Factory Relocations

A Specialty of D & D Machinery

One area of expertise at D & D Machinery is that of total factory plant relocations. From coast to coast, D & D Machinery has moved entire facilities to new locations. In recent years, D & D Machinery has helped Matsushita Home Appliance Corporation, Caterpillar, Central Manufacturing Company, Kuhlman Electric Corporation and Toyota Motor Manufacturing with relocation projects. From oversized loads to assembly lines to presses, D & D Machinery has a proven record in successful plant relocations.

Each relocation project is handled by a team of D & D Machinery professionals. The process of each relocation is carefully documented using digital photography for the customer’s benefit. Furthermore, schedules and graphs help keep each individual involved in the relocation process updated and on time.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, 2002

In order to relocate the Sienna Van from Georgetown, Ky., to Princeton, In., Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky hired D & D Machinery to move 3,500 and 3,000-ton Cincinnati milacron injection mold machines. From disassembly to reassembly, D & D Machinery provided electrical, mechanical and transportation services, among others, to get the job done.

In order to avoid interference with production schedules, D & D Machinery worked during weekends. D & D Machinery used the 550-ton gantry system and other specialized equipment to move the 3,500-ton machine–weighing 385,000 pounds.

It was a rare opportunity to transport a machine this heavy on a truck and trailer system designed for double-lane transport. Escorted by Kentucky and Indiana police, D & D Machinery successfully moved the piece of equipment with help from the Department of Transportation for Kentucky and Indiana.

The move went on record as the heaviest piece of equipment transported by truck in each state. D & D Machinery saved Toyota time and money with its relocation project.

Central Manufacturing Company, 2001

D & D Machinery Movers was awarded the contract for the rigging installation of a 4000-ton Komatsu Transfer Press at Central Manufacturing Company, located in Paris, Ky.

The Komatsu press is used to stamp the center disc of automobile wheels for companies such as Toyota and Honda. D & D Machinery handled the unloading, preparation, assembly and final alignment for this press installation. Also included were the uncoiling, flattening, blanking and product material handling automation.

The press was shipped from Japan and transported to the site via super trucks and flat beds. The massive press required on-site assembly, which consisted of setting the two base sections, uprights, bolster and then the massive crown. The assembly of the 360,000-pound crown section required lifting the unit to a height of 35 feet. Major press components were unloaded using a 500-ton hydraulic crane and were then moved into the building with a 200-ton die cart.

The Komatsu press was built using the 220-ton and 550-ton gantry systems, as well as the 75- ton hydraulic crane, which was used to set the tie bars into place.

D & D Machinery worked 10 hours a day, seven days a week to complete the job. In addition, D & D Machinery worked with the engineers and staff of Komatsu America and Japan, which allowed the project to be completed in a professional and cost-efficient manner.

Kuhlman Electric Corporation, 1998

Moving from coast to coast can be a major undertaking, so Kuhlman Electric brought D & D Machinery on board to help with the relocation process. D & D Machinery moved all the equipment involved with specialized transformer production from Salinas, Ca., to Versailles, Ky. From stamping presses and welding lines to fabrication equipment and specialized winding treatment, D & D Machinery handled all rigging and transportation for the relocation project. The plant was cleared in less than two weeks–and was up and running in Versailles right on time.

Matsushita Home Appliance Corporation, 1997

In 1997, D & D Machinery moved a microwave facility from Franklin Park, Il., to Danville, Ky., for Matsushita. The process equipment included automated upright stamping presses, injection molding machines, and paint and assembly processes. All work had to be done in an aggressive six-week timeframe. D & D Machinery served as the general contractor and handled everything from piping and sheet metal to rigging and transportation.

The Franklin Park plant consisted of two-story, 350,000 square feet facility. The removal of the paint department proved to be particularly challenging since the equipment was located on the second floor. The appliances were removed through the side of the building.

Once in Danville, D & D Machinery modified two assembly lines to meet the needs of the new plant.

The aggressive timeframe meant that D & D Machinery worked around the clock, seven days a week to finish the job ahead of schedule. After more than 168 tractor-trailer loads, D & D Machinery successfully completed this relocation project to full customer satisfaction.