⚙️ Hopper Bin Extension & Auger Modification for Flour Handling System
Custom Engineering by J Johnstone Engineering
J Johnstone Engineering recently completed a bespoke fabrication and modification project for a client in the food storage and food processing industry. The scope included a cone-rolled mild steel extension / reducer for an existing hopper bin, along with the modification and extension of the auger system to route material to a secondary bin.
The extended auger system was carefully designed to navigate a tight, clustered layout, maintaining efficient flow while working within the constraints of a busy storage area.
📍 Project Overview
The client needed to increase flour storage capacity and adapt their layout to feed another hopper located beyond the original discharge point — all while working around existing plant infrastructure.
To meet this challenge, we:
- Fabricated a new tapered cone from 4mm mild steel to extend the bin
- Modified and lengthened the auger screw and casing
- Designed the discharge path to route cleanly around surrounding equipment
- Applied a bin shellac paint finish internally to suit food-grade dry product handling
🔧 Fabrication & Installation Details
🌀 Cone-Rolled Bin Extension
- Material: 4mm mild steel
- Formed: using in-house sheet metal Rollers
- Custom: sized and fabricated to fit the base of the existing hopper
- Internally: painted with food-safe shellac coating for flour handling
🔄 Auger Screw & Casing Extension
- Screw and casing both extended and reconfigured
- Route designed to bypass nearby plant equipment and tight clearances
- Fabricated and assembled entirely in-house
- Delivered and installed with minimal disruption to the site
This type of auger work requires both accurate fabrication and practical experience — especially when working in tight spaces with little margin for error.
✅ The Result
The completed system provided a smooth, controlled flow of flour from the extended hopper to the secondary bin — without needing to rearrange existing plant infrastructure. The auger’s longer route was managed cleanly, and the internal shellac finish protects the steel while ensuring hygiene standards are met.
The client was pleased to receive a fully integrated solution that improved both capacity and efficiency without the cost of replacing or relocating existing equipment.
💬 Need Custom Hopper or Auger Solutions?
At J Johnstone Engineering, we’ve spent over 45 years fabricating practical, high-quality steel solutions for agriculture, food processing, and industrial sites across Cumbria and the North West.
From cone rolling and hopper repairs to custom auger modifications, we deliver smart, reliable engineering — built to fit your space, your process, and your budget.
📞 Contact us today to arrange a visit or request a quote.
💬 Building New in Cumbria? Need Bespoke Steelwork?
J Johnstone Engineering specialises in custom metal fabrication for new builds, home renovations, and commercial projects throughout Cumbria and the North West. From balconies and staircases to safety railings and architectural steelwork, we’ve got your next project covered.
📞 Contact us today to speak with our team or request a site visit.