handling fork lift trucks l
With the warehouse and logistics sectors apparently bucking the trend and powering into 2012 with confidence, the fork lift truck manufacturers are doing well off the back of this. Over the next few pages, we round up a selection of recent forklift stories that have caught our eye.
Lifting force
Meanwhile, Hyster Europe will benefit from the opening of a new NACCO concept centre for the development of Hyster fork lift trucks. The new centre in Hampshire, England, will include offices, a workshop and test facilities, and will focus on introducing technologies to meet the increasing needs of Hyster customers for the future.
Mark Stent, engineering operations leader, explains: “Our aim is to complement and support the existing design centres located around the world. We will support them with a truly global view and ensure Hyster remains a market leader in years to come.”
Barloworld/Hyster
Materials handling supplier, Barloworld Handling, has reported greatly improved financial performance for the year ended September 2011, with divisional revenue rising to
R4709million (£362million). Barloworld Handling’s operations in UK, Europe and Southern Africa all recorded double-digit improvements in revenue and a return to operating profits. In the UK, the company focussed on the provision of intelligent service to existing customers, leading to improved retention whilst also gaining significant new accounts.
Phil Bastow, managing director for the UK, says: “During the year the business performed particularly well in the ports, terminals and logistics sector,
28 ShD January 2012
www.PressOnShD.com Above:
NACCO’s new concept centre in Hampshire.
with some notable contract awards. We have a highly competitive offering in this area, matching class leading equipment to bespoke intelligent service, which truly helps customers to reduce cost and improve efficiency.” Utilisation across Barloworld’s national short-term hire fleet also grew as industry demand returned. The company has increased the size of its fleet and continued its investment in new Hyster trucks so that the fleet age profile and condition remains one of the best in the industry. Energy efficient product introductions across the Hyster forklift and container handling range also helped to support opportunities as businesses look to achieve better environmental performance and reduce energy costs.
The highly experienced team of design engineers will develop 3D models, build prototype forklifts and components, test and validate equipment prior to introduction into the manufacturing process. The first projects undertaken at the centre include developments that will further enhance the range of Hyster warehouse equipment.
Briggs/Yale
ShD met with Briggs Equipment UK's CEO Richard Close before Christmas to discuss his company's recent successes. The Cannock-based firm became the UK's Yale distributor, and Richard brought us up-to-date on the relationship: "The relationship with Yale is very strong – it's more of a partnership. We've taken it to a completely new level - for example we hold strategy meetings to discuss products and the market for the forthcoming three years.
"Rental is very important the three Briggs territories - US, Mexico and the
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