In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial operations, staying competitive means constantly re-evaluating your equipment. This has become evident in a recent Gelock project involving the removal of a 3000 ton plastic injection machine that had reached the end of its useful life for a local manufacturer. The project, executed in partnership with OnSite Industrial Services and Padnos, serves as a compelling case study for industrial business owners considering similar upgrades.
The plastics injection machine in question, while an essential part of the local manufacturer’s operations for many years, was built in the 1970s. Although older plastics injection machines can still function, their efficiency often dwindles over time. New technology emerges continually, making older machines cumbersome and less productive. As operational needs evolve, it’s crucial to recognize that specific equipment made for particular tasks may no longer suffice. In this case, it became apparent that it was time to invest in new technology and the plastics injection machine needed to be removed.
The disassembly of the 3000 ton machine was no small feat. Gelock and OnSite, with their teams on site, meticulously dismantled the equipment, with the heaviest piece weighing in at an impressive 225,000 pounds. To move this massive piece required careful planning and execution. After disassembly, Gelock used a 300 ton crane to load the pieces onto a 100-ton lowboy, 11-axle truck trailer – which ensured safe transport to Padnos for scrap.
Transporting heavy equipment is a need that Gelock is founded upon, often removing outdated machines. Businesses eventually realize that operational overhead has become unsustainable due to old technology. Repair costs can escalate quickly, and when a machine requires more attention than it delivers in productivity, it might be time to consider the upgrade.
The importance of modernizing equipment goes beyond merely replacing dated machinery. Businesses can achieve significant savings and increased efficiency by transitioning to new, high-efficiency models. For instance, many industrial facilities are replacing old boilers that once took up considerable space and energy with much smaller, high-efficiency versions. The heavy infrastructure of yesterday’s technology becomes a burden in contemporary manufacturing and industrial practices.
Investing in new equipment can initially seem daunting, but in practice, it can greatly enhance productivity and reduce long-term costs. If your current machinery no longer meets your operational needs, it may be time to take a page from this project and start planning for an upgrade. If you’re unsure if your machine can be repaired or needs to be replaced, contact our sister company, HEL, Inc., an industrial repair expert for help. Once it’s time to move machinery, contact Gelock, no matter how big the project!
