Three weeks. A complete thermal processing plant. A tight schedule. And then the overhead crane broke down, too.
What initially sounded like an almost insurmountable challenge turned out to be yet another example of what’s possible with good planning, flexibility, and a strong team.

The Situation: A Major Project with a Tight Time Frame
In early June, we received a request from our colleagues at BGH Edelstahl Freital GmbH. The task: to dismantle a complete, highly complex thermal processing plant from the facilities of the former Deutsche Nickel in Schwerte, load it onto a truck, and transport it to its new location by June 30 at the latest. There were just three weeks to complete the project. The system included, among other things, an electrically heated box furnace with a maximum charge weight of 4,000 kg and a temperature range of 450 to 1,250 °C, a 36-m³ quenching tank, a fully automatic loader with an intermediate storage area, and the complete rail system, including additional support beams. In addition to the actual dismantling, all technical details had to be worked out, the commercial arrangements finalized, and the entire construction site logistics prepared—all within a very short time.

Precise Preparation Despite High Speed
Just a few days after receiving the order, our team began surveying the construction site and preparing detailed work plans. Starting on June 8, our metalworkers, welders, and electricians were on site to carefully plan the next steps and prepare for dismantling. The actual plant dismantling began in calendar week 24. But no sooner had the project started than the first unplanned challenge arose: The existing overhead crane failed completely after just a few hours. Such a failure could have jeopardized the entire schedule. For the SCHLAGER team, however, one thing was clear: Now was the time to act quickly.

Flexibility Creates Solutions
Together with BGH, the situation was assessed on short notice, and an alternative solution was developed. Within a very short time, mobile cranes were arranged, and the necessary measures were implemented in collaboration with experts from Franz Bracht. Although this additional challenge meant more organizational effort, the common goal remained the same: the plant had to be brought online on schedule. Thanks to the quick coordination among all parties involved, the dismantling could continue without major delays.

Complex Logistics to the New Location
The changes to the lifting equipment also affected the transportation planning. In collaboration with the freight forwarder Bender, the original logistics plan had to be adjusted on short notice: Instead of the planned combination, additional flatbed trailers were used. Despite tight deadlines, road closures, and a challenging route, the heavy-haul transports finally set off safely toward the BGH. Successfully carrying out a project of this magnitude in such a short time is only possible through one thing: close collaboration among all parties involved. Direct communication, quick decisions, and a team that works reliably even under pressure were crucial to the success.

A strong team makes all the difference
We would like to thank all of our project partners who made this equipment relocation possible: BGH Edelstahl Freital GmbH, Spedition Bender, and the team at Franz Bracht for their flexible and professional cooperation. Special thanks go to our operational teams at SCHLAGER. To all the metalworkers, welders, electricians, and service technicians who, on-site, demonstrated with great dedication, expertise, and team spirit what is possible when everyone works together.

After all, in the end, it is the people behind the project who turn a challenging task into a successful outcome.