News

Following a strong performance by Hart Door Systems in the last quarter of 2023, Gordon Kipling, Hart’s Northern Sales Manager reports business levels continue to be robust.

“I think it’s the support and trust shown by our clients in Hart, many of which we have worked for over several decades, which is key,” says Mr Kipling.

A typical example of a continuing relationship with a client is the installation of several Speedor Storms at a major manufacturing plant in North East England.

“The Storms have replaced our older Speedor Super variant. Speedor Storms are designed to withstand harsh environments where exceptional wind resistance is required,” says Mr Kipling.

The rapid roll Speedor Storm is robust with its high-speed opening and closing action, essential in high-traffic situations where constant opening/closing action is vital.

The energy-saving potential of this rapid roll door is high, controlling internal temperatures, escaping dirt, odours and noise.

Special features include; moisture-controlled electrics, mechanical components shielded from dust and dirt, and a unique guide system offering exceptional wind resistance up to class 5 as defined by DIN EN 12424. 

The Speedor Storm is Hart’s  best-selling door, ideal for challenging applications where reliability is essential.

www.hartdoors.com

Enerpac announces two series of workshop presses—the XLP-Series H-Frame Workshop Presses and VLP-Series Benchtop Presses. Whether for differential assembly in the automotive industry, gear components assembly in the aerospace industry, or bearing maintenance in the mining industry, the Enerpac VLP and XLP presses offer superior performance. 

New XLP-Series Workshop Presses
Available in 25-, 50-, and 75-ton models, the XLP-Series Workshop Presses feature adjustable side-to-side cylinder movement, a locking winch for easy height adjustment of the press bed, and high-performance manual, pneumatic or electric pump options with remote valve operation. The 25-ton press has a simple, welded design and the 50- and 75-ton presses have an open frame and bolted design. The 50-and 75-ton models come standard as unassembled kits, and include complete press frame, winch, cylinder, pump with gauge, couplers and hose. 

New VLP-Series Benchtop Presses
Enerpac VLP-Series Benchtop Presses work with manual or air pumps. They feature a welded frame and are available in 10-ton models.

To learn more about the Enerpac VLP and XLP Presses, visit www.enerpac.com. 

When the Horseshoe Inn, a historic 17th Century pub in a small Staffordshire village, wanted a large horseshoe symbolic of its name made from heavy-grade steel, it was unsure where to turn. Fortunately, businessman and Managing Director of successful manufacturing company Hi-line Industries, Steve Smith, lives nearby. Hi-line takes its support for local businesses very seriously, particularly ones that play such an important role in the community. The company therefore gladly stepped in to manufacture the customised horseshoe on the pub’s behalf free of charge.

Hi-line Industries is a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, serving a rapidly expanding customer base across the UK. Although manufacturing large horseshoes is far from core business, the company has the know-how and expertise to turn concepts into reality at its production facility in Burton-upon-Trent. Notably, Hi-line is a proud supporter of the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign, highlighting the passion around British brands and UK manufacturing.

“Our facility in Green Street is only a couple of miles from the village of Tatenhill, home to the Horseshoe Inn,” explains Steve Smith. “I know the pub personally because I live not far away. So when I heard about their requirement, I knew we could help. As a successful company prospering on a national scale, we always try to show our support for enterprising local businesses. We were very pleased to assist such an important establishment as the Horseshoe Inn, which has been at the heart of its community for centuries.”

The Horseshoe Inn is a family-friendly pub with a warm atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home, whether they are drinking or dining. This old village coaching inn, which dates back to the late 1600s, retains much of its charm despite extensive renovation over the years. The wood-panelled public bar has a homely feel and several of the linked rooms feature low-beamed ceilings and assorted breweriana. The new horseshoe custom-made by Hi-line Industries from 10mm thick steel will make a striking addition to this landmark structure and, hopefully, bring lots of luck for many years to come.

