Jervis B. Webb to Install Baggage Handling System at Portland Airport

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—Jervis B. Webb Co., a subsidiary of Daifuku Co., announced a $41 million contract with Oregon-based Hoffman Construction Co. to install a new outbound baggage handling system with in-line explosive detection systems (EDS) at Portland International Airport (PDX).

Jervis B. Webb says it will automate the entire baggage screening process and relocate the baggage screening systems from the ticket lobby to areas in the lower level of the existing terminal building to help alleviate passenger congestion in the ticket lobby. Project completion is slated for fall 2010.

The new baggage handling system includes an outbound conveyor from 12 existing ticket counters, two existing curbside lines and two new transborder transfer lines. The lines merge onto a pre-screening loop that feeds two new matrix areas—North and South. There will be four in-line EDS machines in the North area and four in the South.

“With the new system, passengers will no longer have to take their checked bags to the EDS machines anymore,” said Dave Garske, project executive at Hoffman Construction Co. “It also will automate the entire baggage screening process and create more space in the ticket lobby.”

The project includes a phased demolition of existing equipment and the use of temporary tie-in conveyors, allowing the airport to maintain operations during implementation of the project. Although some equipment will be retained, the airport will receive approximately 11,000 feet of new conveyor equipment, according to Jervis B. Webb.