Decision

The Interim Director of Operations has approved the direct award of a contract using the YPO Framework 001032 (Crematoria Solutions III) Lot 2 – Maintenance, to IFZW Maintenance Ltd for the maintenance of two KE400 freefall cremators and associated abatement and cremation equipment at Landican Crematorium, with effect from 1 January 2026 at a total contract value of £416,500.00.

Reasons for the decision

The contract is required to ensure ongoing statutory compliance, adherence to environmental legislation, and health and safety standards, enabling the continued operation of Landican Crematorium, Wirral’s only crematorium, which undertakes between 3,000 and 3,200 cremations per annum.

The KE400 and KE400+ cremators are freefall units, installed and commissioned in November 2011, and are of a unique design not used elsewhere in the UK. IFZW are the original equipment manufacturer and installer, and their specialist technical knowledge ensures maintenance is completed to the highest manufacturer standards, safeguarding equipment integrity, longevity, and service continuity.

This arrangement includes maintenance provision through to 2029 and the relining of cremator No. 1 during summer 2026, representing excellent value for money, with refractory brickwork achieving a lifespan of approximately 15 years.

A further competition was undertaken via The Chest under the YPO Framework in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules. One compliant bid was received and evaluated on:

• Quality – 50%
• Price – 40%
• Social Value – 10%

The bid submitted by IFZW Maintenance Ltd achieved the highest overall score, falls within the approved budget, and represents best value.

Alternative options considered

The Council does not possess the in house technical expertise to safely maintain freefall cremators of this specialist design.

Due to the niche nature of cremator manufacture and refractory brickwork, together with proprietary operating software, alternative suppliers would be unlikely to demonstrate the required specialist capability or quality standards.

Use of non specialist contractors would present unacceptable operational, safety, environmental, and compliance risks to service delivery.