6 minute read

Will your next crop cooling purchase back British manufacturing?

from Farmers Guide March 2023

from Farmers Guide March 2023, page 248

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road plainings. It has several 11kW fans, installed in 2018, working in New Zealand for cooling superphosphate fertiliser.

Bringing together equipment from manufacturers in Devon, Somerset, Lincolnshire and Su olk, Evans & Pearce says it is proud of the grain cooling systems it has brought to the market over the past 55 years.

No matter your preference for cooling grain this harvest, Evans & Pearce says it has systems to suit a range of situations. The company has always believed in working with its suppliers as closely as it works with its customers. It is often suppliers that help the company solve the sometimes complex problems it is presented with.

Evans & Pearce’s fan range is all manufactured by Air Control Industries (ACI) based in Axminster, Devon – a company it has worked with since 1978. Evans & Pearce has sold ACI fans all over the world. Due to the robust fan construction, they have been used in demanding situations for cooling grains, peanuts, woodchip, horse bedding and even

The company’s Polycool ducting is manufactured by Polypipe Civils based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. “We rst worked with them in 1998 alongside ADAS to trial the product and ensure the slotted area of our proposed new duct facilitated the air ow needed for successful crop cooling,” said Evans & Pearce managing director Rob White. “From humble beginnings the new plastic products gained a reputation for longevity and strength. With sales of Polycool pedestals now well beyond 30,000 since its launch, the merits of this type of duct are beyond doubt.”

He added: “Polycool Laterals linked to our range of high output EV fans are nding favour particularly in large, deep stores where pedestals are not always practical.”

For those growers that use a metal pedestal, Evans & Pearce reckons the Metalcool pedestals are the perfect answer. OSR proof, so they need no additional lter, they are very strong and more compact than their bulky plastic cousins. Metalcool is perforated by pushing out a louvre rather than punching a hole; this retains strength as no material is removed from the base. Metalcool is manufactured in Su olk by West Engineering, which provides Evans with a wide range of spiral wound metal ducting and bespoke ttings. Over the years West has proven a strong partner, well equipped for the surprises that harvest presents, Evans reckons.

“We are very proud of the longterm supplier links we have forged, especially now. During the past few years, as in many industries, suppliers struggled with sta ng levels, uctuating material costs and limited component availability. They have supported us and to ensure continued product manufacture and therefore supply to our customers, we have reciprocated by settling accounts ahead of time to assist with cash ow and placing large upfront orders to assist with planning.” Rob continued.

Evans & Pearce’s long-term support of using British manufacturing has helped secure jobs in UK factories. Rob asks: “Will your next purchase of a crop cooling system enable you to say the same?” FG

Investing in your buildings to save on energy bills

Tag Insulation explains the bene ts of its closed cell insulation system, which can be used for many di erent types of buildings and surfaces.

This winter, it has become increasingly evident that the rising cost of domestic energy has plunged many thousands of people into fuel poverty. Many businesses also continue to struggle with rising energy costs and the price of fuel for machinery, for example.

Whilst we face challenging times, as springtime approaches, now is the time to consider making improvements that could save you money in 2023 and beyond, says TAG Insulation. With material costs escalating month on month, it will never be cheaper to improve your buildings and start saving money, the company reckons.

TAG says it continues to receive more and more enquiries regarding the improvement of older farm buildings for change of use. It o ers a 25-year material guarantee.

Other recent projects include improvements to stabling for several top equestrian centres throughout the country. It also completed an installation for a garage workshop in London, to insulate and contain and elderly asbestos bre cement roof. The alternative would have been complete replacement, with massive disruption in the surrounding residential area, as well as closure of the business for several weeks during the specialist removal. TAG claims it completed the work over one weekend with no inconvenience.

TAG has been involved with the closed cell insulation product for a number of years and says it has the experience to deal with any number of di erent problems. For example, damaged or leaking areas, strengthening, stabilising, insulating, and helping control condensation.

The company has carried out installations in a large number of buildings and projects over a long period of time and built up a strong reputation. As a result, it undertakes a substantial amount of work for its existing customers.

It o ers a nationwide service from a team of experienced people who will visit, advise measure and quote, all for free.

TAG’s closed cell system can be applied to many di erent types of buildings and surfaces and can extend the life of a roof, saving thousands of pounds compared to the cost of replacement, the company reckons. Once installed it will provide a stable ambient temperature, all year round, prevent leaks and reduce sound. It is great for asbestos containment, stops further deterioration of the roof and is class 1 re rated, TAG adds.

The company’s spray foam systems are accredited by the LABC, KIWA, BBA, BDA and fully certi cated. No harmful chemicals are used, and the product is applied through a water blown spray system. By installing one of the leading insulation products available today you will not only insulate and protect your buildings, but also save money and help save the planet, TAG claims. Contact the company directly for further information and advice. FG

Grain storage: Simple ways to be more energy e icient

Now is the time to start thinking about the condition of your stored grain, even if this year’s harvest hasn’t started yet. There’s every chance that we could face another heatwave this year, which brings the challenge of keeping your grain cool to maintain its quality. If you’re planning a new grain store for 2023, the Plug&Cool team says it can recommend a relatively low-cost solution for stored grain.

Using taller, 1.5m durable poly pedestals, combined with highe ciency grain cooling fans is an obvious choice, but there are also running costs to consider. There may be simple things you can do to reduce your energy bill like making sure your fan’s operation is controlled. Plug&Cool engineers have worked hard to design and produce an upgraded, premium e ciency, aluminium fan to help with farmers’ running costs.

It’s also worth considering an automated system to control your fans so you have one less thing to worry about. The Plug&Cool Multi-Zone control panel is easy to use and will only switch on the grain cooling fans if the ambient temperature is cool enough, or if the grain temperature requires it.

As one of the UK’s fastest growing and largest stockists of grain cooling fans and equipment, Plug&Cool, along with its UK distributors, says it is on hand to ful l orders throughout the year. Contact the Plug&Cool team directly to discuss your requirements. FG

Agricultural bulk material retaining walls

Nationwide Precast Concrete is a new East Anglian precast concrete manufacturer based in Ardleigh in Essex. NPC Ltd produces a range of retaining wall and fencing products for the East Anglian and UK market.

The company says it is very experienced in the manufacturing of precast concrete, especially in the design and production of retaining wall systems. Its new fencing product uses its patented manufacturing system, providing the highest quality nished product that cannot be matched by traditional manufacturing methods, NPC Ltd reckons.

The company has an extensive range of retaining wall systems which it believes will satisfy all agricultural applications. It can also design and manufacture bespoke units to suit site speci c requirements.

It has invested in modern manufacturing facilities and its products adhere to all industry standards. The company’s quality control systems are designed speci cally for the manufacturing of precast concrete retaining walls and fencing products, and its structural engineering resource has over 25 years’ experience in precast concrete product design and implementation. Contact the company directly to discuss your requirements, or book a site visit if you prefer. FG

Doors Built To Your Exact Specification

Steel, brick or timber structures, Shutter Wize Ltd has doors available to suit your needs in standard galvanised, powder coated or Plastisol ﬁnish with a variety of accessories available including remote control, key or push button operation.

Inspired by the latest technology in Pre-stressed Concrete Wall Panels, and with the desire to continue in meeting our customers' requirements regarding Quality, Design, Volume & Delivery...