Member Article

North East plays home to world's largest inspection unit

A North East company is leading the way after acquiring the world’s largest under-bridge inspection unit. Birtley-based E S Access Platforms recently invested more than £500,000 in the Moog MBI 250, which can span 3.5 metres from the side of the unit to the bridge parapet – a metre more than any other machine currently in use across the globe.

The company has not only purchased the state-of-the-art equipment but has also played an integral part in its development. Managing director of E S Access Platforms, Keith Hunwick, was heavily involved in designing the specifications of the machine which took nine months to create. Its unique features include capabilities that no other under bridge unit has. This includes the ability to reach a metre further over a bridge - from the crash barrier to the bridge parapet – than the current existing units. It can also safely reach 25 metres under a bridge.

Mr Hunwick said: “I worked very closely with Alfons Moog and his design team in Germany to ensure that this unique machine could offer our customers an even safer and more efficient inspection service. I’m delighted with the results.”

Since the acquisition, the machine has been in great demand up and down the country including working on the Dee Bridge in Aberdeen and the White Rock Bridge in Swansea.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .