‹ go back to the case study page

Piping solutions for Tesla Auto Body

With a new auto shop in the works, Tesla New Zealand required the services of Industrial Air Systems to do their air reticulation piping instalment. 

You can take a look at the challenges we faced and the solutions we produced in this article. 

Tesla Autobody project - IAS

Overview

Tesla New Zealand approached Industrial Air Systems after consulting with Precision Equipment, who were managing the lifts and mechanical fitout for Tesla’s new facility. Precision Equipment subsequently contracted Industrial Air Systems to do all the air reticulation piping. to manage the lifts and mechanical fit-out for their new facility. Tesla's decision was influenced by our previous successful installations of air reticulation equipment in another building on the same mega-premises, which handles mechanical repairs and PDIs. Additionally, Industrial Air Systems' proven track record with RepairHub fit-outs across New Zealand and their strong environmental policies aligned well with Tesla's values.

 

The client

Tesla New Zealand is a branch of the global electric vehicle and clean energy company, Tesla, Inc. Known for its innovative approach to sustainable transportation and energy solutions, Tesla New Zealand offers a range of electric vehicles. 

The customer required our services to manage their lifts and mechanical fit-out for their new facility.

The challenge

Due to its unique structural characteristics, we faced a significant challenge in managing the installation within Tesla New Zealand's new build. The building had a stud height of up to 14 metres, making it extremely high, and featured massive purlins protruding up to 1 metre at a 6-metre piping run height. Additionally, the building was not square, complicating the installation process.

To address these issues, we utilised press-fit fittings, allowing for easy angle alteration using two 45-degree elbows, maintaining a clean and professional appearance. A method was needed to hang the piping without elbowing around each purlin, as this would increase the risk of leaks and incur excessive costs.

Ensuring the piping job looked aesthetically pleasing upon completion was also a priority. The concrete tilt-up nature of the building provided strong anchoring points. Consequently, a cantilever system was devised to keep the piping straight, neat, and above working level, effectively navigating the building's shape identified during the initial inspection.

The solution

We collaborated closely with the clients to determine the appropriate piping size, considering the compressor size and end usage, and calculated the piping size to accommodate the 400-metre-long ring main.

Our team provided ongoing support throughout the initial trials and production processes, ensuring the clients understood how the generator worked and could reach out for assistance whenever needed.

To address the installation challenges, we designed a cantilever system that held the piping straight and above working height, eliminating the need to elbow around each purlin. This solution made the pricing competitive, reduced the risk of leakage, and ensured the piping system was presentable, complementing their 15,740-square-metre complex.

Tesla Autobody - IAS piping
Tesla Autobody - IAS piping
Tesla Autobody - IAS piping
Tesla Autobody - IAS piping
Tesla Autobody - IAS piping

The results

The piping installation was completed on time, free from leaks and delays. Our innovative cantilever system kept the piping straight and above working height, eliminating the need to elbow around each purlin. This approach ensured competitive pricing, minimized the risk of leakage, and provided a clean, professional appearance that complemented their 15,740-square-metre complex.

The New Zealand manager was extremely pleased with our approach, praising our helpfulness and ease of collaboration. He expressed a desire for all his suppliers to be as accommodating.

Sin Grujici - Manager, Tesla Body Repair:

"It is really stressful building a massive new panel shop with a whole bunch of tradies and suppliers running around, delays in the project have roll-on effects.  These guys had all the answers and happy to help make my job a lot less stressful."

Learn more about our complete piping range.