Feature Materials handling & conveyors
Handling efficiency for electrical goods facility
UK logistics business, C BUTT, has renewed a major contract with Barloworld Handling to provide a total materials handling solution for its Magna Park operation in Lutterworth
T
he multi-million pound invest- ment at C Butt’s National Distribution Centre (NDC) for elec- trical goods in Leicestershire includes Hyster Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) and warehouse technology. “We looked at three other suppliers and not only did Barloworld offer the best value solution, we have also developed an excellent working rela- tionship over the past five years,” says Mark Beaumont, operations manager. Previous experience of Hyster equipment and the service from Barloworld were also important fac- tors in the decision making process. The new fleet includes the latest Hyster equipment which Beaumont believes is now even better.
“The most important materials han- dling element is making sure that delivered pallets are put away quickly and logged onto our system ready for sale within four hours of the delivery slot” says Beaumont. “Hyster VNA machines are essential for this role and experience over the last five years con- firms their reliability, speed and abil- ity to keep up with our fast-paced logistics operation.”
The Magna Park site is a 200,000sqft centre for electrical goods and around 159,000 pallets of goods pass through the site each year, with significant seasonal variation. Four new wire- guided Hyster C1.5 Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) machines computer linked to the warehouse management system
intensive pallet handling environment with excellent fork tip visibility to help maximise handling efficiency. “The VNA operators have hourly targets that they have to meet so we have provided the best tools for their job,” says Beaumont.
The Hyster C1.5 VNA is regarded as one of the best of its type in the indus- try featuring integral pantograph, slim turret head and the patented QUAD- form mast design giving increased rigidity and torsional strength at height. Load weight sensing calculates speed to height to weight for maximum performance and the truck’s efficient energy management system keeps the truck working through extended shifts. Two Hyster R2.0H reach trucks are also in operation at Magna Park and each truck in the electric fleet is supplied with two high performance Hoppecke batteries to allow continuous operation at peak times.
are now in operation at the NDC putting away and picking pallets from racking over 9m high.
“From September to December, all four VNA machines are required to operate around 18-20 hours a day, five days a week as we have to keep up with the seasonal demand,” Beaumont says. “We cannot stop the VNAs from working during those periods and with two batteries for each machine, they work extremely hard over three shifts.” As containers loaded with electrical items arrive at the NDC from UK termi- nals, new Hyster P2.0S ride-on pallet trucks typically de-stuff the containers according to strict delivery windows. New Hyster H1.6FT LPG 1,600kg fork- lifts then transport loaded pallets to the end of the warehouse aisles where the VNA machines then take over. The Hyster VNA offers a comfort- able driving experience with seat-side controls, specifically designed for an
Barloworld Handling is providing a multi-million pound materials handling solution for logistics
specialist C Butt at its electrical goods national distribution centre in Leicestershire
Barloworld Handling T: 0800 083 0831
barloworld.co.uk Enter 366
The latest high frequency Hoppecke chargers have been installed and Barloworld has also provided a battery changing system for fast battery extrac- tion and replacement. Full battery man- agement is also part of the contract. At peak times the operation flexes with up to 100 agency staff and Barloworld provides short term hire forklifts to meet the demand. C BUTT ensures all its forklift drivers are trained and qualified to safely operate the equipment, which is also fitted with pin code access and Barloworld’s fleet management system providing utilisation data for all of the fleet. “Our goal is to help take cost out of our customers’ business and these investments in new materials handling technologies and intelligent support from Barloworld help us achieve this,” says Beaumont, explaining that the equipment is serviced to strict mainte- nance schedules by Barloworld. “Past experience tells us we have a new fleet of extremely durable trucks and the proactive support from Barloworld gives us the capability to flex this operation throughout the year in response to demands” he adds.
Automated Handling & Logistic Solutions
www.conveyorsystemsltd.com
Pallet Conveying
Carton Handling
Order Picking
Stand No. H41
www.conveyorsystemsltd.com
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