SubscribeWith approximately 1000 'co-worker' staff and visitors on site at any given time, the IKEA store and headquarters operation in Brent, North London reflects the standing that the organisation has achieved in this country.
The premises now benefit from a major installation of Link Lockers’ products which has not only met the day-to-day personnel and visitor storage requirements but also highlights IKEA’s commitment to its co-worker welfare – not least through the specification of lockers with the unique ‘BioCote’ finish. Proven to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, this anti-microbial protection can make an important contribution to on-site Health and Safety.
The ongoing expansion of the IKEA organisation is the main factor behind the refurbishment programme on the Brent site, at the heart of which is an open plan locker area, adjacent to both male and female changing and washroom facilities on the third floor.
Link 1800 steel lockers are featured to provide a total of almost 1000 individual compartments, all of which were installed within a single working week – a key requirement of Phase II of the refurbishment programme. The net result is not only a significant increase in the number of locker compartments compared with the original layout, but also a series of benefits that arise from the design specifications. Stephen Woodhouse, Managing Director at Link Lockers explains
“The personal storage requirements at the site are extremely varied. Some users need space for no more than a handbag, whilst others may have larger items such as motor cycle leathers and helmets – even, in the case of overseas visitors, suitcases,” he says. “With an allied obligation to meet Health and Safety provisions that call for IKEA Food Services Co-workers to be able to change into their uniforms on site, the arrangement of the locker sizes is important.
“As a result, the IKEA facility now boasts a wide variety of Link Locker configurations – from units with six compartments to those with just one, he continues, “and, importantly, all benefit from BioCote protection in the paint finish.” With the shared locker area located between the separate washrooms the facility can also readily accommodate any changes in male/female ratios.
IKEA’s approach to co-worker welfare is clearly exhibited by the fact that a number of the lockers are heated via electrical elements located underneath the perforated base. Further perforations vent warmed air through the locker to provide members of staff with more than just a simple storage facility.
All lockers are fitted with coin return, key-operated locks, allowing users to select the most appropriate locker for their specific requirements. With sloping tops to prevent items being left on top of lockers, and the benefit of Link Lockers benches located at convenient positions, this new locker facility is seen as one of the largest and most prestigious of its type in the retail sector.
The IKEA organisation is highly regarded and continues to grow at an impressive rate while maintaining its high standards of staff welfare. The lockers installation at IKEA Brent Park reflects both this approach and the quality and design of Link Lockers’ products.
Angelo Micciche, Project Leader for IKEA Brent Park refurbishment explained why IKEA chose Link Lockers for the new co-worker area:
“At IKEA we offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. Our working environment must at all times reflect this core philosophy as well as our expertise in design and home furnishings. We chose Link Lockers for our new Co-worker areas because like IKEA they offered a functional, well designed product at a competitive price.”