BELFOR Brings A Global Manufacturing Plant Back To Business After Typhoon Yagi Struck
When Typhoon Yagi struck Hai Phong, Vietnam, on September 7, 2024, it unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain. A global manufacturer of electronics equipment was directly in its path. The typhoon had ripped the metal roofs from the company’s factory, allowing rainwater to flood the facility.
A Contaminated Production Environment
The incident presented a complex challenge beyond simple water removal. The six critical toner filling lines were not only exposed to water but were also subject to contamination. The delicate mechanical, electrical and electronic components of this specialised machinery were at risk, and time was of the essence to prevent further corrosion and degradation.
The Meticulous, Multi-Step Response
To address this complex disaster, BELFOR’s team of experts proposed a comprehensive strategy tailored to the specific needs of the customer. The process was broken down into two main phases: Loss Mitigation and Decontamination. The customer agreed to our proposal and BELFOR quickly mobilised Recovery Specialists and equipment.
First, during the Loss Mitigation phase, the team stabilised the environment and prevented further damage. This involved pre-cleaning the exterior surfaces of the equipment to lower contamination levels and installing specialised dehumidification equipment to control environmental conditions and halt ongoing corrosion.
Next, the Precision Decontamination phase was the most critical part of the operation to restore the machinery to pre-incident condition.
- Mechanical Parts: All mechanical parts were treated with a one-step decontamination process. This involved utilising proprietary chemicals specially designed for mechanical parts, followed by the application of preservation agents.
- External surfaces: Surfaces were wiped with an alkaline-based cleaning agent to remove surface contamination brought by the typhoon.
- Electrical & Electronic Parts: Electrical and electronic modules were dismantled and decontaminated using the 2-steps process. This involved using a proprietary alkaline-based agents and rinsing with the Deionised (DI) water. Drying was carried out in a temperature-controlled vacuum oven. Subsequently, the equipment was reassembled and tested.
- Decontamination of fixed installations: Cable trunkings, cables, and panel frames were also performed using proprietary alkaline-based agents, with manual brushing and wiping for stubborn contaminants.
Finally, the drying of the fixed panel frames was carried out using a combination of dehumidification and heating techniques. Upon completion of the decontamination activities, all six toner filling lines were tested and recommissioned by the customer.
A Successful Outcome
The project was a resounding success, and the customer confirmed that the services were completed to their satisfaction. This case study is a testament to BELFOR’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes industrial restoration with precision and expertise, getting a vital manufacturing operation back on its feet, in the shortest period of time.
When disaster strikes and your business is on the line, you need a partner with a proven track record. BELFOR has the experience, specialised tools, and a dedicated team to mitigate loss and restore your operations, regardless of the scale of the challenge.
Contact BELFOR today to learn how our expert team can help you get back to business.
