Masa, a German concrete block-making machines and plants manufacturer, has helped Transgulf Cement Products in Dubai commission its third plant that will substantially boost the UAE-based company’s production capabilities.

Masa’s subsidiary in Dubai, Masa Middle East, oversaw the installation and commissioning of the new block-making machine, the Masa XL 9.1, in late 2016, in combination with a complete ring plant and an upstream dosing and mixing plant for concrete.

Masa had also supplied Transgulf’s other two plants.

Transgulf Cement Products, a pioneer in the concrete block industry in Dubai, produces concrete paving stones in a diverse selection of shapes, colours and surface treatments.

The new plant is equipped with two Masa concrete mixers (PH 2000/3000 for main mix, and S 350/500 for face mix) with a perfectly adjusted dosing plant. The mixed concrete is transported to the Masa XL 9.1 block-making machine by a double bucket conveyor. 

The Masa XL 9.1 comes with an automatic mould change to simplify and speed up the mould change process. It has an integrated height limit system to ensure accuracy, and an integrated hydraulic-driven smoothening roller and a bottom slide (face mix filling box).

Transgulf ordered an upgraded XL 9.1 that has an increased hydraulic pump capacity, an additional hydraulic accumulator and a servomotor for the ejection and feed of the production pallet. Also with the Masa styrofoam inserter, Transgulf can produce insulating blocks with styrofoam inserts. The products are produced on 1,400 by 1,100 mm steel production pallets.

To cure products, Transgulf opted for an innovative open-plan concept from Masa. The ventilation system optimises the curing process by creating uniform climate conditions in the curing chamber. The air inside the chamber is monitored using sensors.

To optimise the transport process of the wet and return transport, Transgulf is using the proven Masa cross-transport with carriage and grab. Plant efficiency is increased by allowing the wet side and return transport to work independently.

For the efficient operation of the plant, Transgulf is using Masa’s FAST Advanced, a modular software for the streamlined operation and visualisation of the components.

“We are very satisfied with the project progress and we are able to increase substantially our production capacities,” said Masood Mohammad Hassan Pour, Transgulf’s managing director and company owner, following the successful commissioning of the plant.

He said both companies worked closely during the entire planning period. The result is that the plant is now already designed for an expansion to produce coloured products.

“Two values lie at the heart of Transgulf’s operations in the UAE: Exceptional customer service and constant innovation. With Masa, we have had a partner by our side for the past decade, who understands our two founding principles, which have guided us from the beginning. This is our key to success.”