In Australia’s Tier 1 infrastructure and energy sectors, mechanical engineers play a critical role in integrating major equipment packages into complex project environments. However, one of the most common and disruptive challenges that surfaces during project delivery is late-stage design changes from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) — often located offshore.
Whether it’s a crane, pump skid, HVAC system, or prefabricated equipment module, these late changes frequently occur after detailed design has been completed, procurement has been locked in, and construction sequencing is underway.
The Impact on Projects
These changes can appear minor on paper — a shifted mounting bolt pattern, an altered motor position, or an updated service clearance requirement — but in reality, they can:
- Trigger conflicts in plant layout and structural supports
- Create cascading rework in electrical routing and civil penetrations
- Delay installation and commissioning schedules
- Compromise safety clearances or access requirements
- Introduce avoidable cost overruns and last-minute engineering pressure
Why It Happens
This is often due to:
- A disconnect between OEM standard offerings and Australian compliance requirements
- Limited flexibility in supplier-supplied “for construction” drawings
- Misalignment between global supply chain timelines and local design approvals
How Nettlefold Projects Solves It
At Nettlefold Projects, we regularly support clients facing these exact challenges. Our solution isn’t just reactive — it’s embedded into our design and delivery philosophy from the start.
Here’s how we reduce risk and deliver confidence:
1. Multidisciplinary Coordination from Day One
Our mechanical engineers collaborate in real-time with electrical, automation, structural, and civil disciplines. This allows us to design flexible and integrated solutions that can absorb small shifts in vendor designs without disrupting the broader system.
2. Design Envelopes and Spatial Buffers
We develop smart design envelopes that factor in variation tolerances, service zones, and lifting requirements — reducing the likelihood of physical clashes when late updates arrive.
3. Early Vendor Engagement
We work with clients to involve OEMs earlier in the design process and build local compliance criteria into supplier contracts — including AS/NZS standards, maintenance access, and safety clearances.
4. Responsive Design Updates
If late-stage changes do occur, our team is structured to respond quickly. Our engineers are equipped to adjust models, update documentation, and revalidate designs with construction and commissioning teams without costly delays.
Delivering Certainty in Complex Environments
Tier 1 projects are complex by nature — but uncertainty doesn’t have to be part of the package. At Nettlefold Projects, we bring clarity, collaboration, and deep technical capability to every mechanical engineering scope we support.
Whether you’re at concept stage or mid-delivery, we can help reduce rework, manage interface risks, and improve project outcomes — right through to handover.
Want to learn more about how we support mechanical delivery on high-performance infrastructure projects?
Get in touch with our team.
