To safely and efficiently handle a throughput of 240,000 tonnes of float glass at
a new Russian facility, Pilkington Plc has invested over one million Euros (about £700,000) in advanced overhead cranes
from UK specialist Street Crane Company.
As part of a joint venture with Emerging Market Partnerships (EMP) UK glass manufacturer, Pilkington has constructed
a float glass plant in the Ramenskoye district in Moscow. This is one of the most advanced float glass plants in the
world and the most modern in Russia.
Glass must be handled with care and precision at every stage of the production process. Street equipment is engineered
to give speed-controlled movement for greatest load stability and precise low-speed placement. Their overhead cranes
are often the first choice for both glass plants and for downstream distribution.
The Moscow contract included the supply, delivery and commissioning of 11 cranes. Installation was undertaken by Pilkington's
own engineering teams. Cranes range in capacity from five to 25 tonnes safe working load and include double girder, single
girder and wall travelling jib cranes. Some of the cranes span bays of 40 metres and all have remote radio operation.
All equipment was built in the UK and shipped overland to Russia. To meet Russian standards, Street had to have company
wide procedures audited and approved by GOST and each crane was evaluated from first principles and certified as compliant
with GGTN standards.
Sales director Keith Rainford commented, "We have collaborated with Pilkington on UK and international projects for
many years. This is the first project we have completed in Russia and we are pleased that the programme ran to schedule."
The Ramenskoye plant began operations in November 2005. Pilkington will operate the plant on behalf of the joint venture
partners.
More UK information:
Keith Rainford, Street Crane Company,
Tel. +44 (0)1298 812456 Fax. +44 (0)1298 814945
e-mail: admin@streetcrane.co.uk Web:
www.streetcrane.co.uk