Fixed path: Custom lift replaces forklift for transporting goods to 2nd floor

Cardinal Glass Industries recently expanded its insulated glass window operation in Waxahachie, Texas, to increase its production capacity. The project also aimed to improve quality by treating window channels before they are transported to the second floor for assembly. The company installed a highly customized vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) that could handle 24-foot items.

Prior to the plant expansion, a forklift with a 17-foot extension lifted the channels to the second level. Though somewhat cumbersome, the process was sufficient to lift the unfilled channels. With the new plan to fill the channels prior to transport to the second floor, the company sought a safer, more secure lifting method.

On the ground floor is a 26-foot-wide, single-panel powered vertical-slide gate that opens and closes with the push of a button. On the second floor is a double panel, horizontal sliding gate that acts as a climate barrier to keep dust and air conditioning out.

“We are very happy with the lift,” says Brady Hallock, maintenance manager. “It is safe and has allowed us to move the channel prep area to the first floor, providing seamless transport to the second floor.”

PFlow Industries
414-352-9000
pflow.com