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Mastering complexity and delivering with confidence in live environments across Europe
Retrofitting a live data centre is not just a technical challenge – it’s an intricate balancing act where precision, safety, and understanding of all stakeholders converge. At Mercury, our Data Centre Retrofit (DCRF) team is dedicated to delivering upgrades that meet the fast-evolving demands of the tech industry, all while working within fully operational environments where there is no room for error.
“When our team walks into a DCRF site, we’re not just entering a workspace—we’re stepping into the client’s home,” says Enda Walshe, DCRF Business Unit Lead. “Respecting that space, understanding the risks, and building trust are foundational to how we operate.”
The client knows when we’re on-site, they can trust us in knowing that our team is experienced in live facilities and the procedures that must be adhered to. We prepare meticulously, communicate constantly, and always act decisively.
Navigating the live environment with precision
Unlike new builds, DCRF projects are defined by the active nature of the site. The systems we are improving are in use, making the margin for error virtually non-existent. This demands a laser-focused approach to planning, stakeholder coordination, and risk mitigation.
Our expertise lies not only in what we build but in how we build it. Detailed planning is required in a live operational DC. Approvals for activity execution can take up to 47 days for approvals, and every milestone is tightly managed using bespoke Power BI dashboards and real-time trackers. These tools ensure transparency and momentum across every stage of the project.
“The client knows when we’re on-site, they can trust us in knowing that our team is experienced in live facilities and the procedures that must be adhered to. We prepare meticulously, communicate constantly, and always act decisively.”
Stakeholder engagement: The glue that holds everything together
DCRF sites bring together multiple stakeholder groups -clients, subcontractors, multiple internal client teams, often with conflicting priorities. Mercury ensures seamless cooperation through constant communication, anticipating needs, and translating requirements across parties.
“It’s like we’re speaking multiple languages, all at once, and each group feels heard and understood,” explains Enda. “That’s what makes our team the glue holding the operation together.”
Safety – a non-negotiable culture
In a live environment, safety isn’t a box to check. It’s a mindset. Mercury’s Work Safe, Home Safe philosophy is woven into every inch of a DCRF site. From repeat branded signage and clear demarcation of spaces, to our Non-Standard High-Risk Activity (HRA) programme, safety is a repetitive process and embedded into daily operations until it becomes second nature.
We go beyond compliance to instill proactive safety behaviours. For example, our team implements site-specific protection measures, including scaffolded equipment zones, anti-slip grass walkways on rooftops, and clearly marked client corridors that underline our commitment to shared safety.
Recognising the mental demands of live retrofit work, Mercury’s DCRF Business Unit was the first to roll out Mental Health First Aiders training. This initiative reflects our belief that wellbeing is critical to both personal and project success.
This holistic approach has earned us multiple awards from some of the world’s most recognisable clients for leadership in health, safety, and wellbeing.
We’re bold enough to try new ideas, but grounded in process and logic. Our clients defer to our experience and expertise because we deliver certainty, even under pressure.
Engineering excellence through technology and quality
Mercury makes deliberate investments in cutting-edge technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), and other specialised equipment enabling rapid decision-making without compromising quality. Our approach to quality assurance is structured through a robust Quality Cycle that includes rigorous training, installation checks, and manufacturer-aligned procedures.
This dedicated initiative underpins our strategy of continuous improvement, ensuring that every retrofit project is delivered to the highest standards of safety, performance, and client satisfaction.
At the core of the program is our “Right First Time” philosophy. This mindset is embedded into every stage of our retrofit work—from planning and design through to execution and commissioning, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to streamline communication and enhance precision on-site. We also invest in strong collaboration with our supply chain, ensuring that quality expectations are clearly communicated and upheld.
We take pride in never being complacent – constantly preoccupied with potential risks, whether safety, environmental, or financial. This commitment ensures every project not only meets but exceeds expectations.
“We’re bold enough to try new ideas, but grounded in process and logic,” Enda notes. “Our clients defer to our experience and expertise because we deliver certainty, even under pressure.”
Solutions-led design management
One of Mercury’s standout strengths is our agility in design management. We collaborate closely with client design teams and suppliers to develop and propose bespoke solutions tailored to each project’s specific needs.
This ability to innovate in complex environments is powered by the strong partnerships we’ve built with trusted suppliers, giving us the flexibility and confidence to solve problems others might shy away from.
We never stop learning. That’s part of our DNA. It’s how we stay sharp and deliver the best outcomes every time.
A culture of continuous learning and improvement
Every project is a learning opportunity. Mercury’s DCRF team documents lessons learned, shares insights across teams, and incorporates feedback into future builds. This relentless drive for improvement is what keeps us ahead of the curve -and our clients coming back.
“We never stop learning. That’s part of our DNA. It’s how we stay sharp and deliver the best outcomes every time.”
Pioneering precision in live, high-stakes environments
Mercury’s proven expertise, relentless pursuit of excellence, and unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and innovation have firmly positioned us as the benchmark for live data centre retrofit projects. Our clients—some of the world’s most recognised tech leaders—entrust us with their most critical infrastructure because they know we deliver with precision, professionalism, and pride. We don’t just meet expectations; we redefine what’s possible, engineering certainty in high-stakes environments -always keeping our valued clients front of mind.
ABOUT MERCURY
Mercury is the European leader in construction solutions. We build and manage complex engineering & construction projects for the world’s leading corporations. Our solutions help deliver technologies that connect people, communities, and businesses, giving them the power to achieve incredible things. Our people have the courage to be innovative. Their determination and sharp focus enable us to deliver with certainty, time and time again.
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