UTC has partnered with Crown for over 30 years moving can lines, spare parts, finished goods and raw materials around the world to support new plants and expansions to existing plants. A skilled UTC Team has assisted in these efforts developing a keen understanding of the equipment and providing outstanding service that has made Crown a satisfied customer who has contracted with UTC on over 40 projects. When it was time to add a third line to a plant in Nichols, New York, Crown knew that UTC had the experience and knowledge to manage the job.
In 2016, A Crown Greenfield project sprung up amid the grassy fields in Nichols, New York. This high speed can manufacturing plant was constructed in an economically depressed area on the northern Pennsylvania border bringing jobs to the area. Once the building construction was complete, UTC amassed equipment from multiple sources around the world and coordinated delivery of the new can lines. It was the first Crown facility to be constructed in the United States in 20 years.
In 2019, when it was time to expand and add a new line, Crown again relied on UTC to make it happen. Equipment and parts were again sourced globally and carefully scheduled for arrival at the Nichols plant. Sequencing of the decorator, washer, cupping press, conveyor, trimmers, ovens and process equipment all had to be properly planned to accommodate the crew waiting at the plant to get the line up and running to meet an increased production schedule that was dependent on this third line.
“A complex process such as this has many moving parts. UTC is fortunate to have an expert team in place to make the necessary arrangements to move this equipment seamlessly. Pat Edger and Theresa Dunleavy have worked with Crown for years and know the equipment and the proper order for delivery. They are attuned to every detail and work diligently to keep the project on track and within budget. They are our boots on the ground that make it happen,” remarks Bryan Fathauer, UTC Vice President Midwest Region.
The full production line consisted of over 100 truckloads of cargo - comprised of containerized freight and 10 - 12 oversized loads. The heaviest piece was the cupper weighing in at over 70 tons. A drop deck trailer was required to evenly distribute the weight for transport of this heavy piece. It was an oversize load that required permits and an escort. UTC’s Philadelphia office orchestrated the transport of all components. Their dedication and hands-on methods allowed them to avert obstacles smoothing the way for final delivery. As a single source solutions provider, UTC was able to pack, move, clear and position the equipment for use on the production floor.
“Based on the trust we have developed with Crown, we were tasked with moving these high ticket pieces of machinery to facilitate their plant expansion in December. This is not an opportune time in that region due to cold, wet weather. We encountered a few issues but with intense risk planning ahead of time, we were able to adapt and make changes quickly to keep the project rolling. Adding to the complexity of the job, the plant was fully operational so scheduling deliveries and placements had to be coordinated with multiple parties so as not to interrupt operations. All equipment had to come together in a short amount of time so constant communication with all stakeholders and maintaining a degree of flexibility brought this move to a successful completion,” states Pat Edger, UTC Branch Manager.
Crown executives interviewed onsite the day of the move stated that UTC was able to overcome all the different roadblocks. They agreed that UTC had the knowledge to move large difficult pieces and help track and push everything through. In addition, Crown has a strict safety culture and they knew they could rely on UTC to maintain the same level of precautions. They were pleased that despite the transport taking place over a holiday weekend and during inclement weather, UTC completed the move on time and met their deadlines.
www.utcoversea...
Follow UTC on social media!
/ utcoverseas
/ utcoverseas
/ utco. .
/ utc_overseas
www.utcoversea...
21 авг 2024
