Yatala Glass Project - Batch Plant
— Structural steel erection, cladding & mechanical installation for a large-scale batch plant supporting glass manufacturing operations.
Client
Visy Glass Operations (Australia) Pty Ltd
Project Type & Industry
Industrial - Recycling / Glass Manufacturing
Delivery Method
Subcontract (via Principal Contractor)
Principal Contractor
Build Run Repair (BRR)
Location
Yatala, Queensland
Delivery Period
2024 – 2026
Status
Complete
Project Scale
Multi-structure industrial facility including a 22m+ multi-level batch plant, transfer towers, and material handling systems.
Services Delivered
Structural steel erection, cladding & mechanical installation
Project Highlights
22+ Metres
Height of multi-level batch plant structure
Multiple Structures
Including tower, gantry, warehouse, and transfer systems
2024–2026
Delivery program duration
End-to-End Scope
Structural and mechanical installation delivered by a single contractor
Heavy Lifting
Utilised 40T & 500T crane for major lifts, including the installation of multiple silo’s ranging from 10t to 45T.
— Project Overview
The Batch Plant at Visy’s Glass Recycling and Manufacturing facility in Queensland is a major industrial build designed to support high-volume glass production through advanced material handling systems.
At the center of the project is a 22+ metre multi-level batch plant, supported by critical infrastructure including the Beneficiated Cullet Transfer Tower, Raw Materials Warehouse, Belt Bridge and Main Gantry — forming the backbone of the site’s raw material processing capability.
JKR Group was engaged by Build Run Repair (BRR) to deliver the complete structural steel erection and mechanical installation package, integrating complex structural and processing systems into a single, high-performing facility. JKR delivered the installation, alignment, and integration of the major structural steel frames, platforms, stairs, and walkways, along with the full installation of silos, hoppers, bucket elevators, conveyors, mixers and feeders within the structure.
The scale and precision of the build demanded a coordinated, end-to-end approach – highlighting JKR’s capability to deliver complex industrial infrastructure.
— Project Challenges
This project presented several key challenges requiring a high level of coordination and technical expertise:
- Complex Multi-Level Structure: The batch plant structure rises over 22 metres and incorporates multiple levels of platforms, access systems and integrated equipment, requiring precise sequencing and installation accuracy.
- Integration of Mechanical Systems: The installation involved a wide range of heavy mechanical components—including silos, conveyors, bucket elevators and mixers—all needing accurate alignment within tight tolerances.
- High-Volume Industrial Environment: Working within an active industrial setting required careful planning around safety, logistics and coordination with other trades and stakeholders on site.
- Gantry & Logistics Coordination: Installation of large gantry systems required detailed lift planning, staged deliveries and precise logistics coordination to ensure safe placement within restricted site access conditions.
- Heavy Lift Operations: A 500T crane was utilised for the installation of multiple silos ranging from 10T to 45T, requiring engineered lift studies, strict sequencing and controlled execution to ensure safe and accurate placement.
These factors demanded an experienced contractor capable of delivering both structural and mechanical scope seamlessly.
— Solution
JKR Group implemented a coordinated and methodical delivery approach to ensure safe and efficient project execution.
The team undertook staged structural steel erection, allowing for progressive installation of mechanical systems as the structure advanced. This integrated approach minimised rework and ensured alignment between structural and mechanical components.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Careful sequencing of steel erection to support equipment installation at height
- Precision alignment and installation of mechanical systems within confined structural zones
- Close coordination with the principal contractor and other site teams to maintain workflow continuity
- Deployment of experienced crews and lifting strategies suited to large-scale industrial builds
This approach ensured that both structural integrity and mechanical functionality were achieved to specification.
— Services Delivered
Structural Steel Erection
Installation of all prefabricated steelwork for the batch plant and associated structures, including a 22m+ multi-level system.
Batch Plant Structure
Construction of the central processing facility, including platforms, stairs and access systems.
Transfer & Support Structures
Construction of the central processing facility, including platforms, stairs and access systems.
Mechanical Installation
Full installation and integration of process equipment including silos, hoppers, conveyors, mixers, feeders and bucket elevators.
Access Systems
Installation of walkways, stairs and platforms to support safe operation and maintenance.
— Outcome
Upon completion, the Batch Plant will serve as a critical component of Visy’s glass manufacturing operations, supporting efficient handling and processing of raw and recycled materials.
JKR Group’s delivery ensures that all structural and mechanical elements are installed to specification, enabling reliable, high-volume production capability. The integrated approach to steel and mechanical works has contributed to streamlined project execution and reduced interface risk.
The project reinforces JKR’s capability to deliver complex industrial installations within largescale manufacturing environments, positioning the business as a trusted partner for future infrastructure and process plant developments.
