Continued global growth has prompted the MMD Group to undertake a multi-million pound factory expansion at its facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire, featuring new cranes from Street Crane Company which will the help streamline the manufacture and assembly of MMD’s heavy duty mineral sizing equipment. “A mix of overhead travelling and jib cranes provides a flexible system for efficient and reliable lifting, handling and production flow that can be easily adapted to meet future expansion”, stated Street Crane.
Two new bays have been added to MMD’s factory for the manufacture of heavy fabrications. Three 20 t overhead cranes in each bay run on full-length, freestanding 60 m gantries. The cranes will be used for offloading vehicles and advancing product through the various stages of production. Having adequate cranage in the production area ensures optimum levels of productivity as the highly skilled workforce do not have to wait for cranes to become available. The cranes are double girder box beam design and feature infra-red anti-collision systems so they can safely operate on the same track. For heavier lifts of up to 40 t, they may be used in tandem and weight distributed by a spreader beam.
The new bays are also equipped with ten 1 t jib cranes, with seven units in one bay and three in the adjoining bay. Each one supports a workstation manned by two welders or platers. The slewing jib cranes are attached to the gantry legs with fittings that can be dismantled, enabling the jibs to be readily re-located as production needs change. Within the original factory buildings, where the sizing machines are assembled, Street has installed two double girder cranes of 50 t and one of 25 t. One of the larger units has an auxiliary 15 t hoist to give greater materials handling flexibility.
The 20 t overhead cranes feature hoists from Street’s ZX series. An advanced specification hoist designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, the ZX offers true vertical lift and placement. The 50 t cranes feature custom built hoists from Street’s VX series. These heavy duty hoists also offer vertical lift to safeguard product from lateral movement and assure greater safety. The 1 t jib cranes all use chain hoists from the company’s LX series. For maximum freedom, each overhead crane is operated via a radio-controlled push button hand held remote. This allows the operator to choose a working location that maximises personal safety and with best visibility. A standby push-button pendant is also provided for back up.