Vanguard is one of the few companies in South Africa
with the qualifications and expertise to install
escalators, completing many complex installations
for shopping malls, stations, hotels and airports

Heavy lift and plant relocation specialist Vanguard is one of the few companies in South Africa with the qualifications and expertise to install escalators. Operating throughout South and sub-Saharan Africa, the company has completed many complex installations for shopping malls, stations, hotels and airports.

According to Kevin Joubert, Project Manager, Vanguard, the installation of these complex machines is a specialised discipline. “We’ve been doing this for a number of years and have established relationships with OEMs such as Schindler and Otis.”

Vanguard offers a turnkey service from transportation to installation of escalators. “Often this includes clearing the equipment from port and storing it at our head office, before completing the actual installation,” says Joubert.

“However, the most crucial part of any job is the site survey. This ensures that we can safely and efficiently complete the installation and overcome any obstacles. For example, a site survey during a project for a department store in Pretoria revealed that the wooden floor in the store was not strong enough to support the escalator.”

The Vanguard team averted delays and ensured the safety of the project by setting down load rails first so that the escalator could be rigged into position.

“One of our most challenging jobs took place at OR Tambo Airport, as part of the upgrade. We installed six escalators in the new parkade structure. The challenge came in due to the restricted access – we had to park our vehicles on the access road which caused some traffic disruptions. Our team also had to undergo special training before going on-site. This involved getting special licences and permits in order to drive around the airport, as well as training on safety,” says Joubert.

Work on the project could also only be done during the airports off peak periods, that is from ten in the evening to five in the morning.

Other recent projects include the installation of three extra length escalators for the Gautrain station situated at OR Tambo Airport. The 16 metre escalators had to be manually rigged over construction holes by being placed on rails. The result, the walkways were suspended in mid air for almost six metres. Vanguard also installed 16 escalators for the new Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and two for the hotel.

“We also work further afield,” notes Joubert. “We’ve completed a number of projects for malls in Swaziland, Lesotho and Zambia, which has involved the cross-border transportation of the equipment.”

Vanguard installed 16 escalators for the new Melrose Arch Shopping Centre.