Projects

Lineage achieves 75% faster container unloading with Dyno Conveyors

Lineage, a major global distribution and cool storage company, faced a significant operational hurdle at the Port of Timaru branch. Handling a diverse range of international imports - from frozen meat and dairy to horticulture - meant their container unloading process was constant and demanding. Their traditional methods were no longer meeting the requirements of a high-volume site, prompting them to seek a solution that could keep pace with their local growth. To find a system that was truly fit for purpose, Lineage partnered with Dyno Conveyors.

THE CHALLENGE

Optimising port-side operations in harsh environmental conditions

Operating right on the South Canterbury coastline, the Timaru facility manages heavy workloads but also faces environmental factors, including heavy winds, rain and corrosive sea salt.

Originally, the team relied on driving forklifts directly into containers to stack products onto pallets or frames. While they eventually introduced a second-hand conveyor belt, it wasn’t designed for the specific demands of their workflow. “It wasn’t exactly fit for purpose,” explained Logan Dick, Operations Controller at Lineage Timaru.

The manual handling involved was intense, often requiring two staff members to spend most of a day unloading a single container. To uphold the high safety and efficiency standards expected across the Lineage network, the Timaru team needed a robust, purpose-built alternative.

THE SOLUTION

A bespoke, manoeuvrable conveyor built for the elements

Knowing Dyno’s reputation in the region, Logan and his team reached out to collaborate on a custom solution. The result was a custom belt conveyor designed to be lightweight, mobile and tough enough for the port environment.

“The communication with Dyno was great right from the beginning stages, getting the idea out there, through the fabrication process,” Logan noted.

Key features of the custom Dyno solution include:

  • High-mobility design With heavy-duty castor wheels, the conveyor can be spun around and moved across the site with ease. This allows the team to deploy the unit exactly where it is needed.
  • Bi-directional functionality The system was engineered to run in both directions. This versatility means the same piece of equipment serves Lineage for both loading and unloading operations.
  • Ergonomic safety features A specific “lip” was designed into the side of the conveyor. This allows staff to slide boxes off the belt instead of lifting them over an edge, directly addressing the risk of manual handling injuries.
  • Robust construction To withstand the coastal air and heavy usage, the conveyor features a durable build. “The conveyor really handles all of the conditions really well. It’s really robust,” said Logan.

THE RESULT

A game changer for site efficiency and staff safety

The impact of the new equipment was immediate. By moving away from forklift-heavy processes to a streamlined conveyor flow, Lineage has fundamentally transformed their operational timeline in Timaru.

“Originally, we’d have two guys to unload a container, which could take most of a day,” Logan said. “Now, with the new conveyor, we can throw eight to 10 guys at it and unload a container in around 90 minutes.”

Here’s what’s changed:

  • 75% faster turnaround

    Container unloading has shifted from a near-full-day task to a swift 90-minute operation.

  • Improved safety

    The ergonomic side lip has led to a noticeable decrease in manual handling injuries.

  • Labour optimisation

    The system allows Lineage to utilise their on-site labour more effectively, tackling jobs quickly with larger teams.

  • Environmental resilience

    The equipment continues to perform reliably despite the rain, wind, and sea salt of the Timaru coast.

  • Customer confidence

    Lower damage rates have reinforced the professional reputation of Lineage’s operation.

Customer Testimonial

The Dyno conveyor has been nothing short of a game changer

“What used to be time-consuming is now a lot quicker, reliable and safer. For Lineage Timaru, the Dyno conveyor has been nothing short of a game changer. Dyno always stayed in touch and gave us updates on how it was going, right through to when it arrived on site and checking in to see that it was working how it should be.”

Logan Dick

Lineage (Timaru)

Products

Dyno products used in this project