Yale trucks gain entry
February 1st 2010 Counterbalance trucks lead the way as
Yale kits out the distribution centre of a
leading door opening provider, catering
for its wide materials handling needs
ASSA ABLOY has bought a fleet of 15 new forklift trucks to
fulfill the diverse materials handling requirements of its
national distribution centre.
ASSA ABLOY's door lock and security products encompass the
established Yale, Chubb, Union,Mul-t-lock and Adams Rite
brands and are distributed throughout the UK to locksmiths,
distributors, OEMs and national retailers, including the largest
High Street DIY specialists. Each of these outlets is served by the
national distribution centre in Wolverhampton,West Midlands,
which contains thousands of products within the group's
portfolio.
Mark Beresford, general manager at ASSA ABLOY's national
distribution centre, says Yale UK's response to the tender process
to provide trucks for the centre was the most comprehensive
received to the company's brief.
"Our 120,000 square foot distribution centre houses 8,000
pallet locations with over 7,500 SKUs in stock ranging from small
door rim cylinders to large UPVC multi point locks that are over
6ft in length when packaged," he says.
"With such a vast product range comes many different
materials handling needs. It was essential that we had a range of
equipment that could cater for the different sizes of packages and
pallets we distribute. But we also needed flexibility and the peace
of mind that the fleet would be managed and serviced efficiently
and that we knew what all of the costs were going to be up front."
Beresford continues: "The package proposed by Yale UK
covered every aspect of the fleet's management without any
hidden costs or surprises. It includes a tyre replacement
programme, full service schedule, monthly KPI reports and
regular review meetings to ensure the fleet continues to meet our
needs as our business inevitably grows and changes in line with
customer demands."
Included within the 15-strong fleet are two Yale electric
counterbalance VF forklift trucks, which are said to be the most
manoeuvrable four-wheel electric forklifts currently available, and
one new VG series cushion tyre electric counterbalance forklift
truck.
"We liked the VF model's innovative extended steer-axle that
will allow us to operate more effectively in confined spaces," adds
Beresford.
Providing a turning radius comparable with many three-wheel
forklift trucks in the market, the two 1,600kg capacity VF electric
counterbalance forklift trucks are used in the Goods-In area,
unloading products from the three containers that arrive every
day.
"The Yale VF is an outstanding forklift to drive. It is extremely
comfortable for the operator and is very easy to manoeuvre,
especially in tight and confined spaces, which is vital in our
Goods-In area where space is at a premium," enthuses Beresford.
The 2,500kg capacity VG forklift truck has been fitted with a
fork positioner for lifting the multi point locks that are packaged
in large wooden crates over 6ft in length.With Yale's 'Hi-Vis' high
visibility mast, the Yale VG forklift was specified to be able to
reach the top beam at 5.3 metres in the warehouse while
operating in the confined aisles.
Yale's new generation of electric counterbalance forklift trucks
put operator comfort at the forefront of design and this impacted
on the purchasing decision as employee welfare is high on ASSA
ABLOY's agenda.
Yale says: "The fully adjustable suspension seat with swivel seat
option allows operators to find a comfortable driving position
and the three point access with the lowest step height in the
industry makes getting on and off the truck easier and less
fatiguing."
Keyless start with PIN code
The VF and VG forklift trucks also have keyless start with an
access or PIN code restricting use to only those operators that are
fully trained and permitted to operate the trucks. Beresford says:
"During busy periods, we employ contract workers who
sometimes have not had the relevant training to operate the
trucks. The access code system restricts access to our forklift fleet
to approved operators."
The ASSA ABLOY fleet also includes four Yale MP18 1,800kg
Pedestrian Controlled Motorised Pallet trucks which are used for
picking smaller items and packages which they then deposit in the
marshalling/despatch area.
Prior to the delivery of the new pedestrian motorised pallet
trucks, the order pickers would have to wait for a trained forklift
truck operator to move certain products with a counterbalance
truck if they were too heavy or bulky for manual handling. This
can now be carried out immediately saving time for both the
order picker and the forklift truck operator.
ASSA ABLOY is also making the most of Yale's e-balance
technology which is said to offer the best energy balance on the
market while delivering competitive productivity. All of the Yale
electric counterbalance forklift trucks have been configured to
Yale's eLo setting to maximise battery life.
New high frequency chargers have also been installed in the
distribution centre making charging significantly more efficient
and reduci More articles from Yale Europe Materials Handling: | 
