TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
ADVERTORIALS
New KAUP Barrel Handler attachment eliminates manual handling of wine barrels
Michael Kaye appointed General
Manager of The Combustion Engineering Association
Michael Kaye appointed General Manager of The Combustion Engineering Association
The Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) is pleased to announce Michael Kaye as its new General Manager. With a strong background in mechanical and design engineering, coupled with years of industry leadership, Michael brings both expertise and a fresh perspective to this long- standing trade association and educational charity. Graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Michael began his career as a design engineer at APV Baker PMC where he honed his technical skills before moving into leadership roles across various industries. His career spans sectors including textile testing instrumentation and bulk materials handling, where he earned a reputation for fostering innovation, building effective teams, and driving business growth. At Flexco, where he also served as General Manager, Michael led initiatives that not only grew the business but also set new benchmarks for industry standards. In addition to his professional achievements, Michael has also been deeply involved in association work where, as a long-time member and former president of the Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA), he gained valuable experience in bringing members together, organising impactful events, and promoting technical excellence, skills that align perfectly with the CEA’s mission.
Commenting on behalf of the CEA, President Mick Casey shared his thoughts on Michael’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael as our new General Manager. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the CEA as we navigate changes across the combustion-related sectors, and his vision for enhancing member engagement and promoting sustainable practices will undoubtedly strengthen our role in the industry.”. Michael himself expressed enthusiasm for his new role: “The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation as we tackle challenges including the adoption of alternative fuels, decarbonisation and achieving net-zero goals. I see the CEA playing a key role in driving these conversations and supporting our members with practical solutions. Together, we’ll focus on alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.”. One of Michael’s immediate priorities is overseeing the CEA’s transition into a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation (CIO). He also aims to expand training programs such as the Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) while building stronger connections with academic institutions to nurture future talent in combustion engineering. Under his leadership, the CEA also plans to reinvigorate its events calendar with site visits, networking opportunities, and conferences designed to deliver real value to members. The first of these initiatives – a site visit to James Cropper’s paper mill scheduled for February 2025 – will combine technical insights with opportunities for collaboration.
The Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) 01740 625538
info@cea.org.uk www.cea.org.uk
B&B Attachments 01670 737373
info@bandbattachments.com
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2025 43
Newly developed technology has transformed barrel handling. Originally manufactured by KAUP Australia for one of Australia’s largest winery facilities, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the KAUP Barrel handler forklift attachment slips on to a conventional forklift. This new equipment designed by both KAUP and the Treasury’s engineering team, provides the seamless lift and transport of barrels on and off master cradles at wineries.
In the wine industry, barrel handling is a critical operation, as wooden barrels are essential
for aging wine and enhancing its flavour. The KAUP 0.8T405/130 Barrel handler is an innovative attachment that helps to streamline operations while also enhancing safety and improving process efficiency for material handling. This new attachment is a specialised forklift attachment designed to safely handle heavy wine barrels, typically made of oak, which can weigh up to 272kgs (600 lbs) or more when full.
The KAUP Barrel handler allows wineries to transport barrels from storage areas to racking systems, move them for blending or tasting, or position them for filling and emptying. Not only does this attachment lift barrels it can also rotate them into place. Picking up barrels from a vertical position, then clamping one or two barrels at a time and laying them down so they can be put into storage racks used in wine cellars. This precision is essential to preserve the integrity of the wine and prevent any spillage or oxidation.
Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments, KAUP’s sole UK distributor, comments; “It is possible for this attachment to be customised further to consider barrel sizes as well as other factors including machinery sizes. For wineries dealing with large volumes of barrels, this new attachment will streamline the aging process and ensure proper wine production practices are followed. This one piece of equipment has the potential to improve the handling process across the whole winemaking sector.”
The KAUP Barrel handler is available throughout the UK from B&B Attachments, the leading forklift truck attachment company in the UK and Ireland.
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
