Konan Futo, Kobe City, Japan
When southern Japan’s largest grain logistics terminal needed a state-of-the-art ship unloader, Bühler proved to be the obvious choice.
Konan Futo operates one of the largest and most strategic port terminals in the southern part of Japan, and has been doing so for 50 years. When its unloaders were nearing the end of their life, the company set out to find the most efficient replacement available on the market.
“Konan Futo wanted to have a state-of-the-art mechanical ship unloader,” says Senior Technology Manager at Bühler, Felix Hutter. “After an intensive evaluation phase, Konan Futo selected the ship unloader Portalink as the solution which best fits their needs, and so Bühler has been appointed as the preferred partner for this CAPEX project.”
The Portalink 1100/27RK not only combines continuous, high-efficiency unloading with sustainable, low energy consumption, it also significantly cuts running costs. Bühler’s Portalink has an unloading capacity of 1100 tons per hour, ideal for Konan Futo’s main products of wheat, rapeseed, soybean, and raw sugar. The low-speed conveying of the products means that wear and tear and therefore product damage can be reduced significantly. Since the ship unloader is able to move along the jetty, ship hatches can be reached without any restrictions.
Konan Futo was looking for an unloader that could efficiently handle a variety of grains and raw sugar, but the decision process was based on more than just selecting new machinery. It was essential to find a partner capable of offering exceptional project management and customer service throughout the whole execution process. “The in-depth assessment process in respect of potential suppliers prior to any sales decision is unique and in line with Japanese business culture,” says Sales Manager for Bühler Yokohama, Masakatsu Ohkawa. “Bühler has been able to convince the customer of best-in-class product and services in every aspect.”
It was crucial that the final installation time for the Portalink was kept as short as possible. Coordination of all the stakeholders involved was key during the entire execution process, and required dynamic engagement from all parties.
We selected Bühler’s Portalink because of its efficiency. Running costs are less than a quarter compared with the two unloaders we replaced. Bühler demonstrated highest flexibility, and close cooperation throughout the entire project led to success.
Yutaka Fukuda,
President – Konan Futo (Grain Terminal) CO., LTD.
Gupfenstrasse 5
Uzwil
9240
Switzerland
