Guinness UDV (United Distiller and Vintners) are the world-leading drinks division of consumer goods company Diageo, with a product portfolio including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Gordon’s, Malibu, and Bailey’s.
In 2000, Guinness UDV’s new European Service Support Centre near Amsterdam was due to be refurbished in line with their corporate image. Although equipped with a state-of-the-art in-house bar – one of the unique benefits of working for the largest spirits company in the world - the office space itself was in need of attention.
A team of architects, consultants and facilities experts were set up to manage the project, led by Sandy Wells, Facility Manager of UDV Edinburgh and Jean-Marc Jansse from UDV Amsterdam. Their approach was architect driven, with Jacques van Paassen of KOW Architects, the designer of the building itself, on board to direct the internal refurbishment. With offices built in the style of 1930s Dutch design, the team were looking to create an interior in keeping with this traditional feel, avoiding the glass and chrome often used in modern workplaces.
The team’s criteria for furniture selection was also based on the experience of employees at other UDV locations. Low partitioning, for example, had not proved popular with staff at their Edinburgh headquarters: ‘People lost their sense of privacy’ observes Sandy Wells. Dissatisfaction with the service and relationship provided by their existing supplier underpinned the search for a change of direction.
Management consultants Gardiner & Theobald pointed the team to Herman Miller, having worked successfully with the manufacturer on Merrill Lynch’s prestigious financial centre in London. Paul O’Keefe of G&T points to this past history as a key element in the selection process, along with Herman Miller’s ability to offer a total product solution, what he describes as ‘a one-stop shop’.
The combination of Herman Miller’s international presence and the local support provided by the dealer Office Pavilion Benelux (the contract division of Horas NV/SA) was also influential in winning the DFL.1.2 million project against strong competition.
UDV’s brief required clusters of eight workstations with 130cm-high separations between the desks to form a solid wall-like structure that would create clearly-designated areas for individual teams.
Desking had to be height adjustable between 62-82cm to comply with Dutch legislation, with a minimal number of legs for uncluttered practicality. High on the list of priorities for UDV was the reduction of churn expense – a way to move people without moving furniture.
Herman Miller’s response was to create a totally customised product combining stackable Vantage tiles with detachable Abak desking. Stable and flexible, this proposal impressed the selection committee, combining capacious wire management with easy mobility. Oversized top and end caps were produced for the tiles in line with the architect’s brief and the distinctive design of the interior.
Having incorporated UDV’s suggestions, the next stage was to provide a second mock up, this time of 4 workstations, based on the actual planning configuration. Viewing this workstation grouping was a deciding factor for the selection team: ‘Herman Miller really stood out for me,’ notes Sandy, ‘they effectively built a group of four workstations for us, which I’d never seen done before. That really sold us on selecting Herman Miller.’
The team were also impressed with the ‘excellent, accommodating sales staff’ who rose to the challenge of UDV’s specialised requests and sourced the exact elements required. Problems with one of the parts provided by a supplier were dealt with thoroughly, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of quality. ‘There was a problem,’ agrees Sandy, ‘but Herman Miller fixed it.’
The customised workstations were installed in November 2000, along with Aeron chairs and tailor-made storage. Having settled in to the new environment, the 200 staff on site are reported to be delighted with the privacy and space that has been created.
‘Herman Miller came out scoring very highly,’ concludes Sandy, ‘the product is very good, there was no issue on price… I’m sure it will stand HM in good stead for the future.’
