Fast cross-dock facility
March 1st 2010 A loading platform system designed
and built by Thorworld Industries
has increased efficiency at Solstor
UK, which operates a temperature
controlled supply chain network for
the food industry.
The modular loading/unloading
system has been installed at Solstor's
main UK multi-temperature
consolidation hub at Crayford, Kent,
where it plays a key role in the
company's expanding groupage
business.
It consists of four standard 2,000kg
capacity Thorworld raised platforms
that have been connected together to
form a single platform measuring
37.5 sq m. This in turn is capable of
handling two 13.6 m long reefer
trailers at a time.
The platform was then equipped
with ancillary equipment including
dock bumpers, two hinged bridge
plates, safety bars, and a set of access
steps.
It allows for the fast cross-docking
of produce, with a stand-on
mechanical barrow used to unload
pallet loads of boxes from incoming
trailers. The foodstuffs are loaded
immediately into another trailer for
onward delivery to customers, or
stored in a 37 pallet capacity cold
store, supplied by ArcticStore, that
has been installed at the rear of the
platform.
As well as food, the platform is
used for the loading and unloading
of associated items such as packaging
materials and small pieces of
machinery.
Solstor has fitted a canopy over the
platform, which was supplied
through Barloworld Handling, in
order to provide additional
protection for staff against inclement
weather.
Solstor's quality manager,Mike
Strudwick, says: "Thorworld's
engineers listened to us then
delivered the perfect solution that
fully meets all our requirements." More articles from Thorworld Industries: | 
