Each January, Boral delivers a planned shutdown at its Berrima Cement Works facility in New South Wales, an event that Coates Industrial Solutions has supported for 27 years through equipment hire, onsite tool stores and experienced personnel.
During a recent shutdown, in addition to the planned maintenance activities, Boral required a spot cooling system to provide temperature relief for the contractors servicing the kiln’s conveyor in the 50-plus degree heat of the shed.
Boral has successfully managed this challenge for the past seven years with another supplier, but it was the first time the company called on Coates to provide a cooling solution. Harnessing the collective expertise of its Industrial Solutions and Power and HVAC teams, Coates devised an in-house solution to rapidly reduce the temperature and ensure the continuity of Boral’s operations.
According to Kurt Edwards, Power and HVAC manager at Coates, the Power and HVAC division implemented a standalone spot cooling system positioned above the kiln’s heated clinker conveyor belt. This solution effectively addressed the critical needs of Boral.
Jimmy Cergovski, Industrial Solutions manager for NSW at Coates, underscored the key role played by the seamless integration of the company’s Industrial Solutions and Power and HVAC divisions in achieving a successful outcome for Boral.
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“The onsite tool store played a central role in coordinating efforts, helping us to avoid multiple phone calls and potential delays,” said Cergovski. “Both departments collaborated closely to provide a comprehensive solution, a critical factor within the demanding thermal and ventilation conditions.”
This collaborative effort ensured maintenance works could continue safely and on schedule.
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when two specialised areas of our business collaborate with a focused commitment to customer service,” Cergovski added.
The process, from preparing the spot cooling equipment at the branch to getting the system up and running onsite, was completed in 36 hours. “From start to finish, this whole operation went very smoothly and highlighted Coates’ ability to respond rapidly and appropriately to the immediate needs of our customers, which is key to what we do,” said Edwards.
The capabilities of Coates Power and HVAC ensured that Boral avoided common outsourcing complications, such as coordination delays and additional costs. The success of this operation highlights the advantages of Coates’ in-house management of complex challenges.
“By handling everything internally, we offered Boral a streamlined, more efficient process, from communication to invoicing,” said Edwards.
Mick Davis, the asset planning superintendent at Boral’s Berrima plant, emphasised the benefits brought by Coates with its strategic investments in its fleet and progressive project approach.
“Given Coates’ commitment to delivering innovative, top-tier and cost-effective equipment and solutions, it’s a clear choice for us to partner with them,” said Davis. “Their recent HVAC solution for our shutdown exemplifies Coates’ dedication to meeting our specific requirements.”
Cergovski notes the value of Coates’ ability to integrate different specialties within the company for future project success. “There’s a lot of projects that Coates has looked at with customers where both our expertise from Industrial Solutions and Power and HVAC are needed,” he said.
This approach positions Coates for a future where collaboration among its various divisions will continue to deliver efficient and comprehensive solutions.
Coates Industrial Solutions and Coates Power and HVAC, through their collaborative efforts, have proven to be invaluable partners for industry leaders like Boral.
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