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Tag: forklifts

Yale celebrates 40 years at Craigavon

Posted on by David Priestman

2021 sees Yale Europe Materials Handling celebrate Craigavon’s four decades of manufacturing excellence in Northern Ireland.

Since the plant opened in April 1981, thousands of lift trucks have been manufactured and exported annually to locations throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. This has resulted in extensive growth for the plant’s operation line, becoming one of the largest volume forklift manufacturers in the UK.

“Over the last four decades, our people have worked together to conquer challenges, embrace new opportunities, and maintain forward momentum, and that is why our facility continues to succeed, evolve, and grow,” said Jim Downey, Plant Manager.

Thanks to the incredible dedication, perseverance, and loyalty from the Craigavon team, the site has achieved numerous accolades. Most notably, OHSAS 18001 accreditation for occupational health and safety, being awarded the Northern Ireland Quality Award in 2011 (EFQM) for areas such as Leadership, People, Strategy and Partnerships, winning the “Best Place to Work” at The Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards in 2013 and more recently, securing the Investors in People Gold Award for effective people management.

The facility maintains a reputation for being equipped with the most up to date manufacturing infrastructure and automated systems. Craigavon continues to build on this with a recent multi-million-pound investment focused specifically towards site development that will generate dozens of new jobs and apprenticeships.

Corporate Responsibility

During the site expansion, the plant has already attained several environmental achievements, with sustainability continuing to be a key driver for the company. The site has achieved ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications for continual commitments to the environment and energy efficiency. As part of the company’s Corporate Responsibility Objectives, the plant aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2026.

With targets set for reducing water consumption, waste, and landfill, the facility now recycles 97% of waste produced as well as incorporating waste reduction initiatives across the plant, right from the canteen kitchen through to the packaging on the assembly lines.

A commitment to biodiversity is also of key importance, with the site encouraging rare wildlife to flourish on its grounds. The latest plant extension incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, which mimics natural drainage and is more environmentally friendly to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

“Throughout its 40 years, the Craigavon facility has continued to innovate and prove its capability of being an agile and flexible facility, that is able to meet and exceed customer expectations through automation, people and processes. Now is as exciting a time as ever, as we adapt our assembly lines, connect with new technologies, and develop our product ranges, laying the foundations for future growth and many more decades of success,” Downey concludes.

STILL UK appoints new managing director

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics systems provider STILL Material Handling UK has appointed Gillian Reed as Managing Director with effect from 1st January 2022.

Reed was formerly Service and Operations Director at STILL UK, where she has been responsible for leading the development of the service team under STILL’s sales and service network.

Speaking about her new role, Reed said: “Like many businesses, the last 12 months has been challenging for STILL UK. However, despite navigating our way through COVID with the support of our excellent team we have strengthened our business model with the formation of our new hybrid sales and service network consisting of direct sales and service, Exclusive Distributors and Regional Partners.

“As I look to the future, the needs and satisfaction of our customers are the foundation of our business and I have been proud to set high standards in our service business with our consistent Net Promotor Score which will remain front and centre for all that we do.”

Reed added. “I am very much looking forward to leading the UK business and it’s fantastic colleagues as we forge ahead with our exciting agenda.”

Reed replaces Torsten Wiecker, who has taken up a new role as Vice President Brand Management STILL EMEA.

Baoli appoints new MD

Posted on by David Priestman

Christian Bischof (pictured) has been appointed to run KION Group’s Baoli brand in the EMEA region with effect from 1st October, 2021. As Managing Director Baoli EMEA S.p.A. he succeeds Francesco Pampuri, who led the organisation on an interim basis since January 1, 2021, and will now focus on brand positioning and marketing activities of the Baoli brand in the EMEA region as Director Brand Management.

“We have a great chance to further explore the market potential in the region with Baoli. especially for the entry-level segment of the material handling market I am seeing very solid growth opportunities in the years to come,” Bischof predicts.

According to him, there are many customers who are looking for entry-level forklift trucks without a wide range of technical options. “Baoli develops and builds industrial trucks that meet precisely these customer requirements.”

To do this, the company makes use of its cost-efficient production base in China and combines this with European development and engineering expertise. “With our competence as well as our experienced international team, we want to contribute to the profitable growth of the traditional and at the same time future-oriented Baoli brand in the EMEA region.”

Christian Bischof, 42, graduated in business administration in Germany and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the United States. Since 2009, he has worked for various companies in the KION Group on different continents. Bischof’s previous positions include Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Linde Hydraulics, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Dealer Network at KION North America and, most recently, Senior Director of Market Intelligence and Corporate Strategy at KION’s headquarters in Frankfurt am Main.

