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Tag: forklifts

Toyota launches purpose-designed Li-ion PPT

Posted on by David Priestman

Toyota has introduced to the UK what it describes as the materials handling industry’s first-ever purpose-designed lithium-ion powered pallet truck (PPT) – the 1600kg capacity Toyota BT Levio LWI160.

Thanks to its unique modular, compact lithium-ion battery solution, it has opened the possibility to re-think design standards of material handling equipment. The result: a truck with optimised component position, smaller dimensions, light weight, and low energy consumption. Toyota says that unlike standard powered pallet truck designs, the battery compartment has been removed. Because of this the truck is lighter and, with no lifting or lowering of a battery compartment, it is much more energy efficient, leading to maximum uptime and reduced CO2 emissions.

Losing the battery compartment also means that the LWI160 is smaller than traditional lead-acid battery-powered PPT models: it is just 419mm long and 726mm wide and weighs only 269kg – almost 50% less than the lead-acid version.

The dramatic reductions in the truck’s dimensions and weight mean that a low steering force is required, which makes the new model easy to manoeuvre and, therefore, ideal for use within lorries and mezzanine floors or at sites where space is at a premium, such as retail stores.

The new LWI160 offers outstanding slope performance –  when operating on inclines is required, and the truck’s compact measurements mean that the operator has an unrestricted view of the fork tips and the pallet load, which reduces the risk of accidental damage to goods.

For optimum operational flexibility, lithium-ion batteries can be fully charged anywhere there is a power socket, utilising the on-board charger, which in just over an hour can be fully recharged. And where a larger battery is preferred, external chargers are available, but again can be recharged in just over an hour.

Like all models in the Toyota warehouse equipment range, the Levio LWI160 is fitted with Toyota’s I_Site telematics technology. I_Site provides valuable data to ensure productivity and safety are optimised while forklift fleet running costs are kept to a minimum.

Toyota Material Handling UK’s Keith Smith, commented: “Our modular approach to lithium-ion batteries has opened the door for a fresh new approach to the design of materials handling equipment. The LWI160 boasts advances in technology and design, whilst remaining true to what our customers expect from Toyota. A strong, durable, quality product.”

The LWI160 has won prestigious Red Dot and iF awards for its ground-breaking design.

Clark expands dealer network in the Middle East

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has signed a new sales partner for the State of Qatar, Rumaillah Motors, and with this strategic step has further expanded the Clark sales network in the Middle East.

Rumaillah Motors has its company headquarters in the capital Doha. Founded in 1978, the company has made a name for itself as a supplier of logistics solutions in the State of Qatar. Rumaillah Motors is part of the Rumaillah Group Holding and operates as an independent subsidiary with its own locations in the most important economic zones of Doha.

The full-service provider’s range of products and services includes IC engine-powered and electric counterbalanced trucks, narrow-aisle trucks, telescopic handlers, mobile cranes, sideloaders, aerial work platforms, machines for container and port handling as well as automated handling solutions. The service portfolio of the logistics specialist includes maintenance and service, financing and rental, spare parts supply, operator and service training.

With a powerful customer service truck fleet, which is a mobile service unit with factory-trained service personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, Rumaillah Motors guarantees its customers fast service so that downtimes are as short as possible.

Through the partnership with Clark Europe, customers in Qatar now have access to the complete Clark range of services. In addition to the sale of all forklift classes and warehouse trucks, this also includes all Clark accessories and spare parts as well as a comprehensive range of services including rental, financing as well as area-wide service for new and used Clark materials handling vehicles.

“We are delighted to have found an experienced partner for the sale and service of Clark materials handling vehicles in Qatar in Rumaillah Motors, who will provide our customers with reliable and competent local support,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe.

“In today’s business world, it is important to find a strong partner you can trust. A partner that has the equipment, the human resources and the extensive expertise to respond to each customer’s needs; Rumaillah Motors is that partner,” said Rauf Malik, General Manager, Rumaillah Motors.

Snack producer reduces forklift fleet size

Posted on by David Priestman

Toyota Material Handling UK has helped the award-winning premium snack producer, Burts Snacks, to reduce intralogistics costs and achieve significant handling efficiency gains across its business.

During a review of the company’s materials handling operation, Toyota identified that by replacing counterbalance machines with multi-functional reach trucks capable of operating outside a building, Burts Snacks could not only reduce the number of forklifts within its fleet – with a resultant drop in maintenance expenditure – but also boost productivity and improve on-site safety.

Burts Snacks manufactures its growing range of own-brand, licensed and private label snacks from sites in Plymouth and Leicester. At both facilities, Toyota recommended switching counterbalance trucks for Toyota Reflex outdoor reach trucks.

