Ainscough installs bridge at factory

The new bridge had been manufactured at MII Engineering’s 34,000sq ft workshop in South Wales.

Due to the scale of the operation, the site was shut down over a twenty-four hour period to allow operators to carry out works safely. During this tight timeframe, a specialist Liebherr 450t mobile crane with variable outriggers was utilised to lift the bridge into place.

Weighing 38t, the huge structure proved challenging to manoeuvre at 30m in length and 6m wide. Using a Liebherr variable support base, which permits a higher support capacity and therefore greater load outreach, these restrictive conditions could be successfully overcome.

Another challenge presented during the lift was in accessibility, as the factory footpath shortened to one side. The Ainscough team lowered two of the four stabilising legs to adjust the crane and allow for more flexible positioning within the work programme.

Igor Scalas, heavy cranes project engineer at Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “We are really pleased to have delivered the new bridge to Solihull plant thanks to a complex lift made achievable through the capabilities of our expert team, and the Liebherr 450t mobile crane. Working alongside MII Engineering, we have been able to install the new bridge safely and efficiently, allowing the factory to welcome modern, state-of-the-art equipment with minimal disruption to business operations.”