01/01/2026
As we enter the new year and look ahead to a wide range of exciting projects at Patterson Engineering, it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on one of our most challenging (yet rewarding) projects from last year.
During Q4 of last year, we successfully removed a dated intake and upgraded the system with a new Cimbria intake screw and heavy-duty bucket elevator at Port Ellen Maltings for Diageo.
This project presented several significant challenges. The existing elevator casing was a lot larger than modern similar capacity models and had to be removed through extremely tight gaps and floor penetrations, all within a very limited CDM shutdown window. Restricted access, programme pressure, and the scale of the equipment required careful planning, precise ex*****on, and close coordination on site.
The new heavy-duty bucket elevator was built to a high specification, incorporating Hardox liners, bearing temperature monitoring systems, pneumatic boot cleaning and more… delivering improved durability, safety, and long-term operational performance.
In addition, our engineering team expertly fabricated tight transition pieces on site for both machines, overcoming severe space constraints and ensuring seamless integration with the existing plant. This level of on-site fabrication and problem solving is a key part of what allows us to deliver complex upgrades in challenging environments.
Despite the complexity of the works and the tight timeframes involved, the project was delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Projects like this continue to reinforce Patterson Engineering’s position as a trusted partner and leader in our field, capable of delivering technically demanding industrial projects under pressure.
As we move into the new year, we’d like to extend our best wishes to everyone and their families, wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. We look forward to working with both existing and new clients throughout the new year on the exciting projects to come.
