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Northern Fabrication

 Northern Fabrication at Glen Moray Distillery – Elgin 

 

CASE STUDY: Tank Removal from a Narrow Distillery Lane

IDI Services Supports Northern Fabrication at Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin

Client Profile

Northern Fabrication is an engineering and fabrication company working across the north of Scotland. At Glen Moray Distillery on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin, Northern Fabrication was carrying out works that involved lifting a large horizontal storage tank from beside the distillery buildings.

The Challenge

The location made this a demanding lift:

  • The only access was a narrow single-track lane lined with mature trees and fencing
  • Overhanging branches restricted the crane's boom movement
  • The tank was long and bulky, sitting on supports below the level of the lane
  • Neighbouring houses and distillery buildings were close by
  • The lane needed to be kept clear for as short a time as possible

The Solution

IDI Services designed a comprehensive approach using our specialist equipment and expertise:

Phase 1: Survey and Planning

  • Surveyed the lane with Northern Fabrication to measure widths and tree clearances
  • Selected IDI Services' compact crawler crane, working alongside a second crawler crane for a tandem lift

Phase 2: Setting Up

  • Tracked the cranes along the lane and positioned them beside the tank
  • Laid steel plates under the tracks to protect the road surface

Phase 3: The Lift

  • Rigged the tank at both ends with chain slings
  • Lifted it in tandem, keeping it level and clear of trees and fencing
  • Lowered it onto transport for removal

Phase 4: Reinstatement

  • Removed plates and cranes and reopened the lane

The Results

The project was completed with excellent outcomes:

  • Tank lifted and removed safely from a very confined site
  • No damage to trees, fencing, buildings or the road
  • Lane closure kept to a minimum
  • Northern Fabrication's programme kept on track

The IDI Advantage

Distilleries are often in historic, tight locations. IDI Services' compact crawler cranes and careful planning make difficult access lifts like this one routine.

For lifting on distillery and industrial sites with restricted access, contact IDI Services today.