Customised material handling equipment improves manufacturing efficiency
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE MADE TO MEASURE
GOUGH ENGINEERING
Customised material handling equipment improves manufacturing efficiency
According to Deloitte ’ s 2024 Manufacturing industry outlook report , “ technology will likely remain a pivotal force in driving efficiency , resilience and innovation in the supply chain .” On fast-paced production lines where time is of the essence , integrating new equipment demands swiftness . So , how can manufacturers proactively tackle these challenges ? Here , Stephen Harding , managing director of Gough Engineering , explains why the answer lies in customised material handling equipment .
Investments in new machinery and processes will be vital if manufacturers are to navigate industry challenges , foster growth and remain competitive . However , investing in new equipment is far from straightforward . Securing budget allocations can be a challenge , requiring meticulous consideration of the potential returns on investment ( ROI ), as well as financial metrics such as profitability and cash flow .
A system ’ s design can include a Gough Swinglink bucket elevator , pictured .
To calculate the ROI , manufacturers must identify their reasons for investing in the new machinery in the first place . These goals and objectives might include increased production efficiency , improved product quality or enhanced production capacity . Next , a comprehensive cost analysis is needed that encompasses the initial investment and related ongoing operational costs .
In other words , investing in new equipment necessitates a delicate balance between capital expenditures
( CAPEX ) and operating expenditures ( OPEX ). The former includes purchase costs , installation , training and any necessary infrastructure changes on the factory floor . OPEX encompasses the ongoing costs associated with dayto-day operations , such as utilities , planned and unplanned maintenance , salaries and supplies for expected reliability and performance .
These decisions must also be made quickly so that manufacturers can swiftly integrate advanced equipment into their lines . So , how can manufacturers get ahead of the game when investing in new machinery and processes ? Fortunately , a solution lies in customised equipment .
One size does not fit all
Let ’ s look at the impact customised equipment can have on production lines . A food producer / distributor wanted to meet rising demands and expand its market reach across Europe and the Far East . The company sought to enhance its process for unloading big bags with high levels of quality control ; with the possibility to load the product into silos , tankers , or even back into big bags .
Challenges included accommodating various big bag sizes , maintaining a fast throughput in excess of 20 tons per hour , and adhering to ATEX , the European safety standard for explosive atmospheres .
When investing in new machinery and processes , manufacturers can get ahead of the game with customised equipment .
To overcome these operational complexities , the company enlisted the expertise of Gough Engineering to implement a tailored material handling system . Gough Engineering ’ s approach is to address specific challenges encountered
20 PECM Issue 69