A major investment at Carr’s Billington (CBAL) is already delivering improvements in efficiency, safety and product quality, following the successful completion of the Stone Grinder Project.
Over the past 12 months, colleagues across The Billington Group may have heard references to the “Stone Grinder Project”, a significant end-to-end operational upgrade designed to modernise grinding capability, improve resilience and futureproof site operations.
Now complete, the project represents far more than a simple equipment replacement. It is a major infrastructure investment focused on improving safety, efficiency, product consistency and long-term operational performance, all while keeping the site fully operational throughout the installation.
Investing in the Future of Operations
To ensure business continuity during installation, a brand new building was constructed to house the new grinding system. Built to the latest regulatory standards, including enhanced fire protection requirements introduced following the Grenfell Tower fire, the facility has been designed with long-term safety, compliance and operational resilience in mind. Alongside the new building, the site’s electrical infrastructure has undergone a complete upgrade to improve safety, efficiency and future capacity.
Key improvements include:
- A new transformer to increase efficiency and electrical capacity
- Upgraded earthing systems to enhance site safety
- New switchgear replacing legacy equipment while creating capacity for future growth
- A new Motor Control Centre (MCC) room, designed to support both the new grinder and future site expansion
Improving Product Consistency
As part of the project, two new live bins have been introduced to mix raw materials before they reach the grinder.
By creating a more consistent blend and preventing uneven batches entering the system, the upgrade is helping to improve operational performance while reducing unnecessary strain on equipment.
Benefits include:
- Smoother operation
- Reduced equipment stress
- Greater product consistency
Ian Whittaker, Operations Director at Carr’s Billington Agriculture, said:
“The Stone Grinder Project represents a significant investment in the future of our operations. By modernising our systems and infrastructure, we are creating a safer, more efficient and more resilient operation that will continue delivering benefits for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
The completion of the Stone Grinder Project marks another important milestone in The Billington Group’s continued investment in operational excellence, safety and sustainable long-term growth.
By combining modern technology, enhanced safety measures and increased production capability, the project is helping create a stronger, more resilient operation for the future.