Vertical access and working at height solutions are ongoing issues for many companies and industries. One company that will exhibit at BULK 2024 is the Alimak Group.
Encompassing some of Australia’s essential commodities, the bulk solids handling industry is a cornerstone of the local economy and critical to global security. But with rising skills shortages and an ageing workforce, how do we secure the future of this vital sector? With technology advancing and automation on the rise, these technologies will be crucial to the industry’s success in years to come.
There are technological and safety solutions that apply to the construction industry. Dealing with large volumes of materials or bulky supplies is an enormous hazard and can impact the most experienced staff. The construction and infrastructure industries can learn a lot from the bulk handling industry, and it’s why attending an expo dedicated to this area can be vital to ongoing business success.
The Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK) will return to Melbourne in September 2024, connecting people to people and business to business. At the same time, it is an opportunity to showcase solutions that will help the bulk solids handling industry move their products to where they are needed most – both domestically and internationally.
The event will feature an expansive trade show showcasing the latest industry solutions and hosting an informative two-day conference discussing how businesses can take the next step to remain cutting-edge in a constantly changing world.
Who is exhibiting?
At first glance, it might seem that a major iron ore mine, a cement plant, or a grain shipping terminal don’t have much in common. However, they each use similar equipment like conveyors, silos, hoppers, and more to move their materials from one point to another.
They are also grappling with a labour shortage. Skilled labour has also become more challenging to find and much harder to retain. Jobs and Skills Australia found that the shortage is being driven by the continued tightness in labour market conditions. This reflects either a lack of people with the essential technical skills or those with the right skills and qualities who aren’t willing to apply for vacancies under current pay and working conditions. Occupations with a strong gender imbalance were also more likely to be in shortage.
A range of strategies are being implemented across the country to help address the issue, but there is no silver bullet. It has led many organisations to look at innovations like autonomous machinery to help increase their efficiencies as much as possible, whether it’s a port, mine, or manufacturer.
Alimak Group is a global provider of sustainable premium height solutions. With a presence in more than 120 countries, the Group develops, manufactures, sells, and services vertical access and working at height solutions, focusing on adding customer value through enhanced safety, higher productivity, and improved cost efficiency.
Andrew Mercieca is the Sales Manager of Industrial, Light Range & Transport Platforms for Alimak Group Australia. He’s been working for Alimak for 20 years across all facets of the business.
“When I mean every facet of the business, I mean it,” Mercieca says. “I’ve worked everything from installation and service to operations and customer solutions. Alimak has been providing vertical access solutions to the construction, industrial and mining sectors for over 70 years.”
Challenges
In Mercieca’s eyes, each site presents unique challenges for any installation. This means that a one-size-fits-all approach
will never work.
“While we have a standard range of lifts and materials hoists, we more often than not tailor a custom solution to suit the customer,” he says. “We have local design and engineering facilities available. The engineering teams in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Asia ensure our customers receive the high-quality products they need.”
It’s also the bridges and tunnels that see Alimak play a key role in major projects all over the world. Thompson points out that there are some enormous bridges in China that Alimak has worked on, including the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province.
The installation of an Alimak SC 65/32 Construction Hoist saw workers reach the top of each of the two towers more than 310 metres above the bridge deck, which will be more than 600 metres above the canyon floor. When completed in 2025, it will be the world’s highest bridge.
“It’s important that we also work on road and rail tunnels,” Thompson says. “For example, there is a lift at the centre of one of the road tunnels in Melbourne. It’s designed for four fully-kitted firemen with breathing apparatus to access the tunnel if anything were to go wrong. It shows the interesting challenges that need unique solutions to make it happen.”
Alimak provides a range of equipment, from materials-only hoists to personal and materials solutions, with capacities ranging from 500kg to around 12000kg. The sky is the limit regarding capacity.
BULK2024
BULK2024 will be held from 10 am–5 pm on 18 and 19 September 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will connect leading companies from across the bulk solids handling sector. Exhibitors can examine the role these technologies have within the industry, how to use them to their advantage, and what else can be done to further improve efficiencies.
Such an event provides a significant opportunity for companies such as Alimak to showcase their range of materials and personnel vertical access solutions.
“We are hoping to connect with potential partners in this field, among others. The important thing is that we are offering a solution that reduces injuries and improves safety. If companies are moving materials more efficiently without having staff getting potentially injured, that’s a positive outcome for the business,” says Mercieca.
Exhibition sales are still available – go to https://www.bulkhandlingexpo.com.au/benefits-of-exhibiting.