Further information is available from: Hi-line Industries Ltd,

Green Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire  DE14 3RT

Telephone: 01283 533377                                           Fax: 01283 533367              

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                      www.hilineindustries.com

5G ATEX-smartphone IS540.x of i.safe MOBILE is part of Nokia’s new offer: Industrial 5G devices as ‘a service’, bundled with Nokia applications Lauda-Koenigshofen, 14 December 2023. i.safe MOBILE, innovation and world market leader for explosion-proof mobile devices and solutions, and industry leader Nokia have announced an international partnership. The intrinsically safe industry 5G-smartphone IS540.x from i.safe MOBILE will be incorporated into the market leading Nokia end-to-end platform for industrial digitalization along with Nokia Private Wireless and edge applications.

Nokia provides network infrastructure, devices and solutions that connect people and machines to enable the digital transformation of industries. In hazardous areas, it is vital that workers are connected using devices that are Ex certified. As a result of this international partnership, Nokia will extend its Industrial device portfolio with i.safe MOBILE’s products to support the connectivity needs of organizations including those in the chemical, pharmaceutical and mining sectors. The world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21, the IS540.1, and the IS540.2 for Zone 2/22 have both been recognized with the prestigious Red Dot award for product design, and are now part of the Nokia end-to-end solution for private wireless infrastructures.

Nokia offers 5G industrial devices deployed over Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) in a subscription-based ‘as-a-Service’ (aaS) model. Application bundles include Nokia Industrial device management, which allows administrators to remotely manage devices and apply group policies to scale management of devices to their entire fleet, Nokia Team Comms and Nokia Network Digital Twin. Moving forward, Nokia will continue to add more types of devices to the managed aaS model. About the IS540.x The IS540.x offers best-in-class performance and is compatible with most global LTE / 5G bands. The 5G industry smartphone enables powerful AI and computing functions, while the 48 MP main camera offers the highest image quality. The IS540.x is certified according to IP68, MIL-STD 810H, international Ex and mining standards. Android Enterprise Recommendation guarantees compatibility with other recommended products and services like MDM systems to manage the fleet of devices. The zero-touch rollout option to integrate communication devices automatically into MDM systems facilitates device setup for IT departments.

Martin Haaf, CEO of i.safe MOBILE, says: "We are pleased to support Nokia with our latest 5G developments thanks to our decades of expertise in the field of explosion-proof mobile devices. The combination of our devices with Nokia solutions offers companies a great added value on their digitalization journey.” i.safe MOBILE and Nokia announce partnership p. 2/2

Martin Beltrop, Head of Industrial Devices, Nokia Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions, says: “For Nokia, it is essential that we can provide our customers with reliable EX-protected devices as part of our end-to-end, Nokia one platform for industrial digitalization. They rely on us to equip their workers with high quality, widely certified handhelds to work safely in hazardous environments.

By partnering with i.safe MOBILE, the undisputed leader in this field, we can offer certified phones as part of our worldwide digital platform.” Press pictures for download can be found here. About i.safe MOBILE i.safe MOBILE GmbH, based in Lauda-Koenigshofen, was founded in 2011 and is global market leader and one of the most innovative developers of mobile communication devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs etc. for safe use in hazardous areas and for robust use in industry and outdoors.

Engineers and specialists at the Lauda-Koenigshofen site develop practice-oriented products and individual, customer-specific software solutions based on legal regulations such as ATEX, IECEx and NEC 500. The i.safe MOBILE R&D team incorporates all international standards into product development and is itself an active member of the relevant standardization committees. In order to meet all explosion protection requirements, the products are developed from scratch. This gives customers worldwide the certainty of using high-quality communication technology at the latest technical level. In addition, i.safe MOBILE cooperates with solution providers in the areas of push-to-talk, mobile device management, maintenance software or lone worker in order to be able to offer complete solutions from a single source. i.safe MOBILE is Silver Partner in Google's Android™ Enterprise Partner Programe. i.safe MOBILE is represented by a subsidiary in Singapore and sales partners in 72 countries in Europe, the USA, Latin America, South Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Asia. Since March 2023, i.safe MOBILE has been strategic partner and investor in the Austrian start-up Senseven. Senseven is the developer of a software and AI-based mobile valve inspection system for industrial assets.

www.isafe-mobile.com

 Arco Professional Safety Services, the UK’s leading safety products and services provider, is expanding its equipment hire capabilities nationwide with new funding into four fully stocked hire centres in key locations across the UK.

