ABHR learns how Allied Grain Systems and Mitchells Group plan to expand its range of bucket elevators, following a major acquisition last year.
Allied Grain Systems has been designing and building grain handling and storage solutions for more than 25 years.
That expertise is what made the company stand out to the UK-based Mitchells Group. The two companies had supported each other for years, with Mitchells Group supplying Allied Grain Systems with conveyors and equipment for several projects.
Mitchells Group chief executive Mic Mittasch said he had been impressed by the Australian company’s industry expertise when it came to delivering these vital projects.
In fact, he was so impressed that late last year Mitchells acquired Allied Grain Systems.
“Allied Grain Systems has been a long-term customer of Mitchells, and I know the general manager John White well,” Mittasch said.
“I thought it would be a good fit for us. We have physical workshops and engineering business in China, the United Kingdom, North America, and are now laying down some roots in Australia.
“Mitchells has sold a lot of equipment in Australia over the years, and through Allied Grain Systems, we now have a footprint and engineering office.”
Strong support
Mitchells, through its subsidiary Guttridge, has helped supply Allied Grain Systems with key equipment for several bucket elevator systems.
Key to these projects is the CTX range of bucket elevators. Designed to suit the needs of light industrial and harvest duty commercial grain storage markets, the CTX bucket elevators are ideal for applications that need intensive use during the harvest period and light use throughout the rest of the year.
The range offers throughputs of up to 100tph and is made from pre-galvanised steel for easy on-site construction.
A CTX double-leg elevator system is also available, suitable for industrial, commercial, and agricultural facilities that have pre- and post-processing streams that need to be kept separate.
By incorporating two legs within one unit, it maximises throughput without the need for additional conveyors, reducing both footprint and installation costs.
Mittasch said Allied and Mitchells’ reliability is one of the most important factors for bucket elevator systems.
“Our clients are doing high speed loading or unloading, so it’s critical they have the equipment that will run all the time, at the times they need it,” he said.
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“It’s also important to deliver the capacity the client needs. Rail loaders might want to load a 3500t train within a day, for example.
“Reliability and low cost of ownership are the keys to delivering bucket elevators that deliver this.”
For situations where a traditional belt and bucket system would struggle with durability, Mitchells supplies GTX chain and bucket elevators.
These are specifically designed to handle heavy-duty applications, especially for the cement, aggregate, and mining industries.
Mittasch said Mitchells supplies the MTX range of bucket elevators for higher throughput and durability.
With capacities of up to 1500tph, the MTX range is designed to deliver consistent performance in highly demanding bulk material handling operations.
Built for strength, pillow block bearings at the head section and flange-style bearings at the boot section provide robust support for long-term operation.
Maintenance is simplified with oversized inspection doors on the leg casing for easy access.
All of the company’s bucket elevators can be specified as ATEX-compliant, ensuring safe operation in environments where explosive materials are handled.
It also offers food-grade bucket elevators to meet the stringent requirements of the food and beverage industry.
Mittasch said the elevators are designed to be maintenance friendly and quick to repair.
“A lot of these facilities work around the clock, with only one major shutdown a year,” he said.
“They need reliable machines, which is why we use the right components and sensors to ensure everything can be quickly inspected and maintained as easily as possible.
“The components we use are market leaders, because our clients need to know they can rely on them.”
Aftersales support is also key to this offering. Mitchells currently offers its UK clients with support within 12 hours and plans to set up conveyor care support within Australia.
This will be bolstered by the existing Allied Grain Systems team, who have a dedicated service team for Australian clients.
“Mitchells Group is an equipment manufacturer, we don’t have the know-how to put a full storage facility together,” Mittasch said.
“We want to learn from Allied and take those lessons around the world. We also want to expand Allied’s reach in Australia, targeting new markets and materials.
“Our elevators can be used for pet food, malting, distilling, aggregates, fertilisers, coal, and more.
“We’ll work together with confidence and begin delivering these projects to new industries across the country.”