that their tactics are forms of protest rather than terrorism. The government has laid a draft order to amend terrorism legislation to include the activist group and related organisations, a step that would make membership or support a criminal offence carrying significant penalties. Legal challenges have been launched that will be considered by the courts while the government proceeds with its timetable.
Legal and policing developments
A draft order to amend existing counter-terror laws to include the activist group and other organisations has been placed before Parliament. The Home Secretary has described proscription as a legitimate response to the perceived threat. An urgent High Court hearing was held in relation to a judicial review application, and further hearings are scheduled to determine whether the government’s action can be temporarily blocked while legal challenges proceed. Historically, dozens of organisations have been proscribed under the Terrorism Act framework, ranging from internationally recognised extremist groups to violent paramilitary or far-right organisations.
Practical contact information
For more information about Guardtech Group services: email sales@guardtech.com, call 0330 113 0303 or visit the company website at www.guardtechgroup.com.
FAQ
Q1: What platform has Guardtech adopted?
A centralised cloud-based project management and data environment tailored for design and construction workflows, enabling shared access to drawings, models and surveys.
Q2: How does the platform change Guardtech’s design process?
The platform allows federated 3D models that combine external subcontractor models and point cloud surveys, supports clash detection during the design stage, tightens document control, and enables clients to review and annotate live drawings.
Q3: What are Guardtech’s areas of expertise?
Guardtech specialises in contamination control and cleanroom construction, offering turnkey large-scale solutions, modular cleanrooms, prefabricated container cleanrooms and rapid-assembly small units.
Q4: What happened at the Haverhill facility?
The facility was occupied by activists during coordinated protests that also targeted other sites. Police attended and arrests were made in connection with offences that include criminal damage and unauthorised entry.
Q5: What is the current legal status of the activist group involved?
The government has placed a draft order before Parliament to proscribe the group under terrorism legislation. Legal challenges are underway and courts are considering applications related to that process.
Q6: How can I find out more about Guardtech’s projects?
Contact Guardtech via email at sales@guardtech.com, by phone on 0330 113 0303, or visit www.guardtechgroup.com for further details.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Central data environment | Single online repository for drawings, models and surveys accessible to teams and clients. |
| Federated modelling | Integration of external 3D models and point clouds for coordinated design reviews. |
| Clash detection | Early identification of clashes in the design phase to reduce site rework and cost overruns. |
| Document control | Version management and comment tracking to ensure the latest information is used on site. |
| Remote access | Site teams and clients can access up-to-date documentation from anywhere in the world. |
| Guardtech brands | Turnkey cleanrooms, modular cleanrooms, prefabricated container cleanrooms and rapid assembly units. |
| Protest and legal context | Facility occupations led to arrests and coincide with a government draft order to proscribe the activist group; legal challenges are ongoing. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Cleanroom Technology: Guardtech elevating cleanroom design capabilities
- Wikipedia: Building information modeling (BIM)
- GB News: Palestine Action blockade at UK defence contractor sites
- Wikipedia: Direct action
- Guardtech Group — company website
- Google Search: Guardtech Group cleanroom
- Autodesk Construction Cloud — product page
- Google Scholar: Autodesk Construction Cloud clash detection
- UK Legislation: Terrorism Act 2000 (proscription powers)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Terrorism
Author: Construction CA News
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