Guardtech Group adopts Autodesk Construction Cloud to boost cleanroom design and delivery; Haverhill facility amid Palestine Action protests as government moves to proscribe the group
The Suffolk-based cleanroom construction specialist Guardtech Group has adopted Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) to centralise project management across its design and delivery work. The move is aimed at handling more complex projects with greater detail, improved collaboration, and stronger safety nets. At the same time, protests connected to the Palestine Action campaign disrupted Guardtech’s Haverhill facility, while government plans to proscribe the group under terrorism laws have entered a new phase as Parliament considers a draft order.
About Guardtech Group and its approach to design and delivery
Guardtech Group operates from Haverhill, in Suffolk, and is recognised as a cleanroom construction expert with a specialty in contamination control. The company talks of a commitment to continuous improvement, embracing new software, technology, and on-site and off-site practices. Guardtech describes itself as malleable and open to change, with a focus on evaluating and refining its processes. The group runs multiple brands and solutions, including Cleanroom Solutions for large-scale turnkey builds, Guardtech Cleanrooms for modular projects, Cleancube for pre-fabricated containers, and Isopod for rapid assembly. Across these brands, Guardtech emphasizes attention to detail and a consistent standard of delivery.
Autodesk Construction Cloud adoption and what it entails
Autodesk Construction Cloud is described as a centralised project management platform that connects teams, data and workflows across every phase of a construction project’s life cycle. It provides a central data environment designed to support both design and build stages, with features intended to streamline how work is planned, designed, and delivered. Guardtech’s Design Manager, who has led the design team for nearly two years, says the business has embraced ACC across the entire operation. The implementation is described as transformative, enabling teams to work with greater complexity, more detail, and closer collaboration, while adding extra safety nets during delivery.
The Design Manager notes that having all the latest live information in one online place is highly beneficial, and that site teams can access drawings from anywhere with confidence that they are using the most current versions. The ACC environment has tightened Guardtech’s document control, and the company can now more easily incorporate external 3D models and point cloud surveys into a federated design model. This federated approach improves coordination across services and reduces the risk of misalignment during installation. Clients can be granted simple invitations to view 3D models and drawings, allowing them to leave feedback directly on the drawings, which helps keep projects moving forward and minimizes back-and-forth delays. As drawings are revised, earlier comments stay attached to ensure nothing is overlooked, contributing to a more robust workflow and a reduced chance of human error.
Clash detection within ACC is highlighted as a major benefit in the design stage, helping identify conflicts early and reducing clashes later in construction. The Design Manager says these improvements should support delivery timelines and help manage costs more effectively. As the wider business becomes more familiar with ACC over time, Guardtech expects gains in efficiency and output company-wide. Regular design-team meetings are used to share learnings from projects, celebrate solutions, and document improvements for future use, forming a continuous improvement loop. Guardtech is also expanding its digital library, adding more detail to designs so clients can see richer information during reviews.
Leadership, culture, and potential impact on client work
The Design Manager has led Guardtech Design for almost two years and has spent nearly a decade in the cleanroom construction sector. He describes a future built on positive change, embracing new innovations, and ongoing development. Guardtech’s approach to collaboration includes working with large, global clients at the forefront of innovation and providing technical facilities to support globally distributed projects. He also notes the rewarding nature of projects that support good causes, such as work related to stem cell research, chemotherapy drug production, and medicines for premature babies to aid lung development.
Palestine Action protests at Guardtech sites and the government’s proscription process
The group Palestine Action conducted protests targeting Guardtech’s facilities, including the Haverhill site and another site at a business park in Almondsbury. Police responded to reports of disruption and noted arrests in connection with the activity. The protests included blockades of entrances and actions described by participants as symbolic; authorities emphasized their commitment to peaceful protest while indicating that criminal conduct would not be tolerated.
In parallel, a government process to proscribe Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000 progressed with a draft order laid before Parliament to add the group to the list of proscribed organisations. If the group is proscribed, membership or supportive actions could become criminal offenses with potential penalties, including prison terms. The proscription process has involved hearings at the High Court to consider judicial review applications related to the government’s plan, with further hearings scheduled. Officials have argued that proscribing the group is a legitimate response to perceived threats, while supporters contend that the actions are a form of protest. Across these developments, the fact remains that the government has the power to proscribe organisations it regards as connected to terrorism, as part of a broader framework used to regulate extremism and security concerns in the country.
Contact information
For more information about Guardtech Group, the following contacts are provided: sales@guardtech.com, phone 0330 113 0303, and the website www.guardtechgroup.com.
Context about Cleanroom Technology
Cleanroom Technology is described as a resource that keeps decision-makers informed on contamination control through digital, live, and print channels. Its coverage spans the full lifecycle of a cleanroom project, from design to maintenance, including monitoring and compliance, with editors reporting on breaking developments, product launches, and specialized trends from industry experts. This article uses information drawn from those channels to present a broad view of industry developments and standards.
Key features and takeaways
| Feature | What it means | Impact on delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Centralised project data | All project information lives in one online environment accessible to the team | Improved consistency, faster access to latest drawings, reduced miscommunication |
| Federated design model | External subcontractor models and surveys can be integrated into a single coordinated model | Better clash avoidance and more accurate service coordination |
| Client collaboration | Clients can be invited to review models and provide feedback directly on drawings | Quicker reviews, fewer revision cycles, steady project momentum |
| Live documentation and revision control | Drawings stay updated with change history and captured feedback | Lower risk of errors and omissions, clearer audit trail |
| Clash detection and planning | Early detection of design conflicts during the planning phase | Reduced on-site clashes, smoother installation timelines and cost control |
| Continuous improvement culture | Regular team review sessions to capture learnings | Ongoing efficiency gains and better design outcomes over time |