Overhead and Jib Cranes Spearhead Production Growth at Exporters Mining Machinery Developments
Mining Machinery Developments has commissioned a multi-million pound factory expansion featuring new cranes from Street Crane Company to speed the fabrication and assembly of MMD's aggregate sizing equipment.
Online, January 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Mining Machinery Developments (MMD), a leading exporter, has commissioned a multi-million pound factory expansion to underpin further development. Featuring new cranes from Street Crane Company the aim is to speed the fabrication and assembly of MMD's aggregate sizing equipment. A combination of overhead travelling cranes (OTC's) and slewing jib cranes address the need for flexible manufacturing, reliable lifting and efficient production flow with the assurance that the plant will adapt to future needs.
A dedicated assembly bay has been created within the original factory buildings. Here Street has installed two 50 tonne, double girder cranes and one of 25 tonnes. The second 50 tonne unit has an auxiliary 15 tonne hoist for greater materials handling flexibility.
For the manufacture of heavy fabrications two new bays have been built. Three 20 tonne overhead cranes in each bay are capable of traversing the full-length of the workshop on freestanding 60 metre gantries. An infra-red anti-collision system will ensure that cranes cannot come into contact. For heavier lifts of up to 40 tonnes, two fabrication shop cranes may be used in tandem with the weight evenly distributed by a spreader beam.
The new cranes will support manufacturing operations including offloading vehicles and advancing product through the various stages of production. The high availability of cranes will boost productivity as the multi-skilled workforce will not have to wait for cranes to become available.
The fabrication bays are also equipped with 10 one-tonne jib cranes. Seven units in one bay and three in the adjoining bay service welding and plating workstations. For greatest flexibility in meeting future needs, the jib cranes are attached to the gantry legs with de-mountable fittings permitting re-location if production needs change.
Hoists from Street's ZX series provide efficient lifting for the 20 tonne overhead cranes. The ZX is an advanced specification hoist designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, it gives true vertical lift and placement to safeguard product from lateral movement and assure greater safety. The 50 tonne cranes feature heavy duty custom built hoists from Street's VX series that also offer vertical lift. Chain hoists from the company's LX series provide lift on the one tonne jib cranes.
Each overhead crane is operated by radio controlled push button hand held remote, allowing the operator to work from a position with best visibility and safety. Back-up is provided by a push-button pendant control.
MMD continues to prosper with orders from around the world from mining, quarrying, civil engineering and waste handling companies. The new cranes and bespoke facilities have enabled them to reduce delivery times and improve competitiveness and productivity.
Street Crane Company offer a complete range of industrial cranes from workstation equipment for light assembly operations to heavy duty overhead travelling cranes of up to 200 tonnes. Each crane is individually designed to meet end user needs, taking into account the location and any technical constraints due to building height, structure or environment. Engineers work closely with clients to optimise designs for maximum productivity and reliability with low maintenance and operating costs.
More information
Chris Lindley-Smith, Tel. +44 (0)1298 812456 Fax. + 44 (0)1298 814 945
Street Crane Company, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0PH, UK
E-Mail: admin@streetcrane.co.uk Web: http://www.streetcrane.co.uk
High resolution images are on the web at http://www.ainsmag.co.uk/st165/5079st1a-mmd.htm