The Toyota Reflex outdoor reach truck has greater ground clearance than traditional models, which along with rubber wheels with tread and a revised gearbox configuration, allows it to work in yards, block-stacking, servicing outdoor racking and loading and unloading vehicles from the side.

It can also perform inside a building and at Burts Snacks’ Plymouth site, the trucks are fitted with Kooi extra-long forks with fork cameras to allow pallet loads to be put away within the storage unit’s double-deep racking scheme.

In addition, Toyota provided a mix of electric counterbalance models, powered pallet trucks and order pickers.

The equipment at both sites has been supplied on a long-term rental contract that includes service and maintenance.

Burts Snacks’ warehouse manager, Daniel Cresswell, originally approached Toyota to supply new, ultra-energy efficient trucks to replace a number of existing electric-powered counterbalance models that had been underutilised for some time and were nearing the end of their fixed contract period.

“After seeing the Toyota proposition for our fleet, it was a simple decision for us,” Cresswell says.

All of Burts Snacks’ new machines feature Toyota’s I_Site integrated telematics package as standard. The I_Site system allows truck operating hours to be closely monitored along with battery utilisation across the fleet. This feature has been particularly beneficial at the Plymouth site where the trucks are powered by a combination of Nexus fast charge, lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.

“The I_Site system monitors the forklift’s battery and highlights if the power source is being managed incorrectly. For example, if a lead acid battery is opportunity charged, this can cause significant implications to the battery. The I_Site technology can identify this before any harm is done,” says Cresswell.

I_Site also provides valuable data on the efficiency and safety of Burts Snacks’ lift truck operators, as Cresswell explains: “Because each operator requires his or her own PIN code or smart access card to operate a truck, they quickly realise that they are accountable for their actions during the course of a shift. We find that this accountability prompts forklift drivers to take more care when going about their daily routine, which of course, in turn, results in a safer environment and reduced product, truck or building infrastructure damage.”

ELOKON expands into France

Posted on by David Priestman

Sophie Gauthier has been appointed to the newly created role of Sales Manager France at ELOKON, a leading supplier of safety and assistance systems for intralogistics and automation technology.

Having worked in the materials handling and robotics industry for several years, Sophie brings a wealth of knowledge with her. This significant appointment mirrors a noticeable increase in demand for ELOKON’s award-winning safety and warning solutions for forklift trucks, AGVs and mobile robots in the French marketplace. It is also in response to growing customer interest in local investment, partnership and support.

“Sophie is a highly experienced and engaged sales manager and we are delighted to have her on board,” said Andreas Folz, Head of Sales at ELOKON. “With her strong focus on solution-based approaches, Sophie will continue to expand opportunities in the French market while supporting our global expansion strategy.”

ELOKON is headquartered in Germany and has subsidiaries in the USA, UK and Poland. It continues to expand its portfolio of safety and assistance systems which reduce the risk of accidents and collisions in the warehouse, for a safer working environment which protects employees, vehicles and the infrastructure.

Pictured, left to right: Alexander Glasmacher (Managing Director ELOKON Holding), Sophie Gauthier (Sales Manager France), Andreas Folz (Head of Sales ELOKON GmbH)

Konecranes supplies lift trucks to Luanda

Posted on by David Priestman

Konecranes has supplied DP World with six Konecranes reach stackers and four empty container handlers to its multipurpose terminal in Luanda, on the southwest African coast.

DP World is a leading provider of smart logistic solutions and one of the largest port operators in the world. DP World is also present in Angola with the concession to run the multipurpose terminal in Port of Luanda, which is also Angola’s primary port.

The Port of Luanda operations are looking for a sizable fleet of lift trucks to manage a continuous stream of incoming and outgoing cargo and containers. With upgraded equipment, DP World aims to raise productivity of the port while reducing costs.

“This new delivery really shows the confidence that DP World has in Konecranes,” says Manos Athanasakis, Key Account Manager for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “We offer durability, reliability and flexibility with port terminal equipment, and with the valuable help of local dealer Trevotech, we are now pleased to bring those qualities to a new site for a long-term customer, DP World. We have built a solid partnership over the years with strong mutual trust.”

The six new reach stackers are Konecranes’ best-selling SMV 4632 TC5s, sturdy lifting machines that can safely stack up to 46t in the first row, 32t in the second, and 17t in the third. They are fitted with the Konecranes Static Weighing System that weighs containers to 1% accuracy and fully conforms with SOLAS requirements.

The empty container handlers are SMV 6/7 ECC 90s, with wide masts that provide the option of stacking six empty high-cube containers or seven standard containers. All 10 lift trucks feature the ergonomic OPTIMA cabin for comfort, wide visibility and improved safety, with reverse Radar System to alert drivers about obstacles behind the truck, as well as a semi-automatic fire suppression system essential in the hot and demanding working conditions in which the lift trucks will operate.

