Paper Mill & Workshop Cranes
Reliable lifting for continuous mill performance
Paper production depends on uninterrupted operation. Whether lifting parent reels, supporting roll changes or handling machine components, cranes must work safely, predictably and with minimal downtime. Mills present unique demands: high humidity and water exposure at the wet end, heat and fire risk at the dry end, and consistently intensive utilisation across the entire process.
Street Crane has supported UK paper mills for more than 60 years. We design systems that stand up to these environments, offering robust mechanical engineering, advanced control using variable frequency drives and long service life. Every solution is shaped around your production prcess, integrating seamlessly with existing structures, operational routines and safety procedures.
Speak to our technical team on +44 (0)1298 812456 or email website@streetcrane.co.uk to discuss your next project.
Crane solutions for paper production
Paper production places exceptional and varied demands on lifting systems. Heavy parent reels and ancillary equipment must be transported over long spans with accurate, controlled motion. Many mills rely on dual or triple-hoist arrangements to support balanced, stable lifting during roll changes or complex access operations.
At the wet end, cranes must tolerate continuous exposure to high levels of moisture and airborne fibres, with electrical and mechanical components protected accordingly. At the dry end, cranes face high-duty, repetitive roll handling where speed control, heat management and consistent braking performance directly influence production reliability.
Cranes
We have a large range of pre-engineered cranes to meet the needs of almost all industrial applications up to 250 tonnes capacity.
Components & Hoists
Designed for ease of crane assembly anywhere in the world, Street Crane kits include everything needed to build a complete overhead crane except the steelwork for the main bridge girder.
Spares & Servicing
Only genuine Street parts will ensure the lifelong productivity and reliability of your lifting equipment. Street parts are available from our warehouses in the UK and the USA. We also supply through our network of official distributors around the globe.
Engineered for mill environments
Our engineers collaborate with mill operations, mechanical teams and procurement specialists to specify systems that reflect actual working conditions.
Duty ratings, lift geometry and required hook paths are modelled around machine layout, reel sizes and the clearances needed for threading, maintenance and emergency access. Inspection access, environmental protection and long-term serviceability are built in from the start.
This integrated approach ensures each system supports safe lifting performance, reliable production flow and simplified maintenance planning.
Design Considerations
Our cranes are designed and built in the UK and tailored to the specific mechanical and environmental challenges of paper making.
Moisture and humidity levels drive enclosure choices and material protection at the wet end, while the repetitive motion of roll changes demands stable, smooth VFD-controlled movement.
For multi-hoist handling, our systems provide accurate synchronisation and predictable acceleration and deceleration. Service access is a priority, with hoist layouts and components configured to support fast inspection and planned maintenance, keeping mills running reliably.
Crane Solutions
ZX Double Girder Cranes for Roll Handling and Machine Tending
ZX double girders provide a reliable foundation for roll changes and daily process lifts. With capacities up to 80 tonnes, they offer the hook heights needed in machine halls and deliver smooth, predictable movement through VFD-based control. The braked gearbox and oil-immersed gearing provide long-term durability in humidity-prone environments, minimising wear and reducing lifecycle costs.
VX Heavy-Duty Cranes for High-Capacity and Multi-Hoist Lifts
VX open-winch hoist cranes meet the demands of parent reel handling and continuous-duty operation. Capacities up to 200 tonnes and true vertical lift ensure stable, accurate lifting with minimal lateral movement. Their open-plan hoist construction improves maintenance access, crucial for areas where moisture and contamination require regular inspection. M8 duty options support repetitive, high-value lifting tasks central to process reliability.
Engineered Roll Attachments for Safe, Repeatable Lifting
We design attachments such as roll hooks, frames and spreader beams to suit reel diameter, width and core requirements. These tools help protect product quality and support controlled, repeatable movements in tight spaces around the paper machine.
Portal and Semi-Portal Cranes for Reel Stores and Yard Movements
Where building structures cannot support overhead equipment, semi-portal and full-portal cranes provide wide, stable coverage. Their torsion-box construction and long-span capability suit large reel stores, while rail-less semi-portals reduce civil works and remove floor-level trip hazards.
LX and LCS Systems for Workshops and Rebuild Areas
LX electric chain hoists and LCS workstation cranes support lighter, frequent maintenance tasks such as roller refurbishment and gearbox handling. With capacities up to 5 tonnes (LX) and 2 tonnes (LCS), they provide smooth, ergonomic lifting that integrates into everyday maintenance routines.
Making advanced lifting practical for paper mills
Paper making demands precise, stable lifting in environments that continually challenge equipment.
Our cranes address these pressures through advanced VFD-based motion control, micro-speed positioning and coordinated multi-hoist operation for complex roll changes.
Defined work zones, overload protection and appropriate enclosure ratings support safety and compliance across wet and dry ends.
A partner for long-term mill performance
We shape every design around predictable maintenance. Accessible hoist layouts, external brakes and robust gearing simplify inspection and servicing, helping mills protect uptime and maintain consistent output.
As a family-run engineering company with nearly 80 years of lifting expertise, we focus on systems that perform reliably year after year. Our cranes are built for longevity and backed by comprehensive servicing, inspection and modernisation through Street CraneXpress and approved partners.
Let’s design lifting that keeps your production on schedule
Every Street Crane overhead system is engineered for precise, repeatable motion and long-term reliability, designed to integrate seamlessly with mill safety procedures, roll-handling processes and planned maintenance strategies.
Whether you’re upgrading roll-handling capability, planning improvements at the wet end or increasing capacity, our engineers are ready to help.
Call +44 (0)1298 812456 or email website@streetcrane.co.uk for a practical recommendation and budgetary outline.
Get Started Today
Have any questions or want a quote please contact us