L&T-made apron feeders march ahead with their legacy of success
L&T has achieved yet another milestone by manufacturing the 1000th apron feeder at its Kansbahal Works in Odisha. An apron feeder is a crucial equipment used for transferring raw material to a crusher or other downstream processing unit at a uniform rate.
The 1000th apron feeder was delivered in March to L&T’s loyal customer Shree Cement in Rajasthan. This is the latest addition in a long line of successes in mining and industrial machinery since 1963 when L&T partnered with Caterpillar Inc to manufacture undercarriages in Powai, Mumbai.
Cut to 1981. Madras Port Trust – struggling with an underperforming feeder at its critical iron ore export node Bharathi Dock in Chennai – turned to L&T, and the latter surpassed their expectations.
L&T ventured into coal-handling machinery in 1987, and soon after, supplied India’s longest apron feeder for limestone. At 16,000 metres in length, it was supplied to Birla Corporation Ltd at Satna in Madhya Pradesh. The apron feeders gained acclaim for exceptional design, engineering excellence and manufacturing quality.
The 1990s brought further triumphs. L&T designed, manufactured, and commissioned an apron feeder with highest payload capacity for Northern Coalfields’ Nigahi mines in Madhya Pradesh. Then, at the Khetri (Rajasthan) mines of Hindustan Copper Ltd, L&T-made apron feeder found its first underground application, further showcasing its versatility.
Next came a large order – for 39 apron feeders – from Jindal Steel Plant. Digital technology paved the way for innovation, and enhanced safety while lowering environmental impact.
In 2010, the manufacturing unit moved from Powai to Kansbahal. L&T’s in-house manufacturing capability for undercarriage components provided an unmatched advantage in design and engineering, helping the Company achieve milestones in the iron ore, coal, and cement industries, delivering robust solutions to customers.
Between 2010 and 2020, L&T delivered Asia’s longest apron feeder to the Aditya Birla Group – Hindalco and Aditya Aluminium. L&T installed the highest capacity apron feeder at Essar’s Vizag Port.
The delivery of the 1000th apron feeder is a testament to L&T’s legacy of innovation, dedication and unparalleled expertise.
