Haverhill, Suffolk, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Guardtech Group, a Suffolk cleanroom and contamination-control specialist, has implemented Autodesk Construction Cloud as its central data environment to link teams, manage documents and federate 3D models. The business reports improved document control, real-time access to drawings, clash detection and faster coordination across its turnkey, modular and prefabricated cleanroom lines. Later, the company’s Haverhill facility was occupied during coordinated activist actions that also targeted other sites; arrests were reported. The government has introduced a draft order to proscribe the activist group and urgent legal challenges are underway, highlighting operational and reputational risks for contractors and clients.
Guardtech Group brings in new project management system as its Haverhill facility is later targeted in protest action
Suffolk-based cleanroom builder Guardtech Group has adopted Autodesk Construction Cloud to centralise project data and speed up design and delivery, according to company sources. The move comes ahead of a separate incident in which the company’s Haverhill facility was occupied during a protest linked to a group facing a possible government ban.
What changed first: a digital overhaul
Guardtech has rolled out Autodesk Construction Cloud across its business, not just within the design team. Company leadership says the software now acts as a single online hub for drawings, models and comments, allowing design, site and client teams to access the most recent information from anywhere. The system is also being used to bring together subcontractor 3D models and point cloud surveys into a single federated model, which helps coordinate services and spot issues early in the process.
Design management at Guardtech reports that the platform has improved document control, sped up client feedback by enabling direct mark-ups, and preserved comment histories so changes can be tracked and closed out. Built-in clash detection is being used to find conflicts in the design phase rather than on site, which is presented as a way to protect timelines and budgets by reducing installation clashes.
How the change fits Guardtech’s approach
Guardtech, described as a contamination control specialist operating in and around Haverhill, manages several complementary brands including Cleanroom Solutions for large turnkey projects, Guardtech Cleanrooms for modular systems, Cleancube for prefabricated container units, and Isopod for rapid-assembly small rooms. The business emphasises a continual drive to improve by adopting new software, new technologies and new working practices across its teams.
The Design Team holds regular sessions to review recent projects, document lessons learned and expand a digital library of components. Leadership notes this cycle of review and re-use helps the business add more detail to designs, deliver more complex projects and increase company-wide efficiency over time.
People and projects
The head of design has led the department for almost two years and has close to a decade of experience in cleanroom construction. He describes the work as involving many fast-moving and technical challenges and says the company has built technical facilities used by global innovators, including projects that support stem cell research, chemotherapy drug production and neonatal medicines.
Protest at Haverhill facility and related activity
Separately, a protest group occupied Guardtech’s Haverhill facility during a series of actions reported in early July. The same wave of activity also targeted another defence-related site in the Bristol area, where protesters blocked an entrance and used paint to mark the site. Police confirmed two arrests linked to the incidents, with suspected offences listed as criminal damage, unauthorised entry to a prohibited place, and locking on to cause serious disruption.
Local policing teams responded to an incident at a Bristol business park early in the morning and said officers will facilitate peaceful protest while acting to prevent and investigate criminal behaviour. A request for comment was made to the county police force for the area of the Haverhill incident; no further statement was provided in the initial reports.
Government response and legal moves
The government has laid a draft order under the Terrorism Act 2000 that would add the protest group to the list of proscribed organisations. If the group is proscribed, membership of or support for it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. An urgent court hearing has been held in relation to a judicial review brought by a founder of the group, and further legal steps are scheduled to decide whether the ban can be paused while the challenge proceeds.
The draft order also lists several other organisations proposed for proscription, covering a range of extremist groups. The Home Secretary holds the power to proscribe organisations under the 2000 Act when believed to be concerned in terrorism, and the Act already includes around 80 organisations from past orders.
What this means for clients and suppliers
For customers working on contamination-controlled environments, the adoption of Autodesk Construction Cloud is intended to bring clearer record-keeping, faster feedback loops and fewer on-site surprises. Guardtech provides contact routes for enquiries by phone, email and web. The move to a single online platform should also make it easier for external partners to share models and review designs in real time.
Contact and further information
Guardtech Group contact: email sales@guardtech.com, phone 0330 113 0303, website www.guardtechgroup.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autodesk Construction Cloud and why did Guardtech adopt it?
Autodesk Construction Cloud is a centralised project management platform that connects teams, data and workflows across the life of a construction project. Guardtech adopted it to improve document control, enable live access to drawings, incorporate external 3D models, speed client feedback and reduce on-site clashes through early detection.
Which Guardtech brands are affected by the change?
The platform is being used across the Guardtech Group brands, including Cleanroom Solutions, Guardtech Cleanrooms, Cleancube and Isopod, so both large turnkey projects and smaller modular builds can benefit.
Was the Haverhill facility damaged during the protest?
Reports indicate the Haverhill facility was occupied and two arrests were made in relation to the wave of protests. Police were investigating suspected offences including criminal damage and unauthorised entry. No detailed damage assessment was provided in initial reports.
What is the status of the government move to proscribe the protest group?
A draft order was laid to add the group to the proscribed list under the Terrorism Act 2000. An urgent court hearing has been held and further hearings are due to determine whether the government can proceed while legal challenges are underway.
How can clients get more information about Guardtech services?
Clients can contact Guardtech by email at sales@guardtech.com, by phone at 0330 113 0303 or via the company’s website at www.guardtechgroup.com.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Autodesk Construction Cloud | Centralised platform for drawings, models, comments and document control; supports model federation and clash detection. |
| Federated model | Combines in-house design, subcontractor 3D models and point cloud surveys for accurate coordination. |
| Guardtech brands | Cleanroom Solutions, Guardtech Cleanrooms, Cleancube, Isopod — covering large turnkey to rapid-assembly solutions. |
| Protest and legal context | Facility occupation reported, two arrests confirmed, and a government draft order seeks to proscribe the protest group under terrorism legislation while legal challenges continue. |
| Contact | Email: sales@guardtech.com | Phone: 0330 113 0303 | Web: www.guardtechgroup.com |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Cleanroom Technology: Guardtech elevating cleanroom design capabilities
- Wikipedia: Building information modeling (BIM)
- GB News: Palestine Action blockade at UK defence contractor sites
- Wikipedia: Direct action
- Guardtech Group — company website
- Google Search: Guardtech Group cleanroom
- Autodesk Construction Cloud — product page
- Google Scholar: Autodesk Construction Cloud clash detection
- UK Legislation: Terrorism Act 2000 (proscription powers)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Terrorism
Author: Construction NY News
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnynews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New York Build Expo, infrastructure breakthroughs, and cutting-edge construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of New York State and the Building Trades Employers' Association, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Turner Construction Company and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
