Wheatley Plastics: Bespoke 5-Tonne Crane for Plastic Injection Moulding Facility

Stockport, Greater Manchester

INDUSTRY
Plastic Injection Moulding
CAPACITY
5 Tonnes
SOLUTION
Free-Standing Gantry Crane
HOISTS
SWF Krantechnik Wire Rope

The Challenge

A leading plastic injection moulding manufacturer in Stockport was undertaking a significant investment in their production capabilities, including the installation of a new injection moulding machine and an automated robotic system. To support this expansion, they required an overhead crane capable of handling heavy tooling and components – but the available space in the production area presented a major challenge.

The crane needed to deliver a full 5-tonne lifting capacity while operating within severe spatial constraints. With limited headroom and floor space already allocated to the new machinery and robotics, a standard off-the-shelf solution simply wouldn’t fit.

The Solution

Working closely with the customer, our engineering team designed a bespoke free-standing gantry crane system specifically tailored to the available space and operational requirements.

The free-standing design was selected for two key reasons: it eliminated the need for structural modifications to the building, and it allowed the crane to be positioned precisely where it was needed to serve the new injection moulding machine. Every dimension was carefully calculated to maximise lifting height and hook coverage while fitting within the tight envelope of the production area.

The crane was fitted with an SWF Krantechnik wire rope hoist, chosen for its reliability, compact design, and suitability for the demanding duty cycle of mould handling operations. SWF hoists are renowned for their precision, durability, and low maintenance requirements – making them an ideal choice for production environments where uptime is critical.

The complete system was designed, manufactured, and installed entirely by our in-house team – ensuring complete control over quality and delivery timescales to meet the customer’s project programme.

The Result

The completed installation provides the customer with a robust 5-tonne lifting solution that integrates seamlessly with their new production equipment. The crane supports efficient mould changes and component handling for the injection moulding machine, helping to minimise downtime and keep production running smoothly.

As part of the wider investment project – which also includes the new injection moulding machine and automated robotics – the crane system contributes to a significant step forward in the facility’s manufacturing capabilities.

Why Granada Cranes?

From one-off projects to complete factory installations, Granada Cranes delivers overhead crane systems that are fit for purpose, safe, and built to last. Our independence means we’re not tied to one manufacturer — giving us the flexibility to design the right system for your operation, not just a catalogue option.

Looking for a tailored lifting solution for your facility? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.