Case: PROBUGAS, Slovakia (2024)
Customer
PROBUGAS, Slovakia
The customer's challenge
To meet the demands of the energy market, PROBUGAS completely renovated their filling plant from the 1970s - top to bottom - including upgrading the original Crisplant equipment that was stilling running.
Our solution
A fully upgraded filling plant with 12-position carousels with the capability of handling 14 and 10 kg cylinders.
The outcome
In just 7 weeks, the PROBUGAS filling plant in Martin, Slovakia, was fully upgraded with new filling lines, enhancing both efficiency and automation.
Scope of supply
- 1 Palletizer
- 1 Chain conveyor
- 12-Position Filling Carousels
- 1 Check scale
- 2 Leak Detection
- 1 Steam Shrinking Machine
As one of the largest suppliers of propane and butane in Slovakia, PROBUGAS has been a key player in the country’s energy landscape for decades. And our partnership with PROBUGAS stands for just as long, dating all the way back to the 1970’s.
In with the new
In the 1970’s, when MAKEEN Energy was Crisplant, we delivered the first filling lines to the PROBUGAS facility in Martin, Slovakia. Now, 50 years later, we had the privilege of refurbishing the entire filling plant with new and modern equipment.
Supplying whole Slovakia with LPG cylinders, the PROBUGAS facility in Martin, Slovakia, is a key asset for the country’s energy landscape.
Although the 50-year-old equipment was still operational, PROBUGAS decided to refurbish the entire plant, to align with their significant role in the energy supply chain. This included removing all the old equipment, renovating the floors, walls, and windows, and giving the entire building a complete overhaul.
This renovation included the installation of brand-new filling equipment increasing capacity from 5 to 12 machines capable of handling both 10 kg and 14 kg cylinders. The modernisation of the plant also included the implementation of new, advanced automation technology, enhancing safety and improving operational efficiency.
Preparing for winter
Slovakia faces cold, harsh winters, especially in the mountainous regions of the country. During these cold months, it is vital that energy sources for heating, cooking, etc. are reliable, which is why PROBUGAS’ filling plant plays a critical role in supporting this infrastructure for both residents and businesses in the area. Therefore, adhering to the timeline for the new filling plant installation was vital.
Typically, installations of this scale can take several months. However, with winter on the horizon, the time was limited, making careful planning and efficient execution crucial. In the summer of 2024, one of our Service Engineers and an Electrical Supervisor travelled to Slovakia to begin the installation. In close collaboration with the PROBUGAS team and external contractors, they successfully completed the installation just 7 weeks later, ensuring that the project was finalised on schedule – and just in time to prepare for the winter.
MAKEEN's predecessor, Crisplant, already proved to us that with proper care, their equipment can last in operation for decades. With this in mind, we decided to partner with MAKEEN to refurbish our plant. Throughout the planning and execution of the project, we were met with a professional approach and clear communication. With the new equipment, which ensures a high degree of automation and safety, we aim to persevere in the market for at least another few decades.