The expansion of hire products will enable customers to access a wider range of hire equipment from leading specialist suppliers, including quality-assured confined space, gas detection, respiratory protective and other fall arrest prevention equipment. All hire orders will be available direct from the Arco Bracknell, Doncaster, Linlithgow and Warrington Safety Centres or can be ordered and collected at local Arco stores via a new collection service. 

Arco offers two types of hire solutions, standard hire, for short term requirements with a minimum contract of one week that can be extended as needed and contract hire that is offered for longer terms, up to five years, that also includes inspection, servicing and maintenance of equipment during the hire term.

Alongside this expanded hire proposition, customers can also purchase any of the equipment from Arco’s range of safety products should they require a permanent solution.

Gareth Liptrot, Hire & Maintenance Manager, Arco Professional Safety Services said: “As experts in safety, we are committed to providing a joined-up approach for customers offering accessible, high-quality equipment that can be acquired in the most convenient way.

“Our increased investment in hire stock at our nationwide Safety Centres and our new store collection service demonstrates our commitment to improving customer convenience and will enable greater access to quality stock and ease of service for any job our customers are undertaking.”

To find out more about Arco’s comprehensive hire offering, visit: https://www.arcoservices.co.uk/equipment/equipment-hire

Instant recognition is a life-saver in hazardous conditions.

When worksite visibility decreases, accident risks increase. That’s why you need properly certified, hard-working High-Vis clothing to make you easier to spot on site. Especially in dim, dark and variable light conditions in winter.

Snickers Workwear’s extensive range of High-Vis working clothes suits a wide range of work environments from construction and engineering to handling and logistics; from professional trades to lighter manual work.

https://www.snickersworkwear.com/list/product-guide/make-yourself-seen

There’s Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces in the LITEWork, FLEXIWork AllroundWork and ProtecWork families - a host of different garments to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.

All these 'outstanding' products are integral parts of every man and woman’s PPE package.  Combining Snickers Workwear’s unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and comfort they also meet requirements of the EN20471 standard for high visibility warning clothes.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear range of Hgh-Vis protective wear is easy. You call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk; or you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Superior, Ergonomic Knee Protection

It’s said that hard-working craftsmen and women put more pressure on their knees than many top athletes. That’s why the risk of knee injuries is far higher among trade professionals and manual workers than other occupations.^[1]

One of the best ways to avoid knee problems is to wear Snickers Workwear Trousers with their innovative knee protection – KneeGuard™ - a world-leading, fully certified, trademarked system.

Snickers Workwear has 86 different types of Work trousers in multiple sizes to suit a host different trades and jobs on site - plus 8 different types of Kneepads. Together they deliver hundreds of Work Trouser and Kneepad combinations to effectively deal with different types of knee impacts; the amount of time working on knees; and individual needs for personal protection.

The unique design features of both the Work Trousers and Kneepads deliver flexibility when you walk, yet they close around your knees when you kneel down – to prevent your knees from sliding off the kneepad when moving around on the floor.

So, when you’re seriously considering long-lasting knee protection, look for the Snickers Workwear KneeGuard™ system - tested and certified for performance, efficiency and protection to deliver comfort and wellbeing day in day out.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

^[1] Hultafors Group UK, https://www.snickersworkwear.com/list/stories/save-your-knees .

Today, a staggering 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. Whilst a large proportion of these emissions come from land use and agricultural production, the manufacturing stage alone emits over 2.4 billion tCO2e (Crippa et al). As large players in the food and drink manufacturing industry make plans for reducing emissions, it is vital to consider every way in which this can be done.

Furthermore, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates food production must grow by 60% by 2050 to keep up with the growing world population. With this anticipated growth in the industry, it is even more important to shift the way we manufacture food in order to meet net zero.

How Can Manufacturers Increase Energy Efficiency?

To reduce emissions in food manufacturing, increasing energy efficiency is key.

Upgrading motors is an excellent long-term strategy for saving energy. In regions such as Europe and China, an electric motor’s efficiency is described by its International Efficiency Class (IEC). Food & Drink International (FDI) recently noted that increasing your motor by just one class will decrease energy losses by 20%. To encourage this, IE4 is now the minimum standard in Europe for new installations. Manufacturers should consider upgrading to the most efficient motor possible to lower their energy losses. For example, upgrading from an IE3 to IE5 can help manufacturers reduce their energy losses by 40%, significantly lowering their CO2 emissions.

