In September 2016 Vicoma was approached by Lucite International Holland to make an estimate for a project. Lucite International is a leading company in the industry and focuses on making plastic semi-finished products.
Project: adaptation to existing production line
Lucite wanted to adapt an existing production line by installing a fluidised bed dryer. The intention was to manufacture a product that was produced in America as well as in Europe. Vicoma was asked to estimate the cost of modifying the production line with the fluidised bed dryer as a new component. The adjustments were in the field of process, electrical and instrumentation as well as architecture. After the green light was given in Japan to the branch in the Netherlands for the budget, the contract to realise the project was also awarded to Vicoma. From the beginning, September 2016, to the end, January 2019, we were involved in the project.
Vicoma’s role: from basic engineering to support
The main challenge of this project had to do with time. This is because within the time we had, a lot had to be realised. This was achieved by doing as much preparatory work as possible in the preliminary stages. In this phase, for example, we immediately started with construction calculations for applying for permits, requesting quotes from suppliers and contractors, advising the customer and discussing the possibilities and progress with the customer.
Result: efficient use of materials and space
With the help of our laser scanner, we got a clear picture of the available space. Once everything had taken shape, the project ran like clockwork. The result of this challenging project is an expansion of the products that Lucite can produce. In addition, the condensate released during the production process is now reused as demi-water. Lucite and Vicoma look back on a successful project together.
