New Terex Finlay plant for J & J Franks
Aggregate supplier invests in 390 Hydrascreen and TC 6532 radial stacking conveyor for use at model quarry site
A FAMILY-owned quarry, which is setting the blue print for a modern, sustainable site, has turned to Finlay Plant SE to introduce powerful screening technology to the business.
J & J Franks have specified a new Terex Finlay 390 Hydrascreen and Terex Finlay TC 6532 stacking conveyor for their new, purpose-built sand pit in the heart of Surrey, strategically located within the M23 and M25 corridor.
The 225-acre site comprises Mercers Quarry, a consented area with millions of tonnes of soft and silica sands and the adjoining Chilmead area, where J & J Franks have safeguarded planning status to extract millions of tonnes of silica sand.
The development is being hailed as a model quarry site, with careful consideration given to all aspects of the operation to ensure maximum productivity is achieved in harmony with the rural location.
Features include: extensive asphalt surfacing to reduce the noise from sheeted lorries going to and from the site; as well as the creation of a water-based wildlife refuge using the on-site lagoon and lake. In addition, over 27,000 trees have been planted around the perimeter.
At Mercers Quarry, J & J Franks are producing high-quality building sand using the Terex Finlay machines, under the direction of father and son team Peter and George Crate, who both head up the long-established, family-run business.
Peter Crate said: ‘This project has been a blank canvas, which has allowed us the time and space to really consider every aspect carefully. We are fortunate to own substantial reserves in an unparalleled location, which can serve much of London and the surrounding area. It has taken decades to achieve planning to convert this into the single biggest consented site in Surrey, and in that time we’ve been able to scrutinize every aspect.’
The Terex Finlay 390 Hydrascreen is a high-performance portable screening plant developed to fulfill the demands of today’s high-production aggregate producers.
It is fitted with hydraulic variable angle adjustment on the screenbox and a high-capacity belt feed hopper, while the 6532 stacker forms part of the Terex Finlay TC range of conveyors, which are constructed to the same highly engineered specification.
The screening plant and stacker have been finished in J & J Franks green livery, to reflect the company’s brand and to also blend in with the surrounding environment. During pre-production trials, the 390 Hydrascreen has been handling materials up to 210 tonnes/h.
Peter Crate commented: ‘Finlay Plant SE came to us with the 390 recommendation and we felt this machine best fitted our needs. It’s a very simple yet effective system and we like the fact the screening box is at an acute angle. It produces an impressive volume of products and we are very pleased with the outcome.’
