Situation

The Ballarat production facility of Mars Wrigley currently exports to 17 countries and started producing M&Ms in 1986. Last year alone it manufactured more than 5 billion M&Ms. If lined up end to end, that would be a distance equivalent of travelling around Australia 3.5 times!

Access systems were required for the existing roof top HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) plant. Large pipes hindered easy access to the equipment making maintenance extremely difficult for personnel.

A sloping roof pitch added to the complexity of the project as did the tight clearances around, over and under piping.

 

Solution

The SAYFA Design and Engineering Teams worked closely with the installer. An existing customer, when PJM made contact with our team they were unsure which products would be suitable, given the restricted access around the existing HVAC systems already in place. Having never used KOMBI before, they were unfamiliar with the system, but after assessing the project KOMBI was suggested as an ideal solution.

“The modularity of KOMBI meant choosing this system for the project was actually a no-brainer”, commented Jeremy Parker, SAYFA Corporate Business Manager, who took on the project management.

“When providing the client with a solution it can be difficult for them to visualise exactly how it will satisfy their needs. With the use of the KOMBI Builda we designed some initial concepts of the Stair, Platform and Crossover Systems. The KOMBI Builda outputs 3D models as well as various line drawings which make the project come alive in the client’s eyes.”

Examples of the drawings produced at the conceptual stage by the KOMBI BUILDA.

 

Once these concepts were presented to the client and the approval given, the SAYFA Design Team then produced fully detailed and engineered design drawings specifically to accommodate the existing pipework and the degree of roof incline.

Fabrication began on three KOMBI Crossovers and an Access Platform and the components were delivered to site. Installation by PJM’s personnel was easily carried out and trouble free.

Jeremy commented, “Site measurements had been taken prior to manufacture but there are often miscalculations, particularly when dealing with intricate pipeline networks. With KOMBI, on-site modifications can be easily made using the patented KOMBI T-Bolt. This was definitely a comforting factor for the installer.”

“An additional benefit is that the installation of KOMBI Stairs and Platforms require no specialist tools or on-site welding, which makes the job even easier.” he added.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems can often be a complex web of pipes and equipment and can offer many challenges to access.

When designing stairs, platforms and crossover systems to fit in with existing systems in these locations taking exact measurements can be hit and miss. When using traditional fully welded systems, if incorrect measurements are provided for manufacture and these differ from the actual site conditions, major problems in the install can be experienced. Significant cost and timeline blow outs can result.

KOMBI Stair and Platform Systems are adjustable and ensure that should your system need some modification once it arrives to site, this can be easily done in situ and without the requirement for a total system redesign.

For ease of installation, the patented KOMBI T-Bolt does away with the need for on-site welding and fabrication. Systems can be adjusted to cater for undulating land or uneven surfaces. With innovation behind its creation, the whole KOMBI Modular System is designed to be flexible and installer friendly.

KOMBI Systems are manufactured from lightweight aluminium which offers several advantages against steel. Steel has long been the traditional material of choice throughout industry so why would you select aluminium? Read our article “Aluminium vs Steel – Which Should You Choose?” where we provide a detailed and unbiased comparison.

The KOMBI T-Bolt – unlocking the key to modularity!

 

Proudly Australian owned and manufactured, when lightweight, easy to install systems are required KOMBI Aluminium Modular Stair and Platforms provide the answer.

Contact the team for your next project on 1300 072 651 or info@kombiaccess.com.

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Find out more about the unique KOMBI Stair and Access Platform Systems.