Neptunus focusses on Canon EXPO 2015

Temporary structure specialist Neptunus helped capture the perfect picture for Canon when the leader in imaging solutions unveiled its strategic priorities and showcased its latest boundary pushing technologies at its EXPO 2015.

Working for creative agency and long-term client Imagination Europe, Neptunus supplied a number of structures to supplement the space available in the impressive Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris where Canon’s event took place from 13-15 October.
During the three-days 18,500 visitors entered the exhibition that takes place once every five years, and registered in an 875 square metre x 8m high Evolution II structure that featured an internal staircase and was joined by four linked Alu Halls creating cloakrooms.
A 2,200 square metre Evolution II structure incorporating blackout roof skins to house tiered seating and a Keynote Speakers stage provided the platform for Canon to offer a glimpse of the latest research projects in development at its headquarters in Tokyo including a 120MP camera, an ultra-telephoto lens for night photography and 8K cameras.
Elsewhere two sleek and linked Alure Globes featuring front glazing, a terrace and covered walkway from the Grande Hall formed a 2,400 square metre dining hall serving 1,600 meals each day. Neptunus also supplied kitchen, toilet, back of house and staff catering areas.
Working to a tight timeframe it took just 10 days to build all of the structures that were delivered on site by 28 trucks.
Neptunus Managing Director April Trasler said: “We started the build on a Saturday to meet Imagination’s tenancy at the venue. As artic trucks are not allowed to drive on French roads on a Sunday, 17 trucks were delivered on the first day to make sure we had enough equipment on site to keep our 20-strong team busy and to ensure we stayed ahead of the critical build schedule to allow the other trades enough time for the fit out.”

Other challenges included the terrain. April added: “As the land adjacent to the Grande Hall is grass featuring a series of underground services and tunnels and the entrance structure was placed on cobbled stones, we incorporated ballast to pin the structures into their footprint to ensure visitors were not faced with any unsightly external concrete!”

David Spiers, Production Director, Imagination Europe, said: “Having worked with Neptunus at the previous event in 2010 we were confident they could deliver the high quality structures required for this kind of prestigious event. We had very tight schedules for both the build and the dismantle.”

He added: “We had very firm design ideas in terms of overall style and finsh. We also had very firm requirements both in terms of safe working practices and, working in France, the fact all other structures need the necessary certification paperwork to allow them to be built. We looked at many options and Neptunus clearly offered the best solutions. We were absolutely delighted with the result.”

About Neptunus
Founded nearly 80 years ago, Neptunus remains a family-run business known for the creativity and innovation of its temporary structures. With a head office in The Netherlands and divisions in the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland and Austria, Neptunus has a proven track record in the design, manufacture and delivery of all types of temporary buildings. Neptunus Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Neptunus BV based in The Netherlands. Its UK operation is located in Swan Valley, Northampton, where the company has purpose built offices, storage and maintenance facilities. Neptunus has over 450,000 square metres of high quality structures in a wide range of styles. With cassette flooring systems, Neptunus' flexible and spacious structures provide ideal solutions for short-term or longer-term rental requirements. For more information visit: www.neptunus.co.uk

For more information, please see:
www.neptunus.co.uk

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
9th November 2015