The Keys to Successful Manufacturing Equipment Installation (Part 3)

By Andre Harris, Vice President, A M King

This is Part 3 in our three-part series about manufacturing equipment installation. See Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them. This time we’re focusing on the finer points of this complex process and sharing client results.

A M King experts are adept at dealing with challenges associated with complex manufacturing equipment installation.

Prior to installation, we consider:

• Confined or tight working spaces
• Time constraints
• Extreme sensitivity of the equipment
• Safety concerns

Our planning process is comprehensive in its scope, contains contingencies in the case of unforeseen situations, and ultimately has a written standard of success completion that can be acknowledged by all parties involved.

Based on manufacturer’s information, machine weight, center of gravity, pick points, and clear dimensions, we create a formal plan that ensures all machine and existing building interferences are avoided; client employees are notified; the lifting equipment has sufficient capacity and range to safely move the equipment; and rigging accessories are approved for the specific task.

When the machines are delivered in crates in pieces, we work with the manufacturer’s representative to review parts and determine an assembly strategy. We then transport them in parts to the designated location in the facility and we’re ready for the installation itself, the duration of which is minor compared to the preparation phase.

A M King recently completed a project related to installation of seven, 30-ton test benches for ZF Transmissions Gray Court. Similarly to the GE grinding machines, we began preparing a detailed plan for integrating the test benches into the company’s existing operation while they were being manufactured overseas.

When the equipment began its journey across the Atlantic from Germany, A M King coordinated with the carrier and assembled the required manpower, materials and gear. Our plans documented our strategy for unloading, unpackaging, and equipment rigging and setting.

Not only had we prepared spaces for the test benches within the ZF facility — including installation of all required utilities — but we also planned how to move the behemoth gear into the building and to designated locations. Our teams of logistics experts and subcontractors were ready to receive the equipment, ensuring a timely and efficient delivery and set up.

Because A M King took ownership of this project months before the equipment arrived, and managed transportation of the equipment, our relationship with the client is enriched. ZF is able to carry on with production while we handle the intricacies of this complex project.

For GE, the installation of four grinding machines gave the company the ability to grind any part at any angle beyond specifications required to bring value to that part.

Another significant benefit is that they have the option to outsource this service. We allowed our client to return to doing what they do, which is manufacturing. We handled all design, construction, logistics, impact studies and construction liability. We were also able to handle the commissioning and management and deliver a piece of equipment that is producing a part on time and under budget.

For every equipment installation project, we leverage our existing knowledge of our client’s manufacturing facilities to bring value and efficiency, managing the process from the time the idea is born through equipment commissioning.

Click here to catch Parts 1 or 2 in this series. Be sure to follow A M King on LinkedIn and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter.