Collaboration on autoguided vehicles for the aluminium industry
Epiq Machinery and DTA have announced a close collaboration in the field of autoguided vehicles (AGV) for the international aluminium industry.
With over 20 years of experience in designing and supplying heavy-duty vehicles, Epiq Machinery has an in-depth knowledge of the aluminium industry and its challenges. Since 2016, the company is investing in research and development to design safe and reliable electrical AGV to be operated in aluminium smelters potrooms.
First AGV prototype in 2018
Following the launch of the AGV Team prototype in 2018, the first North American electrical autoguided molten metal hauler, Epiq Machinery was looking for a partner to better support all requests coming from the larger aluminium industry. The focus on the global international market of aluminium producers (primary and secondary) is to offer a wider range of AGV equipment under the Epiq AGV brand.
In the aluminium industry, there are many heavy-load travels done between various sectors (ladle of molten metal, anodes, coil, ingots, etc.). Each requiring a rigorous analysis of inputs to ensure safe travel in all conditions, indoor and outdoor, winter and summer.
The partnership offers the aluminium producers proven AGV solutions backed by DTA, a renowned manufacturer of autoguided solutions. The goal of Epiq Machinery teaming with DTA is to bring the AGV technology accessible and in accordance with the clients’ specific needs. Epiq Machinery will also act as solution integrator and provide after-sale technical support.
Two solution providers combine their skills
Epiq Machinery and DTA want to embrace the aluminium producers towards the shift to Industry 4.0. by offering global material handling system integration into plants. As the AGV market is booming, the cooperation between Epiq Machinery and DTA is timely. The combination of the skills of the two equipment manufacturers, leaders in their field, can only benefit end-user customers.
Éloïse Harvey, CEO of Epiq Machinery, commented: “Our approach and our corporate values come together. Our unique expertise and know-how complement each other and allow us to offer much more than AGVs. We will be able to support our clients and evaluate their entire process and provide fixed and mobile equipment. We will thus have the capacity to act as an integrator of global turnkey solutions and to continue to offer full after-sales service and technical support.”
Miguel de Sebastian Merello, CEO of DTA, said: “At a turning point of a new industrial era, DTA is capable to offer scalable guidance systems from wire-guided AGV up to complete artificial vision. We’ve gained extreme valuable experience in a variety of sectors. Introducing our technology into aluminium smelters will not only strengthen our position, but add to our AGV equipment offer. We look forward to our first joint project. Epiq Machinery has developed a great knowledge in electrification of specialized equipment for heavy industries which will be an asset towards global decarbonization efforts.”
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