Project overview & challenge
Frank Roberts & Sons Bakery, based in Northwich, needed to relocate a large industrial 6-zone bread oven from one building to another on their site. The project required a solution that minimised disruption to production while ensuring the safe handling of the oven, with each section weighing 8,000kg.
The initial plan was to dismantle the oven into its six individual zones and move them through the existing production line. However, this would have required stopping production for five days, which was not a viable option. An alternative proposal to lift the oven sections through the bakery roof with a crane raised concerns about the machine's structural integrity due to its age and condition. This posed significant risks and required a creative, safe, and reliable solution.
Our solution
To overcome these challenges, we designed and manufactured a bespoke lifting frame to securely lift the oven sections with a crane. Our designer visited the site to take detailed measurements of the oven zones before creating a custom design using 3D Autodesk software. The design included a full stress analysis and calculations approved by chartered engineers to ensure it could safely handle the load.
Once the designs were finalised, the lifting frame was fabricated by our skilled team, powder-coated yellow for visibility, and labeled with Safe Working Load signage. The frame was then delivered to the site, where it was used to safely lift the oven sections through the roof. This approach avoided disruption to production and provided a timely, professional solution tailored to the client’s needs.
Project results
The project was completed successfully, allowing Frank Roberts & Sons Bakery to relocate their 6-zone bread oven without halting production. By lifting the oven sections through the roof with the bespoke lifting frame, the bakery avoided a five-day shutdown, saving both time and operational costs.
"We're incredibly pleased with GRC Engineering's support on this project. Their bespoke lifting solution was safe, efficient, and allowed us to avoid production downtime. The team's expertise and professionalism were outstanding."
