Legacy conveyors are a known risk. Portec and Jervis Webb systems may still be moving product every day, but everyone knows the question isn’t if a part will fail – it’s when, and how fast a replacement can be found. One damaged trolley, worn belt, or missing lacing clip can bring an entire line to a halt.
When that happens, time matters more than anything. And for older systems, time is often lost trying to identify parts, track down documentation, or navigate OEM channels that no longer move at production speed.
This is where Ultimation, an MCE company, steps in.
As an authorized distributor and integrator for Itoh Denki, Interroll Portec, Daifuku/Jervis Webb, and Qimarox, Ultimation helps facilities keep legacy conveyor systems running with the right parts and support that moves as fast as production demands.
Portec and Jervis Webb engineered their systems for long service life, and many have exceeded expectations. But longevity comes with tradeoffs. Maintenance teams supporting these systems often face the same issues:
The result is avoidable downtime and reactive maintenance on systems that otherwise still have years of useful life left.
Supporting older conveyor systems requires more than a parts list. It requires knowing how these systems were built, how they fail, and which components can be replaced without introducing new issues.
Ultimation helps facilities keep Portec and Jervis Webb systems running reliably when OEM pathways slow down or disappear.
In many cases, replacing an entire conveyor line isn’t necessary or justified. Targeted retrofits can extend system life while improving performance, control, and reliability.
The process often begins with a review of existing system specifications and operating conditions. From there, Ultimation can quote upgrades such as converting a gravity conveyor into a motorized system with zero-pressure accumulation control.
Importantly, this evaluation doesn’t require an on-site visit. Ultimation works remotely with customer teams to define scope, confirm compatibility, and clearly outline what the updated system will include. The result is a faster path to modernization that minimizes disruption and avoids the cost and delays of full replacement.
Customers can provide a serial number and a brief description of the issue. Ultimation handles identification, sourcing, and quoting. Common requests include replacement belts and lacing clips, which Ultimation supports through its partnership with Interroll’s legacy support group.
Facilities running Jervis Webb Unibilt overhead conveyors rely on Ultimation for trolleys, track components, and hard-to-source legacy items. Ultimation’s work in this area has been formally recognized by Daifuku, a reflection of its deep experience supporting these systems in real operating environments.
Not every issue with a Portec or Jervis Webb system requires the same response. The right path depends on how the system is failing, how critical it is to operations, and what risks the facility is willing to accept going forward.
Understanding the difference between a repair, a retrofit, and a full replacement helps teams make smarter decisions under pressure.
Repair: Addressing Isolated Failures
A repair is often the right choice when the system is fundamentally sound and the failure is localized. Repair typically makes sense when:
In these cases, sourcing the correct replacement parts quickly can restore performance without introducing new variables or unnecessary cost.
Retrofit: Extending Life and Reducing Risk
Retrofits are appropriate when a system still provides value but shows signs of recurring issues, limited control, or increasing maintenance burden.
Retrofit options may include:
For many facilities, retrofits offer the best balance between cost and performance: extending system life while reducing downtime risk and improving day-to-day operation.
Replace: When Legacy Becomes a Liability
Full replacement becomes necessary when the system can no longer support production requirements or when downtime risk outweighs the cost of new equipment.
Replacement is often the right path when:
While replacement requires higher upfront investment, it can eliminate chronic risk and support future automation initiatives.
Facilities benefit most when they work with partners who understand Portec and Jervis Webb legacy systems well enough to evaluate all three paths objectively. Whether the answer is a fast repair, a targeted retrofit, or a longer-term replacement plan, the goal is the same: Keep operations running safely, reliably, and predictably.
Choosing Ultimation isn’t just about access to parts. It’s about speed, clarity, and experience with systems that don’t behave like modern equipment.
Customers work with a team that understands how legacy conveyors fail, where tolerances matter, and how to restore performance without creating new problems. That insight helps maintenance teams plan proactively and respond quickly when downtime hits.
If you’re supporting a Portec or Jervis Webb system, start with the serial number, or simply describe the issue you’re seeing. Ultimation will help you identify the right path forward, whether that’s a replacement part, a retrofit, or a longer-term upgrade plan.