Handling Updates

Following recent success in sales of "one-off" modular conveying solutions, through to complete integrated turnkey systems including PLC controls, the directors of UK manufacturer Astec Conveyors bucked the trend of current markets to double their factory and office facilities. The decision to expand the manufacturing area was taken in light of an increase in new sales demand and to support repeat business from existing customers, leading Astec to purchase an 8,000 sq. ft. factory close by and, relocate early this year. The building is ideally suited with good access and a purpose built cranage system, which aids the movement of heavy engineered products such as large pallet elevators, etc. Astec has also seen its workforce grow with the employment of a number of ex-Dunn System key personnel, who have brought with them many years of experience in their particular fields of specialisation. From design and engineering of quality materials handling equipment, through to system integration, controls and automation& Astec Conveyors have provided handling solutions whilst working in strict confidence with other O.E.M's and directly with end users from various sectors including dairy and food, pharmaceuticals, distribution, packaging and processing. Astec sales director Roger Pendleton commented, "As with all company moves, relocation of a business can be difficult, but we undertook the bulk of the removal work over a weekend period to ensure minimum disruption to on-going business. It has been challenging and exciting times for Astec Conveyors. Our systems know-how, coupled with Astec's manufacturing and fabrication capability, has enabled us to provide cost effective "one-stop source" solutions to individual customers needs, which is becoming an important requirement particularly for larger establishments. Astec Conveyors can also ensure continuity of spares and on-going services to support existing plant maintenance teams or as required. Again, we are committed to attending the forthcoming PPMA exhibition and will use this event to launch our new range of spiral elevators. So we look forward to new and exciting challenges as we continue to service the UK markets material handling needs." Astec provide pallet handling solution Lubborn Cheese of Somerset awarded Astec Conveyors the contract to design, install and commission a pallet handling, accumulating chain conveyor system and lowerator feeding into their new cold store and distribution centre. As part of expansion plans, an adjacent building was totally refurbished to provide a separate new chilled storage area, freeing up available valuable factory floor space for increased production and packing facilities. Astec had a number of factors to consider when designing the system. Firstly the pallet load was unstable, secondly loading/unloading from the conveyor was to be undertaken by powered manrider trucks and, adjoining floor levels differed in height by 3m. Lowerator The design criteria was to handle 500kg pallets of various shaped cheese products at a throughput of 10 pallets per hour, the Astec lift far exceeds these capabilities (1500kg/60 pallets per hour). Discharge from the lowerator is at ground level onto triple chain conveyors, which were sunk into the floor as part of the new building construction to facilitate pallet removal by man rider hand trucks. In-fill plates are fitted for cleanliness and safety reasons, with a strengthened 10mm thick plate being located at the end position to support trucks driving on/off. To overcome possible "dead-areas" which can occur on transferring pallets on butted chain modules, Astec Conveyors incorporated a cost effective design feature, staggering the chains to ensure positive contact with the pallet base and provide continuous drive and smooth transfer. The whole system - including the fully automated

For more information on Handling Updates talk to Astec Conveyors Limited