This project involved the installation of new drive gear into a raw mill. Because the working space was so confined there was no room in the mill building to get a crane inside, so we had to design specialist lifting beams before any work could be started. The lift was very complex and required very detailed studies to be carried out to ensure the safe handling of the two gear parts.

Each half of the drive gear weighed 15 tones and had to be installed to a tolerance of 0.5mm axially and 0.75 mm radially. We only had a 24 day window to install the lifting gear, get the old drive gear off and the new drive gear installed and working.

We appreciate that loss of production is loss of earnings so down time has to be minimal.

Working to tight timescales is quite normal for us, this is how we work and we are good at what we do. Sometimes problems are caused by lack of maintenance - and therefore a scheduled programme of maintenance saves panic when breakdowns occur.