AGC
Seapane

HUBTEX multi-directional sideloader transports goods between the warehouse and the yard area

AGC Zeebrugge relies on continuity in glass logistics

Two HUBTEX multidirectional sideloaders ensure the flow of materials between the hall, ramp and outdoor storage.

HUBTEX MQ30 and Phoenix MQ30 in operation at AGC Seapane

Operating profile for glass logistics: narrow aisles, ramp, frequent changes of direction

At AGC Seapane in Zeebrugge, Belgium, multidirectional sideloaders move empty and loaded glass racks daily between storage, production and lorry loading. A HUBTEX MQ 30 has been in operation for almost 15 years on a two-shift basis – mainly inside the hall, with around 25% of journeys taking place outdoors. Loading and unloading are carried out outside. A ramp with a gradient of 4.7% connects the areas.
The layout places typical demands of the glass industry: safe load handling with high centres of gravity, precise manoeuvring in narrow travel lanes, reliable behaviour when passing through doorways, and robust performance under changing weather conditions.

Technology in detail: multidirectional steering, visibility, and traction

Both the long-serving MQ 30 and the PHOENIX MQ 30 additionally deployed since early 2024 have a capacity of 3 t and multidirectional steering with four programmes (longitudinal, lateral, circular and diagonal travel). This reduces repositioning manoeuvres in narrow aisles and enables pinpoint positioning at racks and on the ramp.

The enclosed cab supports the indoor/outdoor mix, LED work lights and visual warning signals increase visibility in heavily trafficked areas. Overall, this results in consistent driving behaviour on the incline, safe lifting of tall racks, and short travel times between indoor and outdoor storage. The new PHOENIX takes on the main share of transports, while the older MQ 30 is kept as a back-up and covers peak loads as well as maintenance windows. It offers an identical operating logic with familiar steering programmes, which simplifies operator training.

HUBTEX vehicle transports glass racks across the yard

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Decision for availability: competitor machine purchased – and then replaced

After around ten years of operation, AGC planned to renew the fleet and purchased a competitor machine. In real operation, however, it became apparent that it did not consistently meet the requirements – frequent changes of direction, precise manoeuvring in narrow aisles, reliable behaviour on the ramp. To ensure the required availability, the proven MQ 30 remained in service.
In early 2024, there was a return to the familiar technology: with the PHOENIX MQ 30, a second HUBTEX was added and the competitor machine was taken out of service. The result is higher operational reliability through redundancy, more efficient processes thanks to similar equipment concepts, and reduced training effort.

Conclusion

AGC Seapane stabilises its material flow with two HUBTEX multidirectional sideloaders along the entire route from the hall via the ramp to loading. The combination of manoeuvrability, visibility and traction suits the real layout with narrow travel lanes and outdoor storage – with a clear priority on availability.