A new factory is being built in Austin, Texas, USA, for American car manufacturer Tesla. The New York glass company W&W Glass LLC ordered four suction systems at Heavydrive LLC (Atlanta, USA) for the installation of the 110 oversized façade elements.
The façade elements, weighing 5,400 kilos (11,905 pounds) with a width of 2.8 metres and a height of 9.7 metres (9.2 by 31.8 feet), were set using the VSG 6000 K MH suction system with a load capacity of 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds). For the smaller panes, with a width of 2.8 metres, a height of up to 5.1 metres (9.2 by 16.7 feet) and weighing 2,800 kilograms (6,173 pounds), the Heavydrive VSG 3000 K MH system was used.
In order to keep to the construction project schedule, the façade company ordered a VSG 6000 K MH and a VSG 3000 K MH on a purchase deal, as well as a system for hire. This meant that the glass panes could be set by several installation teams at the same time.
The Heavydrive experts ensured the safe transport of the systems, and took care of the necessary customs and freight documents as well. In July 2021, the Heavydrive equipment started its journey to Austin in a sea freight container. Heavydrive staff monitored the shipment via real-time tracking. Installation began in August 2021 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.