OBMG Ltd is a successful mechanical and electrical design engineering consultancy based in the midlands. Established 12 years ago in Athlone by Gareth McGowan and Michael O’Brien, the firm specialises in mechanical design, electrical design, building services design, data centre commissioning management and project management.
With clients of the calibre of Ericsson, Bank of Ireland, Joe Duffy Group and even the United Nations, OBMG is a company that is certainly going places. Since 2005 when two young engineers from Athlone came together to form OBMG, it has become a leading M&E consultancy with specific growth in the data centre and commercial sectors. OBMG has extensive experience in data centres, hospital / healthcare, industrial / manufacturing, medical device, retail, hotel / leisure, office and commercial projects. It is an innovative mechanical and electrical engineering company with a focus on energy efficiency, client preparation and the utilisation of modern design concepts.
Both Gareth and Michael began their professional careers as site-based engineers before moving into the field of design consultancy. It is this unique knowledge of working on both the design and construction elements of projects that provides the business with an unparalleled level of insight into delivering a successful service. The two directors are joined by a highly-trained and professionally capable team with a wide spectrum of expertise from commissioning to mission critical design. OBMG senior engineers are professionally recognised with membership of the IET, IEI, SEAI, Uptime Institute and CIBSE bodies. Training and professional development is a key philosophy within the firm and all engineering staff are continuously developing their professional expertise to ensure OBMG has individuals of the highest calibre at its disposal.
Gareth admits the early years of the business were a steep learning curve for him and Michael.
“When we set up in 2005, the economy was booming but then the recession hit and it was a tough time for everyone involved. However, we came through it and can see light at the end of the tunnel now. One of the most valuable things we learned from the recession was how to run a company efficiently,” he says.
From an early stage, OBMG specialised in data centre commissioning management and this now accounts for circa 30 per cent of its overall business.
“Data centre commissioning and design is where we have experienced the most growth. We are fortunate to have very good clients such as Ericsson, Alkermes (formerly Elan) and Alexion here on our doorstop in Athlone. We also work for the likes of Telecity-Equinix, contractor D&B projects and Digiweb on a regular basis,” Michael explains.
“There are five stages of commissioning a data centre, in addition to design works, issuing a tender package, supervising the successful contractor, full snagging and final inspections. It’s something we have become specialists in.”
Commissioning management is one of numerous services provided by OBMG, with other services including: preparation of initial brief with client and design team; production of scheme design and associated budgets for approval; production of feasibility studies and surveys where required;
attendances at design team meetings; production of detailed design and budget for final scheme approval; assessment of health and safety criteria; preparation of tender drawings and contract documents; procurement of tenders from agreed list of contractors; analysis of tenders and preparation of report and recommendation; attendance at construction site meetings; inspection of O&M documentation; approval of final accounts with sub-contractors; project management; cost control; building energy rating; resident engineer works; project supervisor design process; design and build packages.
In terms of mechanical design, capabilities include AC, LPHW, MPHW, chilled water, free cooling concepts, ventilation, smoke extract systems, water services, above ground soils and wastes, heating systems and industrial process systems. Electrical design capabilities include HV, MV, LV, distribution systems, power, lighting, generator, UPS, fire, security, controls and low voltage systems. OBMG also provides dedicated project management services as well as sustainable energy design, energy efficient design, energy assessments and audits, lifecycle cost analysis, conditional surveys, engineer’s reports, feasibility reports and tender packages.
“Our expertise is predominantly in data centre design and commissioning, mission critical facilities and high-end commercial projects with a specific emphasis on energy efficient design solutions. Energy efficiency has to be a core part of any M&E consultant’s business. Everything from cooling tower systems to lighting has to be designed in a more efficient way. Energy efficient systems reduce running costs and thereby save money for the client. The availability of grants for such systems has been good for business,” Gareth continues.
It goes without saying that the OBMG partners work well together with Gareth having particular expertise in the data centre, pharmaceutical, medical device and industrial sectors, and Michael’s primary focus being on the commercial, educational, healthcare and residential sectors.
“Michael has been involved in several nursing home and school projects over the years. He also works closely with Bank of Ireland on their projects and with the car dealerships, whose showrooms have to meet certain criteria. Joe Duffy Motor Group and Colm Quinn BMW are among the car dealerships who have availed of our services,” Gareth explains.
OBMG has undertaken contracts for customers in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. In the commercial sector, clients include Irish Rail, MACE, MSD, BMW, Audi, Mini, Land Rover, Nissan, Jaguar, Volvo, Kia and Johnson Controls. Industrial works have been carried out for MSD, Irish Rail Sleeper Factory, Abbott Ireland, Shell, Arran Chemicals, Ericsson and Nexans. OBMG has successfully completed projects in the healthcare sector for Westmeath Hospice, HSE, Monksland Medical Centre, Carthage Nursing Home and Thomond Lodge Nursing Home. In the educational sector, projects include St. Peter’s National School, Scoil Mhuire, Athlone IT, Mercy Secondary School, Scoil Naomh Eoin, St. Joseph’s Boys School and St. Oliver’s National School. OBMG’s services have also been sought by Buccaneers Rugby Club and St. Brigid’s GAA in Kiltoom, which is Michael’s local club.
OBMG Ltd
Moydrum Business Park,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.
Telephone: +353 90 64 65010
Fax: +353 90 64 65011
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.obmg.ie
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, July 2017, Vol 3 No 6
