When packaging machinery specialist Flowe-Pac in Pietermaritzburg sold their Flexopress flexible packaging machine to Star Packaging in Greytown, the relocation required a delicate tandem lift operation — because the 4.3-tonne machine has a sensitive bridge section that cannot be supported from its centre and must be lifted by the end frames only. Here is how Reef Rigging safely completed this precision packaging machine move.
Project Overview: Flexopress Packaging Machine Relocation
The Flexopress flexible packaging machine is a high-value, precision piece of printing and packaging equipment. Its construction — two end frames connected by a sensitive bridge section — means that the machine cannot be lifted from its centre without risk of damage. Instead, the bridge section must be supported at the end frames, with both lift points operated simultaneously in a tandem lift to prevent any distortion of the machine structure.
The Challenge: Protecting a Sensitive Machine Structure
Packaging machinery of this type is calibrated to tight tolerances. Any distortion of the machine’s frame — caused by uneven lifting or shock loading — can affect print registration and require expensive re-alignment or component replacement. The rigging approach must ensure that the load is shared exactly equally between the two lift points throughout the operation, and that there are no sudden movements or shock loads at any stage.
How the Machine Was Moved from Flowe-Pac
Two crane trucks operated in a coordinated tandem lift to raise the Flexopress from its installation position at the Flowe-Pac manufacturing plant. Before the lift, specialist skates were placed under the machine to allow horizontal movement through the factory to an external loading position, where the crane trucks could be positioned on firm ground. The machine was then carefully loaded onto a low-bed trailer as an in-gauge load, with all ancillary components and accessories packaged for transport to the buyer.
Installation at Star Packaging in Greytown
At Star Packaging’s factory in Greytown, the Flexopress was offloaded from the transporter and rigged into its final installation position inside the factory using the same tandem lift approach. The installation was completed over two days — allowing time for careful positioning, alignment, and the connection of all services before handover to Star Packaging’s production team. Both Flowe-Pac and Star Packaging expressed satisfaction with the care and professionalism with which Reef Rigging handled their sensitive equipment.
For printing and packaging machinery moves across South Africa, explore Reef Rigging’s machinery moving services or contact the team.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sensitive Packaging Machinery Moves
How do you protect printing and packaging machinery during a move?
Protecting printing and packaging machinery during a move requires using the manufacturer’s specified lift points to avoid distortion of the machine frame, lifting with soft slings or protective padding on all contact surfaces to prevent damage to precision-finished surfaces, using tandem lifts where required to distribute the load correctly across multiple lift points, moving slowly and without shock loads to avoid disturbing internal settings and calibrations, and securing the machine carefully on the transport vehicle to prevent movement during transit. For high-value or complex equipment, the machine manufacturer’s technical team should be consulted about any specific handling requirements before the move begins.