Each truck uses a Tier 3 engine to maintain productivity while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The order was booked in May 2021 and the lift trucks were delivered in December.

Hyster offers Sunlight Li-ion option

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster is giving customers more ways to select the best battery technology for their application with Sunlight Group lithium-ion batteries now an option for selected Hyster forklifts and warehouse trucks.

The Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries, which will be available for selected 24V, 48V, and 80V lift trucks and warehouse equipment, are fully linked to the truck via the CANbus communication system to optimise battery management. In addition, Sunlight Li.ON FORCE batteries themselves are fitted with the innovative GLocal Cloud Management System, which offers remote access and insight from anywhere in the world.

Sunlight Group Batteries are particularly well suited to intensive and multi-shift operations, as well as those where hygiene is a priority, such as food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production. Sunlight Li.ION FORCE  batteries are free of gaseous emissions and there is a no risk of acid spillage, making them a ‘clean’ power option.

“In the right application, switching to lithium-ion batteries can help maximise uptime and efficiency,” says Paul Wells, Director, Commercial Aftermarket EMEA for Hyster Europe. “A single lithium-ion battery can replace multiple lead-acid batteries, freeing up charging space, while also enabling opportunity charging during breaks to maximise handling time and reduce overall costs.”

Depending on the application, a single use lithium-ion battery can enable the truck to be used over two or three shifts, and convenient, short opportunity charging periods do not affect the battery life.

In addition, lithium-ion batteries are capable of faster charging than traditional lead-acid batteries, and as no battery exchange is required with integrated lithium-ion power, this may support higher uptime. The new Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries available for Hyster equipment are designed with active balancing so that all cells are equally charged at all times and they include a fast charge feature. A choice of rapid charger options is available.

To support charging management strategies and help prevent unplanned downtime, the Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries have a discharge indicator which displays the state of charge. Sunlight Group’s Glocal cloud-based telematics also provides real-time monitoring of battery data via WiFi/GSM, as well as insight into the battery’s parameters that allows remote serviceability.

As the batteries integrate with the Hyster lift truck’s CANbus communication system, it is possible to optimise battery performance and life and provide error reporting.

“As the Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries also feature a maintenance-free design, with no watering required, applications may find this helps reduce overall maintenance costs,” says Paul. “Only an annual check is required, and the modular design makes service interventions highly efficient.”

Hyster lift trucks with Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries, and a wide range of other battery options, are available to order now from the global network of local Hyster distribution partners.

CK upgrades fleet with ‘second life’ Toyota trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

CK Food Stores – the largest independent food retailer in South West Wales – has upgraded the material handling equipment at its Llanelli warehouse and distribution centre with the acquisition of a fleet of refurbished powered pallet trucks from the extensive range of Approved Used forklifts available from Toyota Material Handling UK.

CK Food Stores opted to invest in refurbished equipment after carrying out an extensive review of its intralogistics processes and materials handling needs ahead of the approaching summer peak.

With used trucks generally selling for around two-thirds of the price of new equipment, the financial flexibility that used trucks offer was a significant influence on the company’s decision to choose pre-owned machines. But the fact that the trucks were available for immediate delivery was also an important factor.

CK Food Stores’ operations manager, Alun Littlejohns, commented: “With one of our busiest periods of the year approaching we needed to have a reliable truck fleet in place that would minimise unplanned downtime and allow us to meet our logistics challenges at this particularly hectic time.”

Toyota’s Stuart Reilly,  Rental & Used Equipment Director, added: “For many companies used forklifts represent an attractive and economical alternative to new equipment. And, because Toyota refurbishes trucks to such a high standard, our used trucks give many years of efficient and productive service.

“Buying or renting used trucks should never be overlooked. As the example of CK Food Stores demonstrates, acquiring pre-owned trucks can be highly beneficial to many businesses”.

Toyota supplied a total of 10 used LWE 180 powered pallet trucks to CK Food Stores to replace the company’s existing mixed fleet of pallet trucks and order pickers.

The Toyota LWE 180 is highly suited to medium- or heavy-duty transport or order picking tasks. Popular with operators due to its exceptional stability and clear and safe view of the forks, the LWE180 is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its ergonomic steering arm, which allows the truck to be driven while the tiller is in an upright position.

Toyota will provide full service and maintenance support to minimise the fleet’s running costs and ensure optimum truck uptime at the Llanelli site where some 6,000 picks are undertaken each day to keep the shelves of the CK Food Service’s 28 retail outlets stocked.

All Toyota Used Approved lift trucks are refurbished to the highest standards at Toyota’s dedicated 200,000 sq ft fleet management centre in Leicestershire. Toyota knows the full-service history of each truck and every machine is completely dismantled. Worn or defective parts – including tyres and lift chains – are replaced and the trucks are cleaned inside and out and repainted before being reassembled and safety tested.

