An early-June transaction saw Besser Co., Alpena, Mich., add to its concrete products plant offerings an automated pipe-handling system from Messman Service GmbH, and form a partnership with the German company to continue development of related technology. Suited to new operations and plant retrofits, the Messman system places a pallet and cage onto a machine loading station; after mold charging and vibration, a bi-rail assembly transfers green product to a moving floor for curing chamber relay. Robotic handling and depalletizing of cured pipe, plus quality and inventory control processes, complete the cycle.

The Messman equipment complements Besser's current pipe machinery lines, which include Advantage Series BiDi and Besser OMAG models. “The addition of the automated robotic handling system allows us to supply producers with a complete system supported by parts availability, technical service and training,” says Besser President and CEO Kevin Curtis.

The Messman-Besser partnership follows a host of similar measures during the past decade to facilitate rollout of European-styled, concrete plant automation in North America. Messman will maintain separate manufacturing of pipe spigot and measurement equipment.