Pilkington Install Eleven UK Cranes in Russian Glass Plant

As part of a joint venture with Emerging Market Partnerships (EMP) UK glass manufacturer, Pilkington has constructed a float glass plant in the Ramenskoye district in Moscow. This is one of the most advanced float glass plants in the world and the most modern in Russia.

Glass must be handled with care and precision at every stage of the production process. Street equipment is engineered to give speed-controlled movement for greatest load stability and precise low-speed placement. Their overhead cranes are often the first choice for both glass plants and for downstream distribution.

The Moscow contract included the supply, delivery and commissioning of 11 cranes. Installation was undertaken by Pilkington's own engineering teams. Cranes range in capacity from five to 25 tonnes safe working load and include double girder, single girder and wall travelling jib cranes. Some of the cranes span bays of 40 metres and all have remote radio operation.

All equipment was built in the UK and shipped overland to Russia. To meet Russian standards, Street had to have company wide procedures audited and approved by GOST and each crane was evaluated from first principles and certified as compliant with GGTN standards.

Sales director Keith Rainford commented, "We have collaborated with Pilkington on UK and international projects for many years. This is the first project we have completed in Russia and we are pleased that the programme ran to schedule." The Ramenskoye plant began operations in November 2005. Pilkington will operate the plant on behalf of the joint venture partners.