From the engineering phase through to commissioning, the project required specialized lifting solutions for plastic injection molds. R&M Materials Handling collaborated closely with Sacar del Centro de México to deliver a system that combined innovation, safety and precision to meet the industry's highest standards.
The Application: Vuteq, a Tier 1 supplier to a global automotive supplier, required the installation of overhead cranes to support its plastic injection molding operations. As part of a new production initiative, the company was preparing to launch an advanced process using cutting-edge technology at its plant in Apaseo El Grande. To meet the demands of this operation, Vuteq needed a high-capacity, safe lifting solution tailored to the complexity of its injection area. Sacar del Centro México was selected to design and install crane systems capable of handling large, heavy molds while maintaining uninterrupted operation.
Working in close collaboration with the client, Sacar del Centro Mexico dedicated eight months to detailed engineering and planning to ensure the project achieved technical, structural and operational excellence.
The Challenge: The plastic injection area presented demanding conditions for crane installation. The cranes needed to operate within a total travel span of 103 meters inside the facility, with a clear span of 45 meters and an effective height of lift of nearly 11 meters. Both cranes were required to operate simultaneously, meeting FEM 2m duty classification standards suitable for the continuous handling of heavy injection molds.
The major challenge was the structural design of the bridge girders. Due to the project's extreme dimensions and capacity requirements, detailed structural calculations were performed by both internal and external engineering teams. The objective was to ensure that the cranes complied with current Mexican standards and the client’s strict deflection requirement of L/1000.
To meet these requirements, precise engineering was essential. R&M Materials Handling’s engineering team played a key role in selecting the most suitable crane components to guarantee optimal stability, efficiency and safety.
The Solution: Sacar del Centro México carried out the installation of two supported double-girder overhead traveling cranes: a primary crane with a 180-ton main hook and a 60-ton auxiliary hook, and a secondary crane with a 25-ton main hook and a 15-ton auxiliary hook. Both were mounted on a rail-type runway system, ensuring seamless integration into the plant’s existing infrastructure.
For the 180/60-ton crane, open winches from R&M Materials Handling were chosen for their responsiveness in critical load-handling applications. The 25/15-ton crane was equipped with Spacemaster® SX wire rope hoists, enabling precise, reliable and low-maintenance lifting.
To meet the customer’s safety and performance requirements, multiple features were integrated, including anti-sway technology, restricted operation zones, auto-centering functions, anti-collision sensors, remote radio controls and the standard safety systems included in the R&M equipment. These safety features ensured operator safety and the continuity of production.
For the electrical power supply of the 180/60-ton crane, the NRGmaster Energy Chain system was used—a robust and efficient alternative to conventional festoon systems, which were impractical due to the crane’s size and weight of the components.
Despite the complexity of wiring and control connections across both bridges and hoists, the commissioning phase was completed successfully. The system’s speeds, travel ranges and functions met all performance expectations, fully satisfying the client. The completed installation reflects R&M’s ability to deliver engineered lifting solutions precisely aligned with customer specifications and operational goals.
The Results: Before the project completion, load and operational tests were conducted using certified structures and controlled weights that simulated real-world operating conditions. These tests verified the stability, precision and performance of both crane systems, confirming full compliance with the client’s technical requirements.
Both Sacar del Centro México and the client’s operations personnel actively participated in the validation process, ensuring that every safety, capacity and control parameter was met. Today, the cranes are fully operational and deliver consistent reliability in the handling of plastic injection molds.
Through precise technical planning and expert execution, Sacar del Centro México successfully delivered one of the most ambitious lifting projects in its history. Backed by R&M Materials Handling’s engineered components and technical expertise, the project achieved outstanding results in performance, safety and reliability.
The installation not only enhances the operational capacity of a highly competitive manufacturing plant but also demonstrates the combined strength of R&M’s proven technology and Sacar del Centro México’s engineering capabilities - reinforcing both companies' commitment to innovation and excellence in industrial lifting solutions.