Precision Repair by DBS Keeps Major Cement Mill Operational!

Combining deep cement industry knowledge with specialist engineering capability, David Brown Santasalo (DBS) supports the full lifecycle of critical drive systems. Our teams deliver high-precision maintenance, repair, and technical support solutions that minimise downtime and maximise long-term reliability for your cement operations.

This depth of capability is reflected in our long-standing experience with the Symetro drive, a key part of David Brown Santasalo's engineering heritage. For over 50 years, our UK service team has supported these systems under licence, building extensive knowledge of their operation in critical cement mill applications. As a result, many units remain in reliable service decades after installation, demonstrating both the durability of the design and the value of ongoing expert support.

Keeping Cement Production Running: DBS Support in Action

The Challenge: A long-standing UK cement producer experienced a sudden and significant increase in vibration within their main cement mill drive system. Given the critical nature of the equipment and its direct impact on production output, immediate technical intervention was required to prevent unplanned downtime and potential secondary damage.

The Solution: Drawing on deep application knowledge and extensive experience with legacy Symetro units, our UK Service team mobilised quickly to support the customer. 

During a planned emergency shutdown window of just 10 days, the team carried out a structured repair process, including:

• Detailed inspection and diagnostic assessment of the drive system
• Identification of wear and degradation within the intermediate pinion bearings
• Complete replacement of the affected bearings using precision-engineered components
• Reassembly, alignment and testing to ensure optimal operating conditions

The Outcome: The DBS team successfully restored the cement mill drive to full operational performance within the available shutdown window. By executing the repair efficiently and accurately, the team: 

• Minimised production downtime
• Prevented further mechanical damage
• Extended the operational life of the existing Symetro unit
• Ensured continued reliability in a critical production process

Conclusion: This project highlights David Brown Santasalo's ongoing commitment to the cement industry, combining heritage engineering expertise with responsive, high-precision service delivery. Our ability to support both legacy and modern drive systems ensures customers can maintain performance, reliability and productivity in even the most demanding environments. 

The Partnership Continues:  Having maintained and serviced this customer's Symetro mill drive for the majority of its operational life, DBS is now supporting their latest major investment, culminating in a full gearset change-out in Q1 2027. 

This ongoing collaboration demonstrates the value of long-term partnerships built on engineering expertise, responsive service and trust. From extending the life of critical assets to supporting major upgrade programmes, DBS helps cement producers maximise reliability and performance throughout the entire gearbox lifecycle. 

For over 50 years, DBS has supplied Symetro Drives, establishing a trusted solution for critical cement mill applications. 

To find out how David Brown Santasalo can support your operations with expert maintenance, repair, and lifecycle solutions, please visit our Contact Page and speak to one of our specialists.