A major mechanical issue has once again halted operations at the Uitvlugt Estate resulting in it falling behind its production target.
Stabroek News understands that a turbine gear in the factory broke resulting in grinding operations being left at a standstill. Production stopped at the estate subsequent to mechanical failure of the number 1 mill turbine’s gearbox.
According to a source, the gear has to be replaced but sourcing its replacement has been a challenge since the part was manufactured decades ago and the manufacturer has gone out of business.
Efforts, the source explained, are being made to have the part replaced by today or tomorrow. Once this is successful the estate will resume grinding.
Close to mid last month, grinding operations resumed after suffering the same issue. To date, the estate has only been able to produce 66 tonnes of sugar from its over 4,000 tonnes quota.
The Uitvlugt estate has been given the target to produce at least 25 per cent of the sugar expected from this crop.
The corporation has set a target to produce some 21,000 metric tonnes of sugar in this first crop.