A recent report for the Department of Climate Change highlighted the benefits of using variable speed drives (VSDs) in the food industry. Traditionally, mechanical control methods like throttles or brakes have been used to manage the speed of fans, pumps, compressors and conveyor belts. Switching to VSDs grants direct control of the motor speed and torque, which also reduces wear and tear on the motor and its machinery, increasing its longevity. This can significantly minimise energy loss - slowing down a motor by 20% can half the amount of electricity used. In fact, VSDs often recoup their cost through energy savings in less than a year, making them a straightforward and cost-effective means of boosting energy efficiency.

Decarbonisation of Heat Processes

To decarbonise the heat process manufacturers must switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy for heating.

Currently, gas boilers still dominate the generation of hot water, steam and hot air within the food industry. Presently, the upfront costs and low fossil fuel prices are the main barriers preventing manufacturers from implementing this change.

However, as we race towards achieving net zero emissions, an increasing number of manufacturers are realising food industry decarbonisation through the electrification of heat is crucial. Globally, as more countries continue to decarbonise their electricity grid, taking this step will continue to become more accessible and cost-effective.

Making the Switch to Sustainable Refrigerants

Whilst the emissions produced by the cold chain exacerbate climate change, the heating effects of climate change necessitate more cold storage. To break this cycle, we must make the cold chain more sustainable.

The cold chain is often overlooked when considering greenhouse gas emitters in the food industry, but it accounts for 4% of Global Greenhouse Gas emissions – equal to that of the entire continent of Africa. Furthermore, recent reports show the UK will require an additional 785,030 m² (8.45 million ft²) of cold storage by 2025. Therefore, the need for a more efficient and sustainable cold chain is more pressing than ever.

The UN notes that one important way to make the cold chain more sustainable is by reducing non-CO2 emissions from refrigerants. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used to be the norm in the industry, until it was discovered they are an extremely potent greenhouse gas. HFC-134a, the most common sort, has a global warming potential 3400 times that of carbon dioxide. Despite 152 states, including the EU, having ratified the Kigali agreement (a pledge to massively reduce the production and use of HFCs), there is still a lot of work to be done.

As shown in the figure below, 33% of cold stores built in the last five years are still using HFCs. More positively, CO2 is gaining popularity as it is a natural refrigerant and a great green alternative. Unlike traditional synthetic refrigerants, it has a significantly lower global warming potential. Ensuring manufacturers halt the use of HFCs in refrigeration systems and choose a more sustainable option is key to making the cold chain more sustainable.

Image source: Cold Chain Federation’s 2023 Cold Chain Report

Extend Lifespan of Food and Drink Assets Using Industrial Coatings and Composites

Among these tactics, protective coatings and epoxy repair composites have a key role to perform in the decarbonisation of the food and drink industry. Opting to use coatings and composites extends the working life of machinery, equipment and structures.

Companies like Belzona offer a wide range of coatings and composites. Many of them meet national and international standards for food contact and drinking water such as approval from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS), and Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This makes them particularly well-suited for the food and beverage industry.

In this industry, food waste is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Belzona’s fast application process minimises downtime, reducing product loss and keeping waste to a minimum. By focusing on repair and protection, Belzona helps food manufacturers operate more sustainably while also extending the lifespan of equipment.

Case Study: Corrosion Protection for Drinking Water Tank

This drinking water tank repair at a Food Manufacturer in Poland exemplifies Belzona’s rapid and sustainable repairs. The deterioration of the concrete within the tank was leading to poorer water quality, necessitating an urgent fix. Traditional methods, like using more concrete, would have led to a lengthy shutdown, increasing waste and incurring high costs. Moreover, this wouldn't prevent the issue from recurring. Instead, the Customer chose to use Belzona to repair and coat the tank, providing them with a long-term solution, and a quick application time.

First, the corroded walls needed to be rebuilt before a protective coating could be applied. After conditioning with Belzona 4911 (Magma TX Conditioner), the damaged areas of the substrate were rebuilt using Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz). Once the concrete was rebuilt, a coating needed to be applied to protect the walls of the water tank from further corrosion.

