Industrial Tugs Reduce Turnaround Times

GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company) is the most recent addition to British pedestrian electric tug manufacturer MasterMover's extensive MRO customer base in Asia. As one of China’s largest suppliers of maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO), GAMECO is familiar with the fast-paced turnaround that the industry demands.

The Problem

Towards the end of last year, Mr Tan (Site Improvement Manager for GAMECO) contacted MasterMover to look into a handling solution for their site in Guangzhou. With over 50 access platforms and hundreds of engines coming in and out of their hangar for repairs, GAMECO needed to slimline their processes and increase efficiency.

Various access platforms weighing up to 15,000kg and over 63ft in length were moved using a diesel forklift truck. This hazardous movement meant drivers had very little visibility, leading to an increased risk of collisions and damage to high-value aircraft. Costly aero engines including those of the B777, B787 and A330 were moved either manually or using the forklift. Skilled, highly trained staff are the most valuable resource within MRO and through the manual movement of heavy engine units, these resources were not being utilised. Valuable time was being wasted waiting for the availability of forklift trucks instead of focusing on value-adding repair and overhaul activities.

After evaluating the application and pinpointing exactly what GAMECO was looking to improve, it soon became clear that there was a requirement for a custom solution. With numerous engine stands varying in shape and size, a standard solution was not the most effective route to take.

The Solution

MasterMover worked closely with their local partner on the ground to fully assess GAMECO’s requirements. Working with GAMECO, we were able to design mounting plates that allowed coupling brackets to quickly be assembled and disassembled. Due to the variability of the customer engine stands, adjustable brackets removed the need to modify any of the trolleys. The brackets could simply be fitted and removed as required. With usability in mind, we designed the brackets to be adjustable to any box section.

Two MT1500+ units were specified to allow full manoeuvrability of the platforms and a 360-degree turning capability. MasterMover’s two tug system allows precise load positioning and reduces the risk of damage to large loads through visibility issues.

The integration of MasterMover electric tugs has allowed GAMECO to benefit from:

·        Reduced downtime

·        Improved control and manoeuvrability

·        Improved safety within the hangar

·        Reduced repair turnaround times

·       Zero emissions

·        Increased efficiency

With over 20 years of experience delivering both standard and tailored solutions into the aerospace MRO industry, MasterMover’s comprehensive range of industrial tugs allow heavy loads to be moved with just the touch of a button. MRO providers globally continue to benefit from a handling system that allows them to keep up with quick repair turnaround times and nurture a safe working environment for staff.

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Lucy Cresswell

+44 7598 377050

[email protected]