A Coventry-based manufacturer, Harper Chalice Group, was chosen to supply its electrified perimeter intrusion detection and deterrent products to the Olympics venues in Stratford.
The systems provided the first line of defence against any security threats and break-ins during the construction of the Olympic park and were then used to protect the 15,000 athletes and four million visitors that attended while the Games were in progress.
The security products and systems will now remain in place to protect post-games activities at the park.
Graham Harper, managing director of the Harper Chalice Group, said: “This is a fantastic contract for us to be involved with and will provide a lasting legacy for our business that we will look to exploit going forward.
“The total value of these contracts was in excess of £2m and has enabled us to increase our workforce from 12 to 18. It has also given us a tremendous endorsement that is already starting to pay dividends with renewed interest from home and abroad.”
The sporting deal has been a real Midlands engineering affair, with Harper Chalice Group working with eight of its local supply chain and Wolverhampton-based Zaun Ltd, the latter supplying and installing the host security fences and gates.
Using its systems, the company supplied and commissioned nearly 900 detection zones to ensure secure perimeters and that any attempt to breach them would be reported immediately.
“We wanted to fly the flag for manufacturing in the Midlands and this has brought many tangible benefits, including being able to respond quickly to changes in requirement and specification,” continued Graham. “It also meant we could channel some of the investment into creating new jobs both at our business and in the local supply chain.”
The company has been supported in delivering the contract by the Manufacturing Advisory Service. MAS has provided mentoring, help with process improvements and financial assistance towards problem solving and product development.
Graham commented: “[MAS] have helped us every step of the way on our journey to meet the growing demand for the reliable protection of people, property and assets worldwide.”
The Manufacturing Advisory Service’s Roy Pulley commented: “I’m delighted that Midlands engineering expertise and electronics knowledge has come to the fore to keep the Games safe. Harper Chalice Group is now seeing its work go overseas, with 45 accredited dealers in place across the world from Scandinavia to The Middle East, from India to Hong Kong and the Far East.”
