Crow Metals purchases second Fuchs Material Handler

Crow Metals, is a 4th generation family business, which was originally set up by W. Wakefield in 1943 who was known as ‘Tiny’ due to being close to 7ft tall.

The scrap processing and recycling specialists have always been based in Romford, Essex, but just over 5 years ago moved to a purpose built 2 acre site, incorporating two 50 tonne weighbridges and two 3 tonne platform scales. Today Crow Metals is run by ‘Tiny’s’ great grandson Joe Wakefield, employs around 25 full time members of staff and is currently enjoying a period of rapid growth.

When the company first moved in to their new site in 2012, they purchased a Fuchs MHL335 Material Handler, which is not only still working daily at the site, but has only suffered one breakdown in that 5 year period. Joe recalls how it was dealt with by Blue Fuchs, “The engineer who knew the machine inside out, was there within 3 hours and we were back up and running in no time at all. The cranes are the lifeblood of the business. Take the crane away and the yard does not work, so we were very grateful for such a prompt response.”

The new machine is the MHL340, a sub 30 tonne machine with a 129kW engine and a reach of over 13m. Dual-circuit hydraulics with low power dissipation ensure that slewing manoeuvres are as swift and powerful as they are precise. Furthermore, the advanced cab offers exceptional vision, up to 5.6m above ground level through panoramic windows, so the operator can see inside the trailers being loaded. Comfort is also a key point of differentiation on the Fuchs to other material handlers. The machine comes with an air cushioned seat, intuitive multifunctional touch screen display and air conditioning, because if the operator is comfortable, output is increased.

Currently the machine is processing some of the 400 tonnes of non-ferrous material which comes in to the business each and every week, which is incidentally matched by a further 400 tonnes of ferrous. The rolled aluminium derived from windows as well as signage is loaded in to a shear baler by the new MHL340, where it is boxed and sent out via lorries to a variety of locations as far as Australia.

The scrap comes in to the business via a variety of channels. The business has grown over the years by taking material from door trade suppliers such as builders, plumbers and roofers, as well as a factory collection service and site clearances. Recent expansion however is through merchant trade. Crow have developed strong relationships as well as overseas supply routes due to their long history in the sector, meaning their competitors in previous years are now their customers, as they bring in their metal for joint distribution overseas.

Commenting on how the new machine has been performing, Joe said, “We have experienced drivers here, who have driven a lot of machines and they really like the Fuchs. We also visit a lot of merchant yards these days and hear about their indifferent experiences with their material handlers, which confirms we have made the right choice working with Blue Fuchs”