Witham Headquarters & Warehouse Infrastructure Delivery
Client Overview
PFE Express is a well established UK logistics and freight forwarding specialist, founded in 1984 and grown from a family run business into a national operator employing over 120 staff across four UK locations. The organisation provides sea and air freight services, warehousing, haulage, and national distribution, with a strong reputation built on agility, reliability, and operational excellence.
In 2025, PFE Express opened a new 11,000 sq. metre headquarters and warehouse facility in Witham, Essex, strategically located close to the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich.
Project Background
The new Witham facility was designed to act as PFE Express’ flagship logistics hub, requiring a resilient, future ready cabling and wireless infrastructure capable of supporting:
- High density warehouse operations
- Handheld scanning devices
- Office users across three floors
- Business critical logistics systems
- Long term scalability and performance
Innovaro Technology was responsible for the overall IT design, including LAN, Wi-Fi, and server infrastructure. Octopus Cabling (Colchester) was engaged to deliver the complete structured cabling installation and to install all wireless access points in line with Innovaro’s approved designs.
Project Objectives
The key objectives for the cabling and wireless installation were to:
- Deliver a robust, standards compliant structured cabling system across warehouse and office environments
- Support a high performance Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi solution, optimised for warehouse layouts
- Ensure all cabling and wireless installations aligned precisely with Innovaro’s design and heatmap specifications
- Maintain flexibility to accommodate design changes during construction
- Deliver the project within tight timescales and overlapping build phases
- Provide a fully tested and warranted installation suitable for long term operation
Solution Delivered
Design Collaboration & Early Engagement
From the outset, Octopus Cabling worked closely with Innovaro Technology, PFE Express, M&E contractors, and the wider construction team to ensure all cabling proposals aligned with both immediate operational needs and future growth plans.
Early engagement allowed potential challenges to be identified and mitigated, improving long term manageability, serviceability and resilience of the infrastructure.
“Early involvement gave us a clear understanding of the end goal and helped identify potential challenges from the outset. It also reassured PFE that the final installation would be robust, manageable and resilient.” — Sam Harrison, Project Manager, Octopus Cabling
Project Management & Coordination
The project was delivered within a fast paced construction programme, with frequent design updates and coordination across multiple trades.
Octopus Cabling maintained a flexible and responsive approach, working closely with Innovaro’s IT engineers and PFE’s internal IT team. Weekly specialist coordination meetings with the main contractor ensured:
- Clear communication across all stakeholders
- Proactive planning and sequencing of works
- Minimal disruption despite overlapping build phases
This collaborative approach ensured the project remained on schedule despite demanding timescales.
Structured Cabling & Cabinetry Installation
Across the warehouse and head office, Octopus Cabling installed and commissioned:
- 93 Cisco Meraki Wi Fi access points
- 11 data cabinets (wall mounted and floor standing)
- 22 x 12 core OM4 fibre optic links forming a resilient backbone
- 32km of Connectix Cat6A B2CA fire rated cabling
All cabling was:
- Installed to detailed schematics and layouts
- Fully tested using Fluke Networks certification equipment
- Delivered with a 25 year manufacturer warranty, ensuring long term performance assurance
Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi Access Point Installation
As part of the Innovaro Technology designed wireless solution, Octopus Cabling was contracted to install all Cisco Meraki wireless access points on Innovaro’s behalf.
Warehouse AP Installation
The warehouse environment presented several technical challenges, including:
- Narrow aisles
- High level racking
- Roof apex heights of up to 16 metres
To address this, Octopus engineers:
- Designed and fabricated bespoke steel mounting brackets
- Installed APs suspended from the building’s steelwork
- Ensured each access point was aligned accurately within each aisle
- Followed Innovaro’s approved Wi-Fi heatmap designs precisely, including mounting height and antenna orientation
This approach ensured optimal RF propagation and uninterrupted wireless coverage for scanning and logistics operations.
Office Area AP Installation
Within office areas:
- Access points were installed within false ceilings or surface mounted on finished ceilings
- All placements followed Innovaro’s heatmap documentation exactly
- Installations were completed discreetly to maintain aesthetic standards while delivering seamless coverage across all three floors
Quality Assurance & Handover
Following installation:
- All cabling and wireless installations were fully tested and certified
- As built documentation was completed and handed over
- Wireless installations were validated against the approved heatmap designs
- Final sign off was completed with Innovaro and PFE’s IT team
This ensured PFE Express received a fully documented, standards compliant infrastructure ready for operational use.
Results
The completed installation delivered:
- A fully resilient structured cabling infrastructure across warehouse and office environments
- High performance wireless connectivity aligned to Innovaro’s Meraki design
- Precise AP placement delivering consistent coverage in complex warehouse conditions
- A future proof cabling solution supported by a 25 year manufacturer warranty
- Successful delivery despite design changes, multiple contractors, and tight timelines
The infrastructure now underpins PFE Express’ flagship logistics facility, enabling reliable operations and long term scalability.
