Combilift opens the doors to safer handling
February 29th 2008 01:08 am By Web Development in India
Combilift 4-way forklift brings benefits such as shorter loading time to the Stockport branch of Indupart , the largest industrial door manufacturer in the UK
Safer handling of extreme lengths and a 50 per cent cut in loading time are just some of the benefits that a Combilift 4-way forklift has brought to operations at the Stockport branch of Indupart , the largest industrial door manufacturer in the UK. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Indupart has grown from a small operation into the market leader in its field, with 4 major depots across the country.
Its range encompasses overhead, roller shutter and high speed doors as well as hardware components for trade customers.
General manager Gary Sheehan was instrumental in implementing the new system based around the Combilift after initially reading an article about the 4-way forklift in a magazine.
‘I recognised immediately that our very specific need could be answered by this truck’ he says.
Gary is referring to handling of one particular component - the steel and foam composite insulated panels.
These previously had to be ordered in a variety of lengths due to the handling limitations of the combination of a counterbalance and 4-way reach truck used before the Combilift was in place.
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Thanks to the Combilift’s manoeuvrability and sideways ability, Indupart has been able to simplify the ordering process by buying in the longest length 13.2m panels available, saving money and time in the process.
The 3.5 tonne capacity LPG powered Combilift is used to offload incoming deliveries of panels, which typically weigh 1.5 - 2 tonnes per pack, and take them to outside racking.
When panels need to be cut to size, its manoeuvrability comes to the fore once again for direct positioning at the cutting machines in the manufacturing area.
It also loads the finished and packed end product, and Gary has calculated that preparation and loading time is twice as quick as before.
Health and safety is a big issue at Indupart, and the Combilift system enables a 1 man /1 truck operation.
This has cut the need for multiple operatives and truck movements in the loading area, making a significant contribution to safer handling procedures.
Damage to stock, particularly the bottom couple of panels in each pack, was a problem with the old 4-way reach truck, but this has now been eradicated as the Combilift is fitted with a 6.4m, removable spreader bar.
In addition to the current benefits the Combilift is bringing to operations, Gary is in no doubt that the truck’s flexibility will enable Indupart to explore new procedures.
‘We are looking to ready-load the finished product directly to the delivery truck rather than via the warehouse, for example’.
‘This will cut a number of processes and will save on storage space and time’.
‘We will also be able to load more trailers in the yard at one time, as the Combilift can work in much tighter spaces than the old forklifts’.
Having marked the 20 year milestone, Indupart has extended the Stockport factory to increase output and to offer even larger products.
The Combilift will ensure the streamlined handling of increasing quantities of materials to keep pace with predicted growth.
Combilifts are available with load capacities from 2.5 to 12 tonnes, with various power options and attachments.
The company’s team of design engineers also offers a free warehouse layout service designed to illustrate the best possible use of available storage space.
