Mercier Lavault's Technical Expertise for Complex Industrial Operations
Heavy tank handling is a critical challenge for many industrial facilities throughout the Lyon region. Whether moving storage tanks, industrial vessels, process equipment, or installations used in the chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing sectors, every project requires advanced technical expertise and meticulous planning.
In Lyon and across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Mercier Lavault, a company of the Bovis Group, supports industrial clients with tailored heavy handling solutions designed to overcome the most demanding logistical constraints, particularly when equipment must be moved through difficult indoor access routes.
Specialized Expertise in Heavy Industrial Tank Handling
Moving industrial tanks requires thorough preparation to ensure personnel safety, equipment protection, and operational continuity.
Each project begins with a detailed technical assessment covering:
Tank weight and dimensions;
Center of gravity analysis;
Floor load-bearing capacity;
Internal and external traffic routes;
Building access constraints;
Any required dismantling operations;
Risks associated with the production environment.
Mercier Lavault's teams regularly handle tanks weighing several tons in facilities where available maneuvering space is extremely limited.
Forklifts: A Key Asset for Heavy Tank Handling
Among the lifting and handling equipment deployed during these operations, forklifts play a crucial role.
High-capacity forklifts are commonly used for:
Loading and unloading industrial tanks;
Transferring equipment between production areas;
Precisely positioning tanks within workshops and facilities;
Reorienting or relocating heavy equipment.
Mercier Lavault's certified operators are highly experienced in handling oversized and heavy loads. Every movement is carried out according to a predefined traffic and handling plan to ensure safe operations and prevent disruption to production activities.
Depending on site conditions, forklift operations may also be combined with:
Heavy-duty machinery skates;
Hydraulic transport systems;
Gantry lifting systems;
Hydraulic jacks;
Industrial skidding equipment.
This combination of resources enables safe and efficient handling even in confined spaces.
Heavy tank handling becomes particularly challenging when equipment must be moved within existing production buildings.
Common constraints include:
Narrow doorways;
Restricted circulation corridors;
Tight turning radii;
Changes in floor elevation;
Active production areas;
Limited overhead clearance.
These environments require a highly specialized approach based on precision handling techniques.
Before any operation, Mercier Lavault conducts a comprehensive site survey to identify obstacles and determine the most appropriate handling method.
Route simulations and movement planning help anticipate every stage of the project while minimizing disruption to on-site operations.
Tailor-Made Solutions for Sensitive Industrial Environments
Some tanks are installed in the heart of production facilities where even a short interruption can significantly impact operations.
To address these challenges, Mercier Lavault provides customized solutions including:
Off-hours interventions;
Operations during scheduled maintenance shutdowns;
Securing traffic and work areas;
Protecting surrounding equipment;
Coordinating with client maintenance teams.
This rigorous organization helps reduce downtime while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Comprehensive Industrial Transfer Expertise in Lyon
Beyond tank handling alone, Mercier Lavault supports clients with large-scale industrial relocation and transfer projects.
Services include:
Production line relocation;
Process equipment transfers;
Workshop and factory moves;
Installation of new manufacturing units;
Heavy lifting and exceptional handling operations.
This multidisciplinary expertise allows industrial companies to rely on a single partner capable of managing every phase of a project, from engineering studies through final installation and commissioning.
Mercier Lavault: Your Heavy Tank Handling Specialist in Lyon
Successful heavy handling operations rely not only on the right equipment but also on the expertise of the teams operating it. Thanks to its recognized know-how in industrial lifting, machinery relocation, and difficult-access handling, Mercier Lavault delivers safe, reliable, and efficient solutions tailored to the requirements of Lyon's industrial sector.
If you are planning a tank relocation, installation, or industrial transfer project in Lyon or anywhere in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Mercier Lavault can provide the technical expertise and resources needed to successfully complete even the most demanding operations.
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FAQ - Heavy Tank Handling in Lyon
Moving an industrial tank requires a preliminary engineering study that considers the tank's weight, dimensions, center of gravity, floor load capacity, and site access constraints. Depending on the equipment specifications, various handling solutions can be employed, including high-capacity forklifts, machinery skates, hydraulic systems, gantries, and industrial skidding systems. Each operation follows a detailed lifting and handling plan to ensure maximum safety.
The forklift chosen depends primarily on the weight and dimensions of the tank. For equipment weighing several tons, high-capacity industrial forklifts are used for loading, unloading, relocation, and precise positioning. Dedicated lifting attachments may also be utilized to secure the load during transportation.
Yes. Specialized teams frequently operate within fully functioning industrial plants. Careful planning ensures work zones are secured, traffic flows are managed, and production disruption is minimized. Operations can be scheduled during maintenance shutdowns, off-hours, or periods of reduced activity.
Restricted access is one of the most common challenges in industrial handling projects. Specialists conduct a complete site survey to identify narrow passageways, floor level changes, tight corners, and other obstacles. Techniques such as industrial skidding and machinery skate systems are often used when forklifts cannot access the installation area directly.
Before any handling operation, it is essential to verify:
The exact weight of the tank;
Overall equipment condition;
Presence of residual products or materials;
Dimensions of access points;
Floor load-bearing capacity;
Overhead clearance restrictions;
Risks associated with the operating environment.
This preparation phase helps define the safest and most efficient handling strategy.
While based in the Lyon region, Mercier Lavault operates throughout the Rhône department, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and across France through the nationwide network of the Bovis Group.
Heavy tank handling services are commonly required in:
Chemical industry;
Pharmaceutical manufacturing;
Cosmetics production;
Food and beverage processing;
Water treatment facilities;
Energy sector;
General manufacturing.
Each industry has specific requirements relating to safety, cleanliness, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.
Yes. Using specialized equipment and tailored handling methods, heavy tanks can be installed in areas with significant access restrictions. Teams often combine multiple lifting and transport techniques to overcome obstacles and achieve precise placement.
The cost depends on several factors:
Tank weight;
Distance to be moved;
Required handling equipment;
Site configuration;
Access constraints;
Duration of the operation.
A technical survey is generally carried out beforehand to establish an accurate quotation and determine the most appropriate handling solution.
Mercier Lavault benefits from the extensive expertise of the Bovis Group in industrial handling and machinery relocation. The company combines qualified personnel, specialized heavy-lifting equipment, and proven experience in managing difficult-access projects, ensuring safe and precise execution in even the most demanding industrial environments.
