Expansion is a crucial milestone for any thriving business, and Bathgate Silica Sand has reached a pivotal point where growth is essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of its sand production operations. As the first part of its strategic future plans, the company has embarked on a comprehensive upgrade and automation project at its South Quarry site, aimed at significantly increasing sand production volumes. Simultaneously, the project involved reconfiguring the conveyor belt system that transports sand to the North site for drying and storage.
The decision to invest in this ambitious project was made in 2021, with the official launch taking place the following year. The project management was expertly handled by David Binch of Binch Projects, who collaborated closely with Managing Director David Robinson and Site Manager Phil Critchlow to define and scope out the requirements.
One of the most significant challenges faced during the project was the distance required for the conveyor belt to transport slurry across the road to the processing plant. This conveyor, the longest in Bathgate’s history, needed to be constructed beneath a main A road with minimal disruption to both traffic and the environment. Additionally, the project aimed to create a self-managing system that automates the water-to-sand ratio, ensuring a consistent slurry mixture. To achieve this, the company integrated new technologies and machinery, including the installation of a new transformer to support increased electrical usage.
Reflecting on the project, David Binch commented, “Although the origin of the project was managing the progression of plant that was nearing the end of its useful life, it was exciting to realize a vision that also meant expansion of the quarry, cost savings, and increased production.”
Bathgate partnered with the engineering firm Weir for this significant project, with Territory Sales Manager Mathew Doughty and Sales Engineer Dean Rowland playing crucial roles throughout. For Dean, witnessing the project from inception to completion was a particularly rare and rewarding experience, he said “I really enjoyed seeing it through from beginning to end – from a blank piece of paper to an impressive finished project”.
Under the careful management of Phil Critchlow, the project was completed and signed off in less than a year, successfully meeting all its objectives. The new plant is set to increase production capacity by one-third, with fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance and labour requirements.
Managing Director David Robinson expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This project has secured Bathgate’s future for decades to come, with sustainability at its core. The project has had minimal impact on the landscape and has halved its previous footprint. It has been a really successful working partnership, with much learned by all parties. Knowledge that we will carry forward into the next phase of our future plans.”
The completion of this project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bathgate Silica Sand and the Arclid Quarry. Watch this space for more developments as we continue to advance our operations.
