[INDUSTRY NEWS] Global Partners


Hydra-Slide equipment is utilized globally on projects ranging from mega infrastructure and tunnels projects to equipment installations. The manufacturer, also based in Ontario, has cultivated a variety of partnerships— UK-based Rapid Response Solutions is its European partner, for instance—each of which is tailored to the company, its target audiences, and the marketplace. As Smith put it: “We have a handful of


partners worldwide, some focus on rental, others distribution, and there are those that are more oriented for onsite support. The common thread between all of them is that we work to the same ideals with our partners without being bound to a specific model. This means working transparently and unselfishly to provide an unmatched product with unrivalled service, whether that is sale or rental.” She added: “It’s positive all around—


our Canadian customers have a source for equipment rentals; more companies will be introduced to our brand and have a chance to use it without the full investment of equipment purchase; and Equipment Corps will have new tool to offer to the industry. Plus, we are supporting the local economy through our manufacturing, sales and distribution endeavors.” Equipment Corps has invested in a


XLP150 system as a direct result of the rental agreement. The 150-ton capacity extreme low profile XLP150, meanwhile, features a 1.25-inch (32mm) profile, and is suitable for applications where overhead space or clearance is limited, such as inside buildings or within live power stations. It is the most compact system designed by Hydra-Slide and is rated for 250 ton push and 150 ton pull function. As Habza explained, the fleet will expand and evolve in line with market demand. He said: “To begin, we will work closely with Hydra-Slide to establish the ins and outs of their products. Once we gain enough confidence in each other we hope to work with the product independently. Training will remain a 100% joint effort.” Smith concluded: “Equipment Corps


has positioned itself as a supplier of some of the top brands in the heavy lift and moving industry. They’re taking the time to learn our product line and how it fits into the broader picture of a project. Only by understanding all these aspects can a partner truly promote the products confidently and successfully. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.” y


12 JULY–AUGUST 2019


Straightpoint Unveils First Authorized Calibration Centers


> Straightpoint (SP) has named the first regional distributors to be titled Authorized Calibration Centers, as the load cell manufacturer looks to expand the services available to customers close to the point of use. Calibration—correlation of the readings


of an instrument to check accuracy—is a crucial component of force measurement. Authorized centers, some of which previously offered calibration services, will need a highly accurate hydraulic test machine equipped with a reference load cell that gives traceability to national standards. Importantly, the requirements for traceability will change from one country to the next. All personnel performing calibration will undergo training by SP and centers will supply copies of third-party calibration certificates for their test machines annually. David Mullard, business development


manager at SP, said: “If an instrument is not calibrated, it defeats the object of using one to monitor a lift, if it’s not a true and accurate measure of the load. Safety starts with accurate measurement.” SP currently calibrates load cells at its


Havant, Hampshire headquarters up to 350t capacity in both tension and compression— and will continue to do so. However, its range of equipment is used in below-the-hook and other applications all over the world, where a global network of dealers represents SP. Authorized distributors will now be able to calibrate and return instruments within days, rather than factoring in additional time for shipment to the company’s headquarters or a third-party calibrator. Mullard said: “We are always looking


at ways to improve our service levels to customers and calibration is an important part of that for an SP load cell. We recommend that calibration is done every 12 months but that can vary depending how intensively a load cell is used. If an instrument is employed for hundreds of lifts per day, we would recommend it be calibrated more frequently. In those instances, a local calibration center is a major plus point.” Eight distributors have been given


Authorized Calibration Centre status: Australian Calibrating Services, Australia; RUD Lifting Japan Co. Ltd., Japan; Gaylin, Malaysia; Carl Stahl UAE, UAE; Van Gool, Netherlands; Trinidad Inspection Services,


WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE


Trinidad; Myers Manufacturing, USA; and Data Weigh, USA. All will use the necessary SP calibration equipment and the manufacturer will share procedures with them to provide a consistent service level worldwide. Mullard said: “In some cases they have


sourced their own equipment but in others they are using our 55t load cell test machine [LCTM55T], which is a hydraulic vertical test rig based on one of our own machines used at HQ. The capacity meets the requirements of more than 80% of the load cells we sell. We’ll also offer training, software and parts as required, as well as farm out requests for calibration from end users.” He added: “We’re not revolutionizing


our distributorship model where we’re expecting all partners to gravitate towards calibration. Most are happy to sell the full range of SP load cells and let customers make arrangements for calibration as they wish—and that’s not a trend we’re looking to obstruct. Only certain distributors will have the capability or desire to calibrate and repair, and only a limited number are required worldwide to provide that service.” SP has already started promoting


Authorized Calibration Centers, outlining who can calibrate, where they are based, the tonnage they can calibrate to, and repair capabilities. Such details will also be published on the website: www.straightpoint.com. y


Bridging the Gap Africa Utilizes Straightpoint Load Cell


> A non-profit organization that works with rural communities in Kenya is using a 25t capacity compression load cell, donated by Straightpoint (SP), to construct footbridges and river crossings. The load cell, which was provided with


a wired Handheld plus unit to capture data, is being used by Bridging the Gap Africa to confirm capacities of helical piles, a key component of bridge foundations. The piles protect structures and reduce the risk of them being compromised due to undermining of the abutments during high river flow events. Matthew Bowser, country manager Kenya


at Bridging the Gap Africa, said: “We are currently in the product development phase for our helical piles and are trying several different variations of the piles to see what design provides an optimum combination for performance and ease of fabrication /


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84