Handling granite and quartz slabs in the workshop requires a good crane system. Our largest slabs of black granite can weigh in at over 600kg, and manhandling is out of the question. We have installed an overhead crane from AG Cranes of Redditch, Warwickshire.
The position of the new workshop, with large doors at both front and rear will enable us to off load from a lorry and carry in by crane directly into the new stock warehousing area without interrupting work in the workshop itself. Slabs can then be moved forward into the saw area on the same crane. We have two gantries so that both processes can occur at the same time. Each one has a control box that hangs off it, enabling staff to move the massive slabs at the touch of a button.
The workshop has already been reorganised into the cutting area in the refurbished building and CNCs and polishing trestles in what was our old workshop. Slabs will now move from warehouse to the saws, then through a large opening cut between the two workshop areas, and into the polishing shop to have cutouts and edge profiles finished. Finished kitchen worktops in granite, quartz or Dekton can then move out through the old doors onto the vans for installation across the South East and into London.
The pillar system was already in place before the reroofing was finished.
The running girder for the overhead gantries was partially installed on the left side of the workshop at this point.
The crane arriving.
There is a chunkiness to a 2-tonne crane which has to appeal to any Tonka toy fan.
…and a colourfulness…
One gantry assembly ready to be lifted in.
Gantry being moved into place.
Wiring for the motorised gantry system.
We teased the boss that he must have found it rather limiting to have to buy a crane from a company that practically shares our logo! Jobs a good ‘un, AG Cranes!
For more information on products and installations from AG cranes, see here.
Photos: Andrew King Photography
