EMCO WHEATON LOADING EQUIPMENT: THE SAFEST SOLUTION FOR WHISKY PRODUCTION

North British Distillery and Diageo, leading British beverage alcohol companies relied on Emco Wheaton to provide bottom loading arms to phase out working from a height on Road Tankers. Our engineered loading equipment ensures safety and reduces working at height risk.

WHAT OUR FLEXIBLE PLAN OFFERS SCOTTISH LEADERS IN WHISKY PRODUCTION?

The North British Distillery Company and Diageo are two of Scotland’s largest companies in Scotch grain whisky production.

The first company, The North British Distillery, is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and it has been operational since September 1887. This company produces significant quantities of grain spirit and encompasses a number of well-known brands. Whilst it took just over 100 years for North British to produce 1.5 billion litres of alcohol, modernization has enabled the company to reach its 2 billion litres milestone just ten years later in 2008 and achieve 2.5 billion in 2015. With this growth, other whisky producers and merchants were able to acquire shares in the distillery. Now it is operated by Lothian Distillers, a joint partnership between Edrington and Diageo. When working in the Scotch whisky industry, it can be said that Health and Safety (H&S) is paramount. Avoiding falls from the top of spirit road tankers and phasing out work at height on spirit tankers by 2024 are commitments the industry has made. It is because of these assurances that the customer was comfortable in deciding to invest in Bottom Loading Arms in the whisky distillery.

The second company, Diageo, is a global leader in beverage alcohol. They produce an outstanding collection of over 200 brands – old and new large and small, global and local – that are enjoyed in more than 180 countries around the world. 

THE CHALLENGE

When working in the Scotch whisky industry, it can be said that Health and Safety (H&S) is paramount. Avoiding falls from the top of spirit road tankers and phasing out work at height on spirit tankers by 2024 are commitments the industry has made. It is because of these assurances that the customer was comfortable in deciding to invest in Bottom Loading Arms in the whisky distillery.

Emco Wheaton Germany partnered with Flotech Performance Systems Limited, which provides Engineered Products, Solutions, and Services for the storage, transfer, and distribution of industrial liquids and gases. Flotech works as Emco Wheaton’s on-site representative and executes Loading system projects.

THE SOLUTION: EMCO WHEATON BOTTOM LOADING ARMS

Emco Wheaton has supplied top loading arms in the past. These systems are specially designed for top loading of road or rail tankers using the manhole or any kind of fixed
connection such as couplers. These types of arms are very robust and have a high quality design of swivel joints. Their balancing handling is very precise and they offer a long
shelf life in spite of the likelihood of extreme conditions.

The customer was aware of these benefits and because of proven positive results relied on the well-recognized Emco Wheaton arms again for the replacement of these top loading systems to bottom loading arms. Additionally, in the award process, there was added value in the high level of aftermarket care offered by Emco Wheaton and Flotech. The product that the customer settled upon was the Bottom Loading Arm E2834. This arm is a versatile bottom loading arm that offers benefits that cannot be achieved with top loading designs. As it operates on the ground, it is inherently safer for the operator. In addition, it also allows for simultaneous loading of several tank compartments, increasing the speed and efficiency of loading. Easy to adjust, super smooth action spring cylinder balance, and heavy-duty capacity swivel joints enable these arms to reach further without the need for additional support.be achieved with top loading designs.

PROVEN RESULTS

Ultimately, the customer was able to gain a positive experience with Emco Wheaton’s Top Loading Arms and excellent recent results with the Bottom Loading Arm.
Both top and bottom loading arms have been providing safe and reliable operation in the whisky distillery. The Emco Wheaton and Flotech teams have also been working closely with Diageo to provide ongoing maintenance and field support, as aftermarket management is a key consideration for the whisky industry - companies need to keep up with their maintenance schedule and replace parts when needed. Our ongoing support with commercial and technical information for the change from Top to Bottom Loading by Emco Wheaton has been crucial for the correct and safe whisky production.

Current industry growth will bring new opportunities due to the need to ramp up their production. Therefore, Emco Wheaton loading/unloading solutions will be available to lead the whiskey and beverage industry sector.