New, advanced pre-treatment and finishing facilities at UpRight Europlant aim to raise the standard in aerial work platform (AWP) paint performance and finishing service

Following the opening of a new, larger European production centre in Ireland, Irish firm UpRight has made a further 1.5m Euros investment at the site with the launch of its Automated Finishing Systems division. (1 Euro = $1.04)

With state-of-the-art, fully automated shot blast, iron phosphate and powder coating facilities, UpRight Automated Finishing Systems has been designed not just for AWPs but also for contract finishing of other manufactured components, according to the company.

The new finishing facility is the second phase of investment at the site. The first phase, to build, and relocate to the new custom-designed Europlant from former premises in Dun Laoire, was completed at the end of 2001 at a cost of 6m Euros.

For AWP customers, the new, large capacity paint facility brings a range of benefits to add to the already proven reliability and durability of UpRight platforms while also enhancing service levels.

The latest PLC technology is used to ensure a consistent, very high quality finish from fast, automated processes on state-of-the-art equipment.

The facility boasts even greater flexibility and speed in producing customised livery or applying specialised paints, claims UpRight.

Work is processed on separate lines to permit faster throughput of both.

"This is another long planned step in UpRight's plans to be able to deliver what the market needs and to raise the bar on levels of quality that others will need to follow," said Ian Menzies, UpRight president and CEO.

"The new finishing system is of the highest technical standard and has been designed to exceed our customer's expectations with regard to the aesthetic appearance and durability of the finished product," adds John Kestell, UpRight Europlant general manager.

The pre-treatment and powder coating capabilities at UpRight Automated Finishing Systems rank among 'best practice' in any manufacturing sector, claims the company.

The lines have been designed to allow expansion of capacity and process capabilities to keep step with market demand and advances in finishing technology.

Integrating the latest computer controlled pre-treatment and coating equipment, UpRight's new, large capacity paint line is designed and built to exacting environmental and safety standards.

It can handle parts up to 5.5m (18.05 ft.) in length by 2.2m (7.22 ft.) in height and 1.5m (4.92 ft.) wide, and weighing 1800kg (3968 lbs.) Functions are pre-programmed, controlled and monitored via a state-of-the-art PLC (Program Logic Controller) with Scada PC interface (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). Careful configuration of programming and the installation of the highest specification machinery provide consistent, very high quality finishing at high speed and with minimum downtime.