Vert-X provided the seismic strengthening design for a significant warehouse in Palmerston North - roughly 3,600 m², strengthened to 100% NBS (New Building Standard) and stiffened to support new roof solar panels, completed early 2026 with contractor Colspec. The existing steel-portal-and-precast building had to keep operating throughout, with internal freezer partitions and fire-risk limits on hot work ruling out many usual strengthening options. We brought in a specialist steel-structures engineer from our network to brainstorm multiple options, then designed a low-disruption scheme: cantilevered steel columns to one side external to the building, new braced internal columns in locations clear of operations, exterior precast panel strengthening to avoid the freezers, and columns jacked to lift the roof and relieve overloaded frame elements. We made use of extensive  prefabricated bolted connections to design out most site welding. The building was strengthened to 100% NBS with the tenant operating throughout the build.