The existing roller conveyer was too short to be able to deliver rods that become longer when rolled down to some customers and therefore needed to be extended. Therefore, Ovako came up with a solution to meet the need, which involved installing two new sections and moving the old equipment to the end of the runway.
− The reason why we chose to cooperate with Jernbro was that we got a complete solution with them, which included electricity, mechanics and pipes. It is clearly easier to coordinate a few suppliers than several, continues Michael.
− The project was carried out during a holiday break and was therefore time pressured and needed to be carried out in a special sequence. For example, we had to dismantle the old equipment before the construction workers could cast the foundation for the new part and start work on the expansion. Since there were no dimensioned drawings, we needed to make measurements and adjustments. Once complete, lifting, moving and installation of the new conveyer sections could be done, as well as of the old. Furthermore, pipes for compressed air and gas have been moved and restored and the new roller conveyors are connected to the existing system with central lubrication. The work involved a lot of welding outdoors, which made us dependent on the weather, says Morgan Ferm, Maintenance Mechanic at Jernbro.
Jimmy Sjögren, Group Manager Electricity at Jernbro:
− In terms of electricity, we have disconnected and connected the existing conveyer and the new sections. Considering the heat generated during hot rolling, electrical wiring wears out faster than usual. Therefore, we also took the opportunity to replace it. We also supplemented with lighting installation in the new part. As usual, we finished by testing the functionality of the electricity to check that it worked as intended.
− Ovako asked for competent personnel who could work during their maintenance break and we have certainly delivered. The work has had a god flow, which probably is based on the fact that project meetings were held from the start with all the professional groups involved. It contributed to respect for each other’s work and reduced the risk of accidents. The project has been interesting and it feels particularly good since several departments from Jernbro are involved. In parallel, our electricians and mechanics also carried out another project together with Ovako. I have understood that we thereby contributed to Ovako being able to get both projects completed, says Martin Andersson, Regional Manager Maintenance East at Jernbro.
− The cooperation in the project group with production and maintenance staff at Ovako, Jernbro and the construction company has worked excellently, despite the time pressure. It has clearly been the best part of the project and enabled us to go into operation according to plan, concludes Michael.
Ovako is a leading European manufacturer of component steel for customers in the ball bearing, transport and manufacturing industries.