Fire-damaged Co-op supermarket back in business, thanks to De Boer

De Boer has provided a temporary structure to a Co-op supermarket in Leicestershire after the store was gutted by fire.

Temporary store
Thanks to structure specialist De Boer, the shoppers of Oakham are now stacking their trolleys high with goodies again after the company erected a temporary store in the car park. 

A-frame Jumbo structure
In less than two weeks, De Boer staff constructed a complete replica store, involving a large A-Frame Jumbo structure, featuring a shop floor, welfare facilities, toilets, storage and office space – a total of almost 10,500 sq feet. 

Semi-permanent supermaket
The temporary supermarket opened on Wednesday 29 October and will be in place for several months while the Co-op constructs a new retail unit on the site of the damaged building. 

Bespoke solution
Co-op Development and Facilities Manager David Melhuish said: “De Boer staff have been extremely helpful and provided a very professional service. They took control of the situation right from the beginning and delivered exactly what we wanted.” 

Business continuity
De Boer Business Continuity Director Mical de Boer explained: “We have been assisting both private and public-sector organisations during major incidents for several years and based on these experiences, we have launched a specialist division, De Boer Continuity. The unit helps clients deal proactively with disaster planning and also responds in emergency situations to aid with disaster recovery. We are delighted we could assist Midlands Co-op and help them to start trading again.” 

Emergency installations
One of De Boer’s most significant emergency installations was a temporary food production factory for Aulds, Scotland’s largest independent family bakers, near Glasgow. This was installed in the factory car park after Aulds’ existing building was destroyed by fire. The temporary factory was in place for 18 months while a new purpose-built bakery was constructed alongside. 

Temporary showroom
And in the Netherlands, De Boer created a temporary showroom for the popular furniture specialist Ikea after the existing store was devastated by heavy rains. 

De Boer's diversity
Dealing with disaster is only one branch of the business, however. De Boer is also an expert in providing temporary structures for planned refurbishment projects, allowing businesses to continue trading, even during major renovation work. 

Weatherproof structures
Earlier this year, De Boer created two temporary stores, in Southampton and north London, for leading toy retailer Toys “R” Us. These structures proved a robust alternative for shoppers, even during the ferocious spring gales. 

Diverse range of clients
De Boer’s business continuity service has been used by a broad range of organisations including retailers, wholesalers, emergency services, energy firms and airport operators. Its semi-permanent structures have housed everything from motor showrooms and warehousing to office suites and airport baggage-handling halls.