Baoli is a major manufacturer of industrial trucks from Asia with a solid and well-organised structure in Europe, the Middle East and Africa that is not only able to tap into the market but also guarantees a high quality of service. To this end, the subsidiary of the global intralogistics company KION Group has consistently expanded its range of after-sales services in recent years.

The central product and spare parts warehouse in Milan, Italy, covers an area of around 14,000 sq m with an availability of more than 300 trucks ready for delivery and a dedicated spare parts area of 11,000 sq m. The northern Italian city is also home to the Baoli EMEA headquarters.

The Baoli brand targets entry-level customer groups and offers affordable solutions for daily material handling with reliable and easy-to-use equipment. The company offers a comprehensive range of counterbalance trucks, including 3- and 4-wheel electric forklift trucks with load capacities from 1.5 to 3.5t, IC engine-powered forklift trucks from 1.5 to 10.0t, as well as a variety of warehouse equipment such as low lift and high lift pallet trucks.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the international player is currently active in more than 50 countries with a network of over 350 dealers and intends to greatly expand the dealer network.

Cascade Corporation acquires Lift-Tek

Posted on by David Priestman

Cascade Corporation, a global leader in the manufacturing of lift truck attachments, forks and related technologies, has successfully completed the acquisition of mast manufacturer Lift Technologies, Inc. (USA) and Lift-Tek Elecar S.p.A. (Italy) – more commonly known as Lift-Tek – from Calvi Holding S.p.A as wholly owned subsidiaries.

Lift-Tek is a major global manufacturer of masts, including models in two, three, four and five stage configurations, with capacities up to 52t for a wide variety of applications. Products are used on both electric and internal combustion (IC) lift trucks, very narrow aisle lift trucks, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), telehandlers and more.

Established in 1999, Lift-Tek is recognised by OEMs in the industry for high quality mast products and years of expertise in materials handling. With manufacturing facilities located in Westminster, South Carolina, USA and Piacenza, Italy, Lift-Tek currently serves the North American and European markets as well as international customers.

“We look forward to this new chapter in our company’s history,” says Angelo Ceresa, Board Member of Lift-Tek Elecar S.p.A. “We believe working together with Cascade brings excellent new potential to our operations and that our customers will benefit greatly from this development.”

The acquisition gives the company the unique opportunity to bundle Lift-Tek masts with Cascade attachments for those customers who require a custom solution for the front end of their lift truck or automated guided vehicle (AGV). With Lift-Tek’s special engineering capabilities combined with Cascade’s latest attachment technologies, such as mobile weighing and sensing capabilities, the acquisition provides opportunities for synergy and growth when it comes to product development for digitally integrated solutions.

“Lift-Tek’s reputation for quality products makes them a natural fit for the Cascade family,” says Davide Roncari, President & CEO of Cascade Corporation. “Together, we will be able to provide enhanced options for those customers in need of specialized, integrated mast/attachment solutions.”

Lift-Tek will continue normal operations as independent subsidiaries under Cascade Corporation ownership.

Hoppecke launches new heavy-duty battery

Posted on by David Priestman

In highly intensive operations, handling equipment and its traction batteries are often pushed to the limit during daily use. To tackle this, industrial battery specialist Hoppecke has launched a new range, purpose-designed for heavy-duty applications.

Featuring a unique ‘Connect Four’ structure, the trak | uplift quadro offers four essential advantages: running times are longer, as the technology delivers up to 75% more usable capacity compared to a classic PzS cell under load; meanwhile, a fast-charging capability ensures better battery availability; opportunity charging is possible without intensive equalisation charging; and a Protective Shell Separator prevents short circuits due to mossing.

The trak | uplift quadro’s higher efficiency translates into energy savings of up to 8%. There are fewer cable temperature issues too, as the battery runs cooler for longer, effectively extending its service life.

A new design incorporates an optimised pole and electrode concept. A reduced cell height, special copper inserts, four poles instead of two and optimised connection of the electrodes all add up to enhanced conductivity. The trak |uplift quadro also has a significantly reduced internal resistance compared to the standard lead-acid battery. Consequently, the voltage level during discharge is stabilised, resulting in excellent high-current capability.

Hoppecke’s UK General Manager, Stuart Browne, said: “We’re really excited about the new trak | uplift quadro, which is purpose-designed to cope with high-tonnage trucks and intensive operations where equipment typically runs all day.

“Thanks to extended running times, high efficiency and a long lifecycle, the range is inherently flexible, making it ideally suited to demanding applications such as construction, engineering and agriculture.”

