In mining, operational efficiency is a critical factor that directly impacts productivity, safety, and profitability. Inefficiencies in workflow, disorganised workspaces, and inadequate equipment can quickly lead to costly downtime and operational disruptions. At Actiwork, we understand these challenges and have built a reputation for delivering tailored, innovative solutions that address the unique needs of industrial environments. Our expertise was on full display in the MTW North Benches project for Yancoal at Mount Thorley, NSW. Through the design and implementation of custom benches, Actiwork not only solved specific operational challenges but also significantly enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and set a new standard for the workshop’s workflow.
Yancoal’s Mount Thorley workshop, located in one of New South Wales’ key coal mining regions, was dealing with a critical issue that was affecting the overall efficiency of its operations. The new-build workshop, despite its modern design, lacked adequate solutions for tooling and personal storage, which led to a disorganised work environment. Workers often had to walk long distances to retrieve tools and equipment, causing unnecessary delays and reducing overall productivity. The workshop’s initial design had overlooked these practical needs, leaving Yancoal without any off-the-shelf solutions that could effectively meet their requirements.
Faced with these challenges, Yancoal turned to Actiwork with a clear objective: to design custom benches that would seamlessly integrate into the workshop’s layout and address the inefficiencies caused by inadequate storage. The design focus was on creating a system that would accommodate existing roll-cabs and provide an efficient display for work orders, all while improving the overall workflow. This was not just about adding furniture; it was about rethinking the workspace to enhance productivity and ensure that every tool and piece of equipment had its place.
The project was not without its challenges. Yancoal’s needs were specific, and the urgency of the situation meant that there was little room for error. As a workshop already in operation, any solution had to be implemented quickly and with minimal disruption to ongoing activities. Furthermore, Yancoal’s unique requirements meant that no standard products on the market could fulfil their needs; a bespoke solution was the only viable path forward.
Several key challenges defined the project:
The benches had to be engineered from scratch, taking into account the specific spatial and operational demands of the workshop. This included ensuring that the new benches would fit around existing infrastructure and accommodate the various sizes and types of tools used by the workers.
With the workshop fully operational, there was a pressing need to deliver the solution as quickly as possible. Every day spent without an effective storage and workflow solution was a day of lost productivity.
In addition to speed and customisation, the benches needed to meet stringent engineering standards to ensure they were safe and durable in a demanding industrial environment. This required a meticulous approach to design and testing, with no compromise on quality or compliance.
Actiwork’s response to Yancoal’s challenges was characterised by speed, precision, and a focus on meeting the client’s exact needs. From the moment of engagement, Actiwork worked to demonstrate a deep understanding of the project’s urgency and the importance of delivering a solution that would make an immediate impact. Within just 12 hours of the initial site visit, Actiwork provided on-site sketches that accurately captured the requirements. These sketches were quickly transformed into detailed renderings, giving Yancoal a clear vision of the proposed solution early in the process.
Detailed drawings and engineering compliance checks were completed, ensuring that the benches met all necessary safety and operational standards.
Production of sample workbenches for client review and testing allowed Yancoal to assess the design in real-world conditions, providing an opportunity for any final adjustments before full-scale production.
Final production of the custom benches was completed swiftly, thanks to a streamlined manufacturing process that prioritised quality and efficiency.
The benches were delivered and integrated into the workshop, providing an immediate boost to the operational workflow.
This rapid response, coupled with Actiwork’s commitment to customer satisfaction, enabled the delivery of a tailored solution in under five weeks—an impressive achievement given the complexity and custom nature of the project.
The installation of Actiwork’s custom-designed benches at Yancoal’s Mount Thorley workshop had a transformative impact on the site’s operations. By directly addressing the core issues of tool accessibility and storage, the benches significantly enhanced the overall workflow, leading to multiple tangible benefits:
The custom benches were strategically designed to minimise the distance workers needed to travel to access tools, allowing them to spend more time on productive tasks. This reduction in time wastage directly boosted productivity, as workers could focus on their jobs without the constant interruption of searching for equipment.
By providing a designated place for every tool, the new benches helped to virtually eliminate instances of misplaced or lost equipment. This not only saved money on replacements but also reduced the downtime associated with missing tools, further enhancing the efficiency of the workshop.
The introduction of a well-organised storage system improved the overall safety of the workshop. With tools and equipment neatly arranged and easily accessible, the workspace became more orderly and less cluttered, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the work environment for all employees.
The benefits delivered by Actiwork’s custom benches were perfectly aligned with broader goals within the mining industry, such as reducing downtime, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining a high standard of safety. For Yancoal, the improved organisation and workflow translated directly into reduced operational costs and a more effective use of resources.
The success of the MTW North Benches project at Yancoal’s Mount Thorley site highlights Actiwork’s commitment to deliver custom solutions that make a real difference in industrial settings. In an industry where every minute counts and every dollar saved matters, Actiwork’s expertise in rapid design, manufacturing, and implementation of bespoke solutions sets them apart as a leader in the field.
For managers, decision-makers, and industry leaders looking to optimise their facilities and workflows, Actiwork offers more than just industrial furniture—we provide thoughtful, tailored solutions that address specific challenges and drive meaningful improvements. Whether you’re facing operational inefficiencies or seeking to enhance your workshop’s layout and productivity, at Actiwork, we have the expertise, the capability, and the commitment to deliver results that exceed expectations
