When a major local employer began consolidating three separate operational sites into a larger, purpose-planned facility, they approached Sussex Transport to manage one of the most critical elements of the move: the safe relocation of their high-value production machinery and ancillaries.
The project involved multiple lifting disciplines, logistical planning, inter-team coordination and specialist equipment. Just the kind of complex, high-stakes operation that our Lifting Division and transport team relish.
This case study explores how the Sussex Transport team planned and executed the first phase of the move, delivered over seven days, and how the project lays the groundwork for a second phase scheduled for early 2026.
A Multi-Site Manufacturer Preparing for Continued Growth
Addev, one of Europe’s leading adhesive tape converters are a long-established, high-profile employer in the region who are working on a major operational upgrade after recently taking over the Parafix brand. After years of expansion across three separate facilities, the business has invested in a single new location designed to bring manufacturing, production, and engineering under one roof.
The move required:
- Complex planning
- Careful sequencing
- Business-critical continuity
- Precision handling of valuable machinery
Sussex Transport was invited to scope the project, attend multiple planning meetings, and develop a tailored relocation proposal.
Planning a Contract Lift with Zero Room for Error
Due to the complexity of the machinery involved, and the weight ranges across the production line, the project required a full Contract Lift under the supervision of Sussex Transport’s appointed personnel.
Across several site consultations, lift plans, and method statements, our team designed a phased approach to ensure the move was completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal operational disruption.
Project Phase 1: Seven-Day Relocation Window
The first phase of the relocation was scheduled over seven consecutive days and required significant resourcing from both Sussex Transport and our trusted partners.
Equipment & Resources Supplied
To deliver the project safely and on schedule, Sussex Transport deployed:
Specialist Vehicles
- Rigid HIAB with drawbar trailer
- Articulated curtainsider trailers for enclosed transport
- Counterbalance forklifts for on-site handling
- A mobile crane
Expert Personnel
- Dedicated lifting team from Sussex Transport
- Specialist machine-moving operatives from Plant Handling Solutions
- Lift Supervisors, Slinger/Signallers, and Appointed Persons
- Logistics and planning personnel coordinating the multi-site move
Relocating High-Value Machinery with Precision
Across the seven-day operational window, the team successfully lifted, transported, positioned, and installed a wide range of production machinery.
Machine Profile
- Weight range: 1.5 tonnes to 8 tonnes
- Individual machine value: up to £800,000
- Numerous associated components, accessories and production materials
Each lift required careful rigging, balancing, and transport planning to ensure that machines arrived in optimal condition and were positioned accurately for commissioning at the new site.
Delivered On Time, and to the Client’s Full Satisfaction
Despite the complexity of the move, multiple lifting techniques, and tight operational timescales, the entire first phase was completed on time, safely, and without disruption.
Feedback from the client confirmed full satisfaction with:
- The professionalism of the lifting and machine-moving teams
- The collaborative approach between all parties
- The technical execution of each lift
- The quality and safety of the transport operation
- The consistent communication across the project
Sussex Transport once again demonstrated why we are the chosen partner for machine relocations, contract lifts, and specialist transport projects across the South East and beyond.
Phase 2 – Scheduled for Early 2026
With Phase 1 now complete, planning is already underway for the second stage of the relocation, due to begin in early 2026. Phase 2 will build upon the foundations laid during the first programme, continuing the consolidation of the manufacturer’s production and engineering lines into the new unified facility.
Sussex Transport looks forward to supporting the client through the next phase of their expansion.