Compatible with standard PzS chargers, the trak | uplift quadro is available in three variants.

The standard 48-120v lead-acid battery comes with an electrolyte level indicator. Another battery incorporates electrolyte circulation to eliminate acid stratification. The system switches on automatically and is practically maintenance-free. Finally, the trak | uplift quadro iQ comprises a high-current battery with smart charging and intelligent control. It offers increased flexibility, as charging times are improved by up to three hours. This variant also enjoys the lowest maintenance costs, and energy consumption is reduced by up to 19%.

The new trak | uplift quadro range is available from Hoppecke and all reputable MHE suppliers.

Hyster maintains strong environmental impetus

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster Company has set ambitious environmental goals to achieve by 2026. Now at the halfway point, Hyster reveals the progress so far of its green manufacturing initiatives and innovative products and solutions designed to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.

“Part of the overall goal is to significantly reduce our global carbon footprint,” explains Conal McNally, Environmental Engineer for Hyster Europe. “Moreover, environmental targets have been set to reduce carbon emissions, VOC emissions from painting operations, and hazardous waste all by 30%, and water consumption by 20%. We also aim to achieve zero waste landfill at all sites and to offer a greater range of alternative products that enable customers to cut emissions cost-effectively.”

Most manufacturing processes tend to create waste. As a global manufacturer of industrial products, Hyster recognises the importance of responsible material use and is pushing to mitigate its waste footprint across all aspects of the value chain. The majority of waste created in the manufacturing of Hyster lift trucks is now being recycled.

For instance, in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where Hyster Big Trucks are produced, any non-recyclable waste is incinerated in the Netherlands’ cleanest burning facility, and any excess heat is used for heating in the factory building and nearby homes. Solar panels have also been fitted to provide some of the power to the site.

“We have already achieved our goal of zero landfill waste at our manufacturing site in Nijmegen,” adds McNally. “And the plant producing Hyster trucks in Craigavon, UK, has also been extended with similar green initiatives at the centre of its design and build.”

The new building design includes a smarter approach to heating, a more effective use of natural light, the creation of areas for biodiversity, and a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) amongst other important initiatives. 97% of waste from the site is now recycled, and waste to landfill has reduced by almost 45%.  A specialist at the site is working to use materials responsibly in the packaging of Hyster products, and to increasingly make packaging recyclable and sustainable.

To further support the reduction in its carbon footprint, Hyster also employs low-emission methods to deliver finished trucks to customers, wherever possible. Hyster ReachStackers, for instance, can be transported by barge from the Nijmegen facility to the main port of Zeebrugge in the Netherlands. Transport on the water reduces the number of trucks on the road, helping save on fuel consumption.

“As well as implementing sustainable manufacturing processes, we are also evolving the complete range of Hyster products towards low or zero emissions with key advances in technology and truck design.,” says McNally. “From Big Trucks used in ports and terminals, right down to low-capacity lift trucks in busy logistics operations, Hyster products increasingly incorporate a range of clean energy solutions.”

For example, innovative applications of lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells are enabling Hyster to develop zero-emission Container Handlers and ReachStackers for the first time.

Plus, Stage V engines that comply with EU emission regulations are introduced for Hyster Big Trucks, with capacities of 8t or more, helping businesses comply with emissions legislation, while also heightening productivity, and reducing the cost of ownership for the customer.

In 2021 the Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks (pictured) were also launched, featuring lithium-ion battery packs and up to 18t lift capacity, for comparable performance to ICE trucks, but with zero emissions.  This follows the recent launch of the 7-9t lift capacity, J7.0-9.0XNL series of electric lift trucks, with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries and rapid opportunity charging.

“A big part of our green approach is supporting customers across multiple industry sectors in their own sustainability objectives with the right products, and the right aftermarket solutions, such as carbon-neutral lubricants,” says McNally.

Some Hyster Big Trucks for the European market are prefilled with Shell’s carbon-neutral engine oil, and it is also in use at the factory producing Hyster lift trucks in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.

“The demand for sustainability is growing across all areas of the materials handling industry, to comply with legislation, company environmental targets, and CSR policies,” says McNally.  “Like many of our customers, we are closely monitoring our performance and progress against our own environmental goals and continue to strive for ambitious targets in EMEA. Similar progress is also being made by Hyster in JAPIC and the Americas.”

 

EP forklift importer gets finance boost

Posted on by David Priestman

DF Capital has partnered with Handling Equipment UK Ltd to help support its dealers in the UK electric forklift market.

