Sanko Gosei saves material costs and space with new polypropylene storage silos

Sanko Gosei Automotive Systems says it has saved “considerable” warehouse space and “significantly reduced” raw material costs by installing two aluminium storage silos for plastic granules at its sit in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. 

The two 3.5m x 12m high silos, supplied by Bristol-based Barton Fabrications, are used to store polypropylene granules used in the company’s automotive parts moulding processes. The 50-tonne storage vessels are bulk filled from road tankers and replace large plastic sacks and cardboard Octobins previously used on site.

As part of the installation, the two Barton silos were fitted with load cells and telemetry system. This allows real-time visibility of stock levels and usage by both Sanko Gosei and the raw material supplier, which in turn simplifies management of the company’s plastic granule consignment stock.

Commenting on the benefits of the decision to move to silo storage, James Bradley Sanko Gosei’s Production Engineering Manager said: 

“As part of our Kaizen process, we were tasked with removing waste from our warehouse. We identified two materials as high use with good potential for improvements in materials handling and storage.  The decision to install two storage silos has allowed us to save significant warehouse space. Additionally, we have reduced both forklift truck movements and the need to dispose of plastic storage sacks & cardboard Octobins.

“We have also lowered direct materials costs by buying in bulk and our surcharge / transport costs are less. We are absolutely delighted with the new Barton silos and were very happy with the whole installation process.”

The Sanko Gosei project is the latest Barton Fabrications installation that supports the supply of plastic moulded parts for the UK’s automotive industry.