Joloda Hydraroll has implemented a Hydraulic Skate and Track Loading System to address the challenges of container loading and unloading for WoHo’s prefabricated construction components.
WoHo, short for World Home, is a modular construction innovator and manufacturer headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company provides ecological, affordable living and working spaces by prefabricating components in its factory in Madrid, Spain, and shipping them globally.
WoHo’s approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining high construction standards. By using a modular method, it aims to address global challenges such as housing shortages, sustainability, and affordability, setting a new benchmark in the construction sector.
The Challenge
WoHo faced a critical logistical challenge during a project in Barbados to construct a new fully prefabricated research and education laboratory. The components, manufactured in Madrid, had to be safely transported across the Atlantic in standard 40-foot containers and efficiently unloaded on-site.
Traditional container-loading methods, such as forklifts, were unsuitable for handling the large, pre-assembled components. The irregular size and heavy weight of the loads required precise handling to avoid damage and ensure worker safety. Additionally, forklifts presented risks such as tipping, uneven load distribution, and inefficiency at both the loading and unloading sites.
Time constraints compounded the issue. The project’s tight schedule – transporting and assembling the building in just three months – required a solution that could load and unload components swiftly while maintaining the integrity of the structures. Furthermore, the system needed to be portable, adaptable, and operable at both WoHo’s Madrid facility and the Barbados assembly site.
These factors underscored the need for a modular, purpose-built solution capable of meeting WoHo’s ambitious project requirements.
The Solution
Joloda Hydraroll’s Hydraulic Skate and Track Loading System offered the ideal solution to WoHo’s logistical challenges. The system’s key features include:
- Hydraulic Skates with Track System: A modular setup capable of loading up to 27 tonnes in a single operation, with the same capability for unloading.
- Portable Tracks: Easily connected and disconnected from inside the container, enabling quick setup and removal.
- Pallet Compatibility: Supports a variety of pallet designs based on the container or cargo length, ensuring load stability.
- Manual Operation: Eliminates the need for powered equipment, enhancing portability and versatility.
- One-Shot Loading: Facilitates the loading of a container in under a minute. Full preparation, including securing the rear doors, takes up to 15 minutes.
Joloda Hydraroll also provided a comprehensive solution package, including a custom-designed platform, pallets, cargo securing tools, and on-site training. The team worked closely with WoHo’s operational staff to ensure they were equipped to handle their own cargo and site-specific challenges. This like-for-like training approach ensured seamless implementation and prepared WoHo for additional container transports in the future.
Results
The adoption of Joloda Hydraroll’s Hydraulic Skate and Track Loading System delivered measurable results for WoHo’s operations, addressing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while enabling scalable solutions.
- Safety: By eliminating forklifts, WoHo significantly reduced risks associated with manual lifting, uneven load distribution, and heavy equipment operation. The system’s controlled manual operation ensured safer handling of prefabricated components, protecting workers and the structural integrity of the loads.
- Efficiency: The one-shot loading and unloading capability streamlined operations. Each container could be fully loaded in under a minute, with preparation and securing completed within 15 minutes. This efficiency allowed WoHo to meet tight project deadlines and maintain a consistent workflow.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The system required no modifications to standard ISO containers, saving on expensive customisations. Its modular and portable design allowed reuse across multiple projects and locations, offering long-term value and resource optimisation.
- Scalability: The system’s adaptability to various loading and unloading sites made it a versatile choice for WoHo’s global operations. Its modular nature ensures WoHo can apply the same level of safety and efficiency to future projects, reinforcing its commitment to innovative construction logistics.
Borja Soriano, Project Manager at WoHo, commented: “The Hydraulic Skate and Track Loading System provided a seamless way to load and unload our prefabricated components into containers. It reduced handling time, ensured the safety of our team, and supported our mission to innovate construction processes worldwide.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between Joloda Hydraroll and WoHo highlights the power of innovative loading solutions to overcome complex logistical challenges. By implementing the Hydraulic Skate and Track Loading System, WoHo streamlined container-loading processes, improved safety, and reinforced its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
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