Handling Equipment UK is the UK importer of EP Equipment material handling machines. Based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, it is a family-run business that employs 20 people. It currently works with over 40 material handling dealers in the UK.

DF Capital was initially approached by EP Equipment, a leading global manufacturer specialising in lithium-powered warehouse equipment. There is growing interest in EP Equipment’s Li battery-powered forklifts because these particular vehicles can now do everything a diesel or gas machine can do – including working outside – and they don’t produce any emissions when they are being used.

EP Equipment is continually expanding its footprint in the UK via distributor partners and introduced DF Capital to Handling Equipment UK. Handling Equipment UK was importing increasing numbers of EP material handling machines into the UK for supply to dealers and therefore was looking for a bespoke facility to support this activity.

A tailored £1m floorplan facility was created for qualifying dealers which provided Handling Equipment UK with the peace of mind to take orders, knowing they would be paid immediately. This also eased cashflow and managed any financial risk. A unique 60-day cost-free floorplan facility is offered to a number of qualifying dealers, allowing them to hold additional stock to meet the growing demand for the lithium-powered units, as they know that funding is guaranteed to them.

Handling Equipment UK has sold in excess of 200 EP electric forklifts in the last year.  Due to the considerable demand for the units, the company estimates that double this amount will be sold in 2022 and then twice as many again in 2023.  The inventory finance facility from DF Capital will aid this growth.

Andy Williams, managing director at Handling Equipment UK Ltd, commented: “The clock is ticking for companies across Britain, aiming to do their part to cut carbon emissions and meet stringent government targets. As part of this, electric forklifts are vital as part of the way forward and we have seen massive demand for them over the last couple of years.

“EP Equipment in particular has developed a first-rate machine that is both well-priced and ticks the ‘environmentally green’ box. The only thing missing – until now – was a sensible and flexible way to finance them, particularly when customers wanted to try before they bought them.

“We are delighted to be working with DF Capital because of its vast expertise in running floorplan facilities and the fact that it is providing us with the holy grail with its rental scheme.”

Brian Warbrick, head of vendor origination at DF Capital, said: “We’d been talking to EP Equipment for a while and it’s a pleasure to partner with one of its key distributors. Boosting environmental sustainability is always at the top of our agenda at DF Capital – we work with a number of innovative and ‘green’ companies and the electric materials handing market is a very exciting one and key to helping lower CO2 emissions.

“Handling Equipment UK is a rapidly growing player in this space and we are glad that we were able to help it support its dealers in a way that no other funder could.”

 

Trelleborg introduces versatile press-on tyre

Posted on by David Priestman

Trelleborg has launched the PS800, its newest press-on solid tyre for medium-intensity material handling applications; versatile for working in all conditions indoors or out.

Luca Sabelli, Product Manager Material Handling at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, said: “At Trelleborg, we know that tailoring our solutions to customers’ needs is essential when it comes to handling their everyday challenges. Designed to help operators that deal with high loads and repeated vehicle cornering within a medium working cycle, the PS800 can get the job done easily with the versatility needed.”

Available in smooth or traction profiles and in two different compounds, multi-purpose and non-marking, the PS800 guarantees high performance and enhanced comfort in indoor operations or the needed grip and increased traction for outdoor ones, even on wet paving.

Trelleborg says both PS800 tread patterns carry good overall performance, day in and day out. Thanks to its optimised compounds, wear is reduced, meaning the PS800 tyre lasts 18% longer than equivalent tyres on the market.

Flexibility comes first with the PS800 line, so customers can select the right tyre to run their operations with confidence in the comfort, stability and safety they will have while working on any surface.

Doosan upgrades electric forklift range 

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has unveiled a major upgrade to its successful BT/BX 7 Plus Series electric counterbalance forklift trucks, bringing advanced performance-enhancing design and improved capabilities to the three and four wheeled, 1.5-to-3.5-tonne, mid-market product range.

Designed to deliver simple, powerful performance in even the harshest of operating environments, Doosan says its BT/BX 7 Plus models have now been upgraded, resulting in enhanced braking, reduced noise levels, greater cooling performance, and extra driving comfort. Further advantages include: more efficient ergonomics, new safety features as standard – plus greater choice on options – and improved waterproofing for better all-weather performance and reliability.

Safety upgrade

Safety has been stepped-up a gear with Doosan’s all-round braking system, which includes the Doosan Electric magnetic auto Parking Brake (EPB) and Electric Foot Brake (EFB) systems, together with an unlimited ramp-hold capability. With the EPB system the parking brake automatically activates when the driver leaves the seat, ensuring safety around the vehicle, and with the new EFB system brakes are automatically applied as soon as the operator’s foot lifts off the accelerator pedal.

