Barton installs final silo as part of Plastipak expansion

Barton Fabrications has installed the eighth and final silo at PET packaging specialist, Plastipak Packaging, as part of a major manufacturing plant upgrade.

The 100 tonne PET granule storage vessel is one of two silos installed by Barton this summer and completes the expansion of the plant.

Plastipak Packaging, formerly known as APPE, has made a £10million investment in its site in Gresford, North Wales, to expand its preform-manufacturing platform, making it one of the largest in Europe (read more here). 

All vessels installed at the plant are used to store PET granules, which are moulded on-site, primarily into preform drinks bottles. PET has a high bulk density and, together with its unusual flow characteristics, can cause noise and silo damage problems during discharge prior to moulding. In order to avoid these issues, all the storage silos supplied to Plastipak have been fitted with Barton anti-honking rings.