HAN-TEK’s Crane Upgrade Cuts Steel Recycler’s Handling By Two-Thirds

Increased crane capacity allows U.S. bar mill to slash waste and energy consumption

(VICTOR, N.Y., Feb. 9, 2005) – HAN-TEK, Inc., has installed a Billet-Crane Upgrade that will save its customer enough in reduced waste and energy consumption to recoup the investment in two years.

HAN-TEK’s customer, a bar mill operated by the largest U.S. producer and recycler of steel, generates 500,000 tons of steel per year, primarily for the structural, agricultural and automotive industries. Skyrocketing prices for scrap steel had motivated the customer to embark on a multi-phase effort to boost yields and reduce per-unit costs, primarily by increasing its capacity to handle much larger steel billets.

As part of that effort, HAN-TEK obtained and arranged for the refurbishment and installation of two 40-ton billet cranes complete with magnet service. The cabs and controls are air-conditioned to provide worker comfort and prolonged mechanical performance in an environment that reaches 160° F. HAN-TEK also inspected the cranes and reconfigured the controls.

But HAN-TEK’s involvement in the recycler’s solution didn’t end there, says Todd VandeSande, vice president of HAN-TEK. “We also worked closely with our customer’s engineers to design a structure to house the new cranes, and to ensure that the cranes would be compatible with existing machinery as well as with the customer’s new furnace.”

VandeSande adds: “We at HAN-TEK are especially gratified when our work helps a customer improve its competitive position. Improved efficiency and dramatic cost savings are the kinds of goals that compel our customers and prospects to take a closer look at what HAN-TEK can do for them.”

The HAN-TEK Billet-Crane Upgrade also features easier, less frequent maintenance.

HAN-TEK, Inc., customizes advanced automation technology to develop and optimize turnkey manufacturing-assembly and product-distribution systems for customers in a variety of industries. Founded in 1961, HAN-TEK specializes in cranes, conveyors and systems automation.