Case Study: United Barrel Services – Industrial Automation for the Global Hide Industry
- EES Team
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
When United Barrel Services (UBS) needed a fully automated electrical control system for their skin salting barrels, they turned to EES Electrics Pty Ltd — Melbourne’s trusted name in Industrial Automation for the Global Hide Industry and control system design.
These barrels operate in extremely corrosive environments, where moisture, salt, and brine can destroy standard components. Most contractors couldn’t deliver a solution that would survive — but EES Electrics engineered one that thrives.
The Challenge Industrial Automation for the Global Hide Industry
UBS builds industrial skin salting barrels used by leading animal hide and leather processing facilities across Australia. They faced several critical electrical and operational challenges:
Extreme corrosion – Saltwater and brine caused rapid component failure.
Heavy-duty automation – Each barrel required reliable automated cycles, safety interlocks, and rotation control.
Harsh washdown conditions – Equipment had to endure high-pressure cleaning and salt exposure.
Reliability under pressure – Downtime meant hundreds of hides lost per batch, costing clients thousands.
UBS needed a partner capable of designing and manufacturing a custom industrial electrical solution — one built to last.
EES Electrics’ Solution – Automation Built to Endure
Our team at EES Electrics Melbourne designed a turnkey electrical automation system to handle the toughest environments:
1. Stainless Steel Control Panels
IP66-rated stainless steel enclosures for complete corrosion resistance.
Heat-treated panels and marine-grade fixings for durability.
Fully sealed glands and cable entries to withstand moisture and salt.
2. Protected Cabling Systems
Stainless steel conduits and chemical-resistant sheathing.
Overhead cable supports to avoid salt build-up.
Flexible stainless umbilical designed for moving drum components.
3. Advanced PLC Automation & Safety
PLC-based automation controlling rotation cycles, speed, and salting duration.
Integrated safety interlocks on doors and access points.
Full emergency stop circuits ensuring instant shutdown during faults.
4. User-Friendly HMI Controls
Intuitive touchscreen interface for barrel operation.
Visual and audible alarms for faults, leaks, or unsafe conditions.
5. Scalable Design
Modular configuration enables future expansion across multiple facilities.
Systems are pre-engineered for quick commissioning and reliability.
Ongoing Collaboration
Since the first installation, UBS has continued to partner with EES Electrics for automation across multiple animal hide processing sites. Each project combines custom design with proven durability — giving UBS’s clients confidence in safe, reliable, and efficient electrical systems.
Results & Benefits
With EES Electrics’ automation systems, UBS achieved measurable gains:
Continuous reliability – 24/7 performance with minimal breakdowns.
Improved safety – Full interlocks, alarms, and emergency stops.
Reduced maintenance – Corrosion-resistant designs mean fewer replacements.
Higher productivity – Automated cycles save time and labour.
Enhanced profitability – Consistent salting improves yield and quality.
Conclusion
UBS didn’t just need an electrician — they needed an industrial automation partner who could deliver electrical systems that withstand corrosive environments while improving safety and efficiency.
That’s what EES Electrics Pty Ltd delivered. Today, UBS salting barrels powered by our control systems run smoothly across Australia, helping leather and hide manufacturers achieve better safety, reliability, and performance.
EES Electrics — powering Australia’s manufacturing and automation with trusted industrial electrical expertise.
When it comes to long-term reliability, few partnerships show it better than Cedar Meats Australia.
For over two decades, EES Electrics has powered their operations — from safety systems and automation to full-site maintenance.
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