Morris Win Crane Order for a New Concrete Segment Production Factory for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link

27/05/2002
Morris Material Handling was recently selected to supply a 10 Tonne single girder crane and 36 metre supporting gantry for a new concrete segment production factory for part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. With a span of 18 metres and a 7 metre height of lift, the pendant controlled overhead travelling crane will be utilised in the vacuum lifting of pre-cast concrete segments used to build the Thames Tunnels. These large concave shaped segments have a depth of approximately 12 inches and measure approximately 1 metre wide by 2 metres in length. The smooth operating controls of the crane and special design features, including IP55 protection from dust and water, ensure the safe and efficient manoeuvring of the segments within the factory. Morris designed the crane to suit the customer’s exact requirements and operating perimeters within the factory, which included adapting the girder of the crane to fit within the roof of the factory building to provide the maximum height of lift for the concrete segments.

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Morris won the order from Joint venture participants Hochtief AG and J Murphy & Sons Limited. Following the installation of the crane Morris’ Training Institute provided the crane operators with safe crane operation and the safe operation of auxiliary equipment for vacuum lifting, for the newly appointed crane operators. The aim of these three-day interactive courses was to enable the operator to use the crane and hoist safely and efficiently. Slinging and centre of gravity assessment is included, along with basic un-laden control and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Morris tailor their course components to exact customer requirements. Legal regulations are featured in the programmes to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.