Gulf Construction Online - UltraSpan promotes efficient systems

Regional News

The EXT-400Si ... designed to handle the Middle East’s market conditions.

UltraSpan promotes efficient systems

01 November 2017

Stiff competition is pushing hollowcore producers to look for more efficient equipment that can help them lower operating costs, said UltraSpan Technologies adding that it has just the right equipment for the market.

The Canada-based company said its smart and efficient hollowcore solutions and equipment ensure greater control, low maintenance cost, predictability and reliability for hollowcore producers, which has enabled it to become the leading partner in the Middle East.

According to Kushal Jani, business development manager Middle East, UltraSpan equipment offers exceptional savings in terms of both the maintenance cost and cement consumption — key factors in reducing precast producers’ operating costs.

The latest additions to UltraSpan’s portfolio include the EXT-400Si extrusion system and the SMA-500 360-degree multi-angle saw, which was capable of handling 100 per cent of hollowcore cuts directly on the casting pallet with unbeatable reliability, said Jani.

The EXT-400Si extrusion system is a high-frequency extruder that offers hollowcore producers capex (capital expenditure) payback within a year, and four times the return on investment (ROI) over five years. The proven results showed annual cash surplus greater than $200,000 for every 100,000 sq m of hollowcore produced and overall savings of more than $250,000 per year, he added.

In addition, UltraSpan’s hollowcore extruder technology uses a concrete mix that produces a high-quality slab with an optimal water-to-cement ratio. As a result, the hollowcore slab cures in as little as six hours, using up to 25 per cent less cement. Also, the high-efficiency hollowcore production, combined with today’s latest technology, ensures trouble-free, lights-out operation and lower labour costs.

Jani said the EXT-400Si has been designed to handle the Middle East’s unique market conditions and operating cost requirements. It deploys advanced performance via UltraSpan’s modular adaptive structure, smart-start technology, with integrated moisture control and operator online optimiser.

The system was recently installed at Acico Precast, a leading producer of precast elements in the region.

Jani said: “This producer, known for its reputable product quality and on-time delivery, wanted a suitable technology partner who could deliver the best solution in equipment uptime, sustainability and throughput for its market needs, with the additional requirement of using the existing plant layout and concrete delivery infrastructure. In addition, another very important criterion was that the new solution should reduce the current maintenance and operating cost.

“After several rounds of technical meetings, efficiency discussions and performance analysis with suppliers from all over Europe, Acico selected UltraSpan as its partner.”

A company official said UltraSpan engineers worked in collaboration with Acico’s team to deliver a solution that meets their local market requirement.

“The open and constant communication between the two teams has allowed UltraSpan to deliver a product that suits Acico’s needs. The determination to focus and prioritise what really matters to customers sets UltraSpan apart from the competition,” said Alfonso, lead application engineer.

Overall, Jani said the demand for precast equipment and specifically for hollowcore equipment has been increasing in the region, mainly due to the need to replace outdated and inefficient equipment that was installed a decade or two ago.

He said UltraSpan aims at remaining competitive in terms of pricing while offering guaranteed superior performance to producers. It was also investing in research and development (R&D) that delivers optimised solutions to its satisfied customers.

Furthermore, UltraSpan customers receive value in four different aspects. The company works along with customers to maximise the benefit of their capital budget and that relationship continues long after the equipment has been commissioned.

The company’s expertise was another major advantage UltraSpan customers could benefit from, said Jani.

“We know precast; we invented vibration technology over 50 years ago; and we have refined the precast technology by consulting with more than 500 plants worldwide while staying current and involved through our volunteer board-level commitment to industry associations,” he added.

Another aspect is the simple design of the equipment. Fewer components and less complexity mean customers had less downtime, less frequent maintenance issues, and fewer hassles.

And lastly, UltraSpan equipment offered guaranteed ROI. “We work with precast producers on the long term to ensure they achieve their performance goals. We focus on their goals when we begin working together to ensure we know and can fulfil their objectives,” said Jani.

UltraSpan is part of the Progress Group. Along with other member companies, the leading conglomerate is capable of supplying complete precast plants and equipment for the industry. Jani said innovative technology and a unique in-house integrated precast approach had contributed to positioning the group as the leading supplier of technology for the precast concrete industry.

Commenting on business, Jani said the past year has been busy with the company, which witnessed an increase in market share and a higher demand for its products.

UltraSpan has a local distributor and parts supplier, Webau Middle East, based in Jebel Ali, UAE, which allows local producers to get parts on demand.