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Huhtamaki Corrin Goodhall & Kevin McLaughlin Bunker Walls Moore Concrete Richard Whiteside.jpeg
Bunker Walls
Bunker wall system – much more than a firebreak at Huhtamaki Paper Recycling
Agri 2020
Lisburn-based Huhtamaki Paper Recycling is at the hub of the fast-growing paper recycling sector in the UK and Ireland. The
Lisburn-based Huhtamaki Paper Recycling is at the hub of the fast-growing paper recycling sector in the UK and Ireland. The business is dedicated to optimising the value of waste paper and cardboard. It engages with local councils, government departments, banks and big business right down to one-man operations, providing the widest range of paper recycling and disposal options.
Huhtamaki’s site at Ravernet has a 55 year track record as a centre-of excellence, where paper recycling is concerned. Ongoing investment, in both people and facilities, has been a hallmark of the operation throughout this period. Corin Goodall, general manager at Huhtamaki Paper Recycling, takes up the story:
“Investing in the highest standards of health and safety has always been a priority for the business.
Some months ago, we realised that we needed to install a number of firebreaks throughout our storage area.
The vast bulk of the paper we deal with is stored outside. However, it is still a very flammable material.
After a lot of investigation and assessment, it was agreed that a series of precast bunker walls would meet our requirements in the most feasible way possible.
These walling systems are totally flexible. Their specification can be changed very easily and quickly. Moreover, they can be initially installed very quickly.”
The contract to manufacture and supply the bunker walls was awarded to Ballymena precast business Moore Concrete. A total of 74 units were ordered, each 4.3m in height.
Moore’s Richard Whiteside was a recent visitor to Huhtamaki Paper Recycling.
“Flexible storage systems are now in strong demand across all sectors of manufacturing and agriculture,” he confirmed.
“The need to effectively separate different inputs is critical in many businesses including those in recycling. One of the most efficient ways to achieve this uses Moore Concrete’s bunker walls to create the segregation required.”
According to Richard Whiteside, Moore Concrete is confirming a significant growth in demand for these precast units.
He added:
“They are totally flexible, with built in forklift recesses for movability. Units range from 1.5m to 4.3m metres in height, with the ability to bear loads in 2 directions. Their narrow base minimises the footprint of the wall thereby maximising the storage space available.”
Richard added:
“Walls up to 3m in height do not need bolted down when retaining material which has a density of less than 12kN/m3 which includes many recycling materials, wood chip, solid fuels, fertilizer and grain.
The unique curved shape of the base has been developed to allow the free flow of material to the floor. There is a 100mm straight portion at the bottom edge to aid the removal of material from the bay.”
Corin Goodall confirmed that the design features of the Moore Concrete bunker walls made them particularly attractive for the job they will carry out at Huhtamaki Paper Recycling. But that’s only part of the story.
“The installation of the new walling system has dramatically improved the general layout and functionality of the entire storage area.
“And that’s making life much easier for everyone involved,” he concluded.
