Every job which comes through MMI Industrial and Steel also typically comes with its own set of challenges. A project proposed by Brycon Corporation for Sunlit Corporation in the fall of 2021, to our newly acquired hoist division was no exception. Brycon was interested in MMI Hoist Systems, formerly Hoist Systems, Inc., providing a gantry crane which would become an instrumental piece of machinery for Sunlit, who provides chemical service to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility. The gantry crane would be used for loading, unloading, and stacking their ISO containers used to ship materials. This gantry hoist system was unique in that the size and scope was not the norm. It would have to be a very customized unit, designed and engineered to handle a weight capacity of up to 30 tons with a 73’ span. It would ultimately be the largest gantry crane in Arizona.
Prior to acquiring Hoist Systems, Inc. in 2022, MMI’s experience was limited to fabricating the steel required to build such systems. Never were we responsible for the complete design, engineering, fabrication, and erection, but we were excited to take on the challenge. After months of design with changes upon changes, MMI Hoist Systems was awarded the job in June of 2022.
Unfortunately, the challenges did not stop there. We had many obstacles to overcome if this project was going to be a success. The project still required finding an engineering firm that could understand our vision of building a bridge crane on “stilts” to accommodate the 45’ height needed. We still had to find a base crane from which we could build upon. The goal in this was to not have to completely fabricate individual pieces and build the unit from the ground up, ultimately saving time. Thankfully, we were able to do so with the help of R&M Material Handling in Springfield, OH. They supplied MMI Hoist Systems with a 30-ton capacity bridge crane kit. In addition, we were able to purchase a cable reel from Conductix, out of Omaha, NE to power the massive structure, including the building where it is now housed and beyond.
At the end of the day, the crew at MMI Hoist Systems stepped in and up to the plate. “All these challenges were overcome by the teamwork of the MMI crew – from the top to bottom”, said Jeff Sanuik, Senior Director Overhead Cranes & Hoists for MMI Hoist Systems. When the work was all done, there wasn’t a single employee who wasn’t involved in this project in some capacity. The gantry crane was load tested on December 23, 2022, just in time for the weekend and the Christmas holiday. The final piece of the puzzle was installation of the cable reel in February of 2023.
The Sunlit Corporation gantry crane was a project two years in the making, filled with challenges for a newly formed division of MMI Industrial and Steel, but it is one we are extremely proud of. According to Jeff, “From here on out, anything is possible.”
