The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, MA is the world’s largest cranberry grower and the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts. In fact, they have been a leader in the cranberry industry for over 150 years.  Believe it or not, they use HDPE and McElroy fusion machines on their farm. 

Some 15 years ago Makepeace purchased a used McElroy No.28 machine.  That machine was used to build an irrigation system from HDPE in each cranberry bog.  The base of each bog consists of a thick layer of peat moss under a layer of sand.   The pipe is placed between the peat moss and the sand.  It is used to control the water level in each bog.  The pipe allows the producer to increase or decrease the water level in each bog.  That original machine continues to serve the farm. 

Currently, Makepeace is in the process of refurbishing 100 acres of cranberry bogs over the next 5 years.  Each 1 acre bog contains approximately 2,500’ of HDPE.  With so many feet of HDPE to fuse, Makepeace decided to increase production by creating two shifts.  Makepeace recently purchased a second No.28 from UPSCO in Moravia, New York.  According to Gene Cote of UPSCO, Makepeace insisted that their second machine be a McElroy because of the reliability and life of the original machine. 

The irrigation system of a cranberry farm is vital to the success of the farm.  During the growing season the water level is controlled in each bog.  The plants are watered twice a day so the roots are submerged during the growing cycle. 

During spring and fall inclement weather, the plants have a mist applied which freezes and protects the buds or fruit from the cold temperatures.

At harvest, Makepeace uses a wet harvest method so they flood each bog.  Harvest machines shake the plants, the berries fall from the plants and float.  The water level is lowered, which forces the berries to conveyers that load the berries to the truck.  The conveyer separates the water and fruit. 

From a cranberry farm in Wareham, MA to all over the world. 
McElroy Fusion Equipment…standing the test of time.

Kenny Nunley
Guest Editor
knunley@mcelroy.com

The No.28 has staked its claim as the industry standard for over 30 years. Its ease of use and rugged quality construction opened the door for the most extensive line of 8 inch fusion machines on the market. No.28 Machines will butt fuse pipe sizes from 2" IPS - 8" DIPS (63mm - 225mm). All models incorporate the interchangeable No.28 carriage, which can easily be removed for in-ditch use, and features McElroy's patented Centerline Guidance System. The CU (Combination Unit) adds saddle fusion capability of up to an 8" DIPS (200mm) branch on any size main. Two fixed and movable clamping jaws result in precision pipe alignment for higher quality fusion joints. The machines are DataLogger® compatible and can fabricate segmented ells with optional mitered inserts.

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