FSC is satisfied with the progress of its repairs and maintenance programme that are currently being carried out in its three mills.

This maintenance work will be completed in time for the 2018 crush.

The $30 million capital investment and maintenance works programme is currently taking place on all of its mills, in Lautoka, Rarawai and Labasa.

The Lautoka Mill’s diffuser is currently being rehabilitated whereby the diffuser’s sub-system and internal components are being modified.

The diffuser’s bed chain is being upgraded and replaced to enhance its internal structural integrity. Furthermore, some of the machine’s core frames have been replaced and its concrete floors will be refurbished.

All these changes are being carried out in order to enhance its efficiency and bring about reliability in its functionality thereby improving its extraction performance.

Repair work is also being carried out in the mill’s 12 MW turbo-alternator. There will also be new electrical protection for the mill’s generators; which involves an overhaul of its electrical control system and electrical protection for both the turbine and diesel generators.

Repairs and maintenance to FSC’s Rarawai Mill has primarily been the refurbishment of both its 5 MW and 4 MW turbo generators.

This will be supplemented with four new batch vacuum pans being added to its production line so as to improve throughput and recovery.

Each of FSC’s mills will have a 2,000 kVA diesel generator to improve plant stability and plant protection.

Two cane shredders at the Lautoka Mill and one at the Labasa Mill have also been rebuilt.

In addition to the FSC’ normal out-of-crop maintenance, these major refurbishments to its mills is expected to further improve plant reliability, processing efficiencies and enhance product quality.

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