 Tank after rebuilding with Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz)

The chosen coating was Belzona 5811DW2 (DW Immersion Grade), a 2-part epoxy coating which provides outstanding chemical resistance and is ideal for use in the food and drink industry as it is solvent-free and has WRAS approval for contact with potable water.

First, the entire contents of the base and solidifier containers were mixed thoroughly until a uniform colour was achieved. The first coat of Belzona 5811DW2 (DW Immersion Grade), could then be spray applied to the tank. Later that day, a second coat was applied in the same manner, completing the two-coat system and ensuring maximum corrosion protection. This repair significantly extended the lifespan of this piece of equipment, showcasing Belzona’s sustainable solutions within the food and drink industry.

Drinking water tank repaired and protected with Belzona

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of the Food Manufacturing Industry

Ultimately, to achieve net-zero emissions in global food manufacturing by 2050, a multifaceted approach considering every possible strategy is key. Improving energy efficiency, switching to more sustainable energy sources and adjusting energy-intensive processes like heating and cooling to make them as sustainable as possible are just a few examples. Extending machinery and equipment lifespan via repair and protection systems, such as those offered by Belzona, is a key strategy for food manufacturers who are working towards reducing their environmental footprint.

Want to learn more about Belzona’s solutions for the Food and Drink Industry?

Click Here to Learn More

www.belzona.com

Among many notable recent successes, Hoist & Winch Ltd has come to the assistance of a large UK plant rental company with a very specific request. The company wanted a bespoke electric-powered winch lifting system to raise and lower large vinyl-type sheets in a purpose-built ‘wet area’. With no challenge too demanding, Hoist & Winch stepped up to the task.

At the heart of the Hoist & Winch system are four floor-mounted Yale RPE 400V three-phase winches offering 150kg swl (safe working load) and 20 Pfaff roof-mounted diverter pulleys coupled to four 12m long tubular spreader beams. Each winch raises and lowers one of the 12 m long spreader beams which attach to the vinyl sheet via load-bearing karabiner clips. Each vinyl sheet weighs approximately 60kg.

The customer can operate all four winches individually via their own wall-mounted, low-voltage pendant controls, allowing the lifting of a single vinyl sheet as required at any time. The innovative winch system raises the vinyl sheets safely and in a level position. This capability permits easy drying of the vinyl sheets after pressure washing, a process that removes any unwanted residual substances from the most recent hire job.

Each winch sits in purpose-manufactured mounting frames secured to the floor using four Hilti expansion anchors. The frame design allows orientation of the winch rope pay out at 90° to the first diverter pulley.

The room in which the washing, lifting, drying and lowering of vinyl sheets takes place is a purpose-built and enclosed ‘wet area’ with a cambered floor and drainage around the perimeter to support the removal of excess water during cleaning. Hoist & Winch Ltd provided PVC weather covers for the winch control panels to ensure safety at all times.

Ultimately, the system designed by Hoist & Winch Ltd significantly improves the whole operation to facilitate a quicker and far less labour-intensive turnaround of the vinyl sheets during busy periods of hire.

The scope of supply for Hoist & Winch Ltd included all pre-installation survey work to ensure correct the alignment and positioning of each winch, diverter pulley and all associated equipment, including top and bottom hook geared limit switches. The company also provided installation (using electric scissor lifts for working at height) over a seven-day period and subsequent commissioning. Further responsibilities included all wiring and load testing of the whole system. Once complete, Hoist & Winch Ltd issued a LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) ‘Thorough Examination’ report.

To ensure smooth handover, Hoist & Winch Ltd undertook comprehensive operator training covering: overview of the winch units and main components; operating controls and features; periodic checks and lubrication; annual inspection, service and certification requirements; and practical operation by each operator.

Hoist & Winch Ltd Director Andy Allen says: “This project set out a number of important stipulations to which we had to respond comprehensively and efficiently. A successful outcome that meets with the project’s ambitions, delivered on-time and on-budget, is our primary aim. Once again our professional and experienced team of engineers here at Hoist & Winch Ltd came up with a safe, reliable, high-performance solution to the satisfaction of our valued customer.”

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.