Custom Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Supports Modern Transit Maintenance Facility in Alaska

A custom Autoquip VRC streamlines parts movement in Fairbanks’ new transportation maintenance facility

As the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) Transportation Department expanded into a new 51,179-square-foot maintenance facility, they needed an efficient way to move replacement parts, maintenance supplies, and inventory between the receiving area and an upper-level storage mezzanine.

The facility was designed to support current operations while providing room for future growth, requiring a dependable material handling solution that could safely transport heavy loads without consuming valuable floor space.

The project also presented several unique engineering challenges:

• Class I, Division 2 hazardous location requirements required electrical components to comply with classified area regulations.
• Seismic design requirements for Alaska demanded additional engineering to ensure the lift met stringent structural standards.
• A glycol-based radiant floor heating system embedded within the concrete slab meant anchor locations had to be carefully coordinated to avoid damaging underground tubing while still achieving the anchor depth necessary for seismic compliance.
• The project required close collaboration between Autoquip, the architect, contractor, and structural engineers to ensure every requirement was successfully addressed.

Working through one of Autoquip’s leading distributors, NorthWest Handling Systems, the project combined engineering expertise with local installation support to deliver a complete turnkey solution.

The lift was installed by NorthWest Handling Systems’ experienced Fairbanks installation team, providing local expertise throughout the project.

Autoquip supplied a Model FMS-156-0060 Mechanical Straddle Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) featuring:

6,000 lb capacity

156-inch vertical travel

72″ x 72″ platform

Compact through-floor Mechanical Straddle design

Efficient “Z” loading configuration for smooth transfer between the receiving area and upper-level inventory storage

To satisfy Alaska’s seismic requirements, Autoquip partnered with Seizmic, Inc., whose licensed engineers developed the required structural calculations and anchoring design. Additional bracing between the mast and upper floor ensured the installation met all applicable seismic standards.

During installation, Autoquip worked closely with the project team to accurately locate the embedded glycol tubing before drilling anchor locations, preventing damage to the radiant heating system while maintaining the structural integrity required for seismic anchoring.

The lift also incorporates Autoquip’s advanced service technologies, including:

• Smart Controller for remote diagnostics and technical support
• AutoDocs®, providing instant access to project drawings, electrical schematics, manuals, and replacement parts information
• AutoDocs Engineer, Autoquip’s AI-powered troubleshooting assistant that analyzes project documentation to help technicians quickly identify issues and recommend solutions

AQ Project#

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The complete installation provides the Fairbanks North Star Borough Transportation Department with a reliable, space-efficient material handling solution that supports daily maintenance operations while improving inventory movement throughout the facility.

Key Benefits:

• Safely transports parts and supplies between floors without using forklifts or manual handling
• Maximizes usable floor space with a compact through-floor design
• Meets hazardous location and Alaska seismic code requirements
• Protects the facility’s radiant floor heating system through carefully engineered installation planning
• Enables faster service response with remote diagnostics and digital documentation
• Supports long-term operational growth in the borough’s modern transit maintenance facility