Clark appoints new UK manager

Posted on by David Priestman

With effect from 1st January 2022, Natalie Dunleavy has taken over as Regional Manager for the support and coordination of all sales activities in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland at Clark Europe.

Natalie Dunleavy is no stranger to Clark. She can already look back on 15 years of experience as Sales Director within the Clark dealer network in Great Britain at the Clark dealer Knightsbridge Mechanical Handling Ltd. This job gave her a sound knowledge of Clark and the Clark product range. Her responsibilities at Knightsbridge included looking after key accounts in sales and rental, as well as preparing quotations for fleet management for large blue chip companies.

At Clark Europe, she succeeds Kevin Tims, who is taking a well-deserved retirement.

“I aim to build on the success of our dealers over the next few years and expand the existing Clark dealer network,” Dunleavy explains. “This will ensure that we can continue to drive sales of Clark products and grow market share post-Brexit.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ms Dunleavy on board the Clark organisation and wish her every success in expanding, planning and coordinating sales activities in the UK and Ireland,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH. As Regional Manager, Natalie Dunleavy reports directly to Stefan Budweit, Director Sales & Marketing at Clark Europe.

 

Federal Minister assumes IFOY patronage

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Dr. Robert Habeck, Germany´s Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has taken over patronage of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD.

The IFOY AWARD is considered the most authoritative international innovation award in intralogistics. For the past ten years, companies from all over the world, ranging from top intralogistics providers to innovative start-ups, have been sending their new developments and innovations to compete for the award, which is also known as the “Oscar of intralogistics”.

These include new forklift models and warehouse technology equipment, as well as driverless transport vehicles, robots, automation solutions or holistic warehouse solutions – for short, everything the intralogistics industry has to offer in terms of future technologies.

The election by the jury, which includes internationally renowned trade journalists and the leading logistics media, is preceded by an extensive audit with nomination and test cycles. On the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS, which will take place this year from March 18 to 23 at the Messe Dortmund exhibition centre, the devices and solutions nominated for the finals undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check. In addition, the judges and their advisory teams from the economy will travel to assess the finalists themselves before casting their vote.

As part of IFOY TEST DAYS 2022, TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS will take place for the third time. From March 21 to 23, under the motto “Spot on Innovation”, additional exhibitors as well as a B2B trade audience interested in innovation are admitted to the test hall. This year, the topic of e-mobility in the fully automated warehouse of the future is high on the agenda. The number of participants is limited.

The trophies will be awarded on June 30, 2022.The location for the awards ceremony will be announced shortly. Until then, the result will remain a secret – both for the finalists and for the public.

 

Briggs completes acquisition of Aerial Platform Hire

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Briggs Equipment has completed the acquisition of Aerial Platform Hire Limited, one of Ireland’s leading powered access hire companies.

Working from two sites in Clane, Co. Kildare and Mallow, Co. Cork, Aerial Platform Hire has an established reputation for delivering high quality powered access solutions to a diverse customer portfolio. This latest acquisition will enable Briggs Equipment to further strengthen its position as the UK and Ireland’s premier Asset Management and Engineering Services specialist, whilst also demonstrating an ongoing commitment to developing its product and service offering.

As part of the acquisition and long-term strategy for the business, Briggs will be delivering ongoing investment into key areas including the equipment fleet to help meet evolving customer and market demands.

Pete Jones, Briggs Equipment’s Group Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to have completed this latest acquisition, which sees Aerial Platform Hire join our Group. Their unique combination of strong coverage throughout Ireland and an established reputation in the powered access market, will enable us to build on our existing presence within the country and expand our product offering.

“We are committed to working with businesses that share the same values and cultures as ourselves and it’s clear there is a real family atmosphere that has been at the heart of the company’s success. As with all our acquisitions we are keen to preserve that ethos whilst also providing the appropriate investment, support and guidance to help the business achieve its full potential.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in securing the completion of this acquisition and we look forward to welcoming the Aerial Platforms team into our business, working closely with them and ensuring they have everything they need to go from strength to strength as an integral part of the Briggs Equipment Group.”

Andrew Davin, Managing Director of Aerial Platform Hire Ltd commented: “The Davin family are very pleased to announce the change of ownership of Aerial Platform Hire Ltd which has been acquired by the Briggs Equipment Group.

“We have grown this business over 42 years and we pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to our customers through the dedication of our team and investment in quality powered access products.

“We are confident that being part of the Briggs Equipment Group will be a positive experience for our customers and staff alike as they benefit from the support and expertise of Briggs. We wish Aerial Platform Hire and Briggs every success for the future.”

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Briggs, Aerial Platform Hire Limited will continue trading under its own name and with all current operational contacts remaining in place.

 

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