In the cab, clever design features, greater driver comfort and well thought-out ergonomics go hand-in-hand with safer working. The new improved mast design significantly reduces mast oscillation, which allows the operator to safely manoeuvre when the mast is fully elevated. In addition, Doosan’s optional Guardian Stability System (GSS) ensures safe handling by automatically reducing travel speed as a load is elevated.

Further safety improvements include: a newly designed overhead guard with angled roof bars for a clearer upward view, a large panoramic mirror for better rear visibility and a new fence-light feature that offers a warning to pedestrians by projecting red lines around the vehicle. In addition, optional front and rear safety lights are available for extra visibility.

Extra options

An optional feature on the new models is fingertip controls. Fast, precise and fully adjustable fingertip control makes hard work effortless and efficient. Also, with the NFC Start option, security has been improved, allowing only authorised employees to operate the vehicle.

Doosan says operator comfort has been significantly upgraded with the introduction of a new Doosan low-vibration, shock-absorbing seat, with full suspension adjustable up to 150kg and far greater armrest control.

Noise levels have been markedly improved too. The combination of a low-noise drive axle and a new sound suppression design has resulted in a 37% reduction in sound intensity compared to the previous model, creating a far more comfortable working environment for both driver and those working close by.

In keeping with Doosan’s reputation for rugged design and reliable performance, the latest models have improved waterproofing, offering protection against water and dirt in the harshest of outdoor applications, whatever the weather. All connectors are water protected to IP67, controllers sealed and rated to IP65 and motors and pumps offer full dust and water protection to IP43 rating. Electric motor cooling performance has been improved too, with a new centralised cooling fan.

Productivity boost

Helping to maximise productivity and improve safety within busy operational environments, Doosan’s new, improved curve speed control system automatically reduces the vehicle’s travel speed to an optimum level when cornering, reducing the risk of accidents and damage – allowing operators to perform everyday handling tasks with greater confidence.

Further efficiency gains can be achieved in battery changing operations, with Side Lift In and Lift Out (SLIO) and Side Roll In and Roll Out (SRIO) design, allowing fast changeover of batteries for multi-shift operations. Helping to reduce valuable warehouse space, a tighter turning radius on the new BT/BX 7 Plus models offer businesses the potential to move to a more compact racking layout, with narrower aisle widths.

Halo Bar offers mounting options on Flexi trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

The Halo Bar is an innovative new accessory option developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd for use with all models in the extensive Flexi Truck range of articulated lift truck-based intralogistics very narrow aisle (VNA) storage solutions .

Developed as a mounting for radio data terminals (RDTs), hands-free order-picking screens, label printers etc, the Halo Bar is quickly and easily fitted to a Flexi Truck’s chassis.

Its sturdy U-shaped design sits to the fore of the Flexi’s steering column and at its highest point the top of the Halo Bar’s arc curves below the steering wheel to ensure unobstructed operator forward vision – even when several RDT screens or printers are fitted.

In addition to its role as a computer mounting accessory, the Halo Bar allows stepping into and down from the Flexi’s cab even easier for operators. Operators simply grip the bar’s strong 40mm diameter steel tube with one hand when entering and exiting the Flexi during stock picking operations. This ‘single handed’ entry and exit functionality is both comfortable and safe and, in pre-launch trials, proved extremely popular with operators.

The Halo Bar’s dual functionality makes Flexi models highly suited to modern storage facilities that use screen-based pick lists and fulfilment centres where a high degree of picking and order assembly work takes place alongside full pallet movements.

John Maguire, Narrow Aisle’s managing director, comments: “The Halo Bar is a simple design but we believe that it represents a valuable and ergonomically advanced alternative to, for example, attaching in-cab computer terminals to a truck’s overhead guard which can obstruct the operator’s forward visibility when stacking loads.

“It is becoming quite common to see trucks in operation at some bigger sites with several truck-mounted, hands-free data terminals. The Halo Bar is designed to allow numerous devices to be positioned securely in the optimum viewing position without obstructing the operator’s forward or upward visibility.

“Also, the Halo Bar’s role as a convenient grip helps reduce the physical effort involved in getting on and off of the truck. With the range of operations undertaken within a modern warehouse continuing to grow significantly due to the rise of e-commerce, materials handling equipment is expected to carry out multiple tasks. So, at sites where a Flexi Truck operator is required to take on order picking and order assembly in addition to picking and putting away full pallet loads, the Halo Bar is particularly beneficial.”

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