Advertisement feature Cover story FLTA Innovation Award for Aisle-Master
Aisle-Master has won the Innovation category at this year’s UK FLTA’s Awards for Excellence for its new cold store model. In a hotly contested category the articulated truck manufacturer beat off six other shortlisted nominees to take this prestigious award
T
he requirements of cold store operations are exacting: the costs per ft² are high, optimum driver comfort needs to be ensured, and the low temperatures can be unforgiv- ing on equipment. Aisle-Master’s collaboration with major names in the cold store and temperature controlled warehousing industry enabled it to develop a truck which specifically addressed these issues whilst at the same time improving productivity. The fully enclosed heated cab keeps drivers warm throughout the entire shift, avoiding the need for regular breaks, and heated windows eliminate the build up of condensation when driving between different tempera- tures. The powerful 930amp batteries counteract any possible draining of power even during prolonged opera- tion and low energy LED work lights also come as standard. The FLTA summed up the advan- tages of this innovative product as fol- lows: “When space comes at a premium, flexible solutions are needed. Combining the capabilities of a narrow aisle forklift with the protection offered by a fully enclosed cold store cab, the
oland’s largest home improvement chain Castorama, part of Kingfisher plc, took delivery of its first Aisle-Masters six years ago and now has around 45 trucks operating across its network of outlets in the country. As a replacement for a combination of reach and counterbal- ance trucks, the Aisle-Masters have proved to be so successful that they are now the standard specification for any new depots that are opened. Depending on the size of a depot, which is typically from 7,000 to 10,000m² the Aisle- Masters’ narrow aisle capabilities enable two or three extra aisles to be added compared with the old reach/counterbalance system. This allows Castorama to put more stock into each store, giving customers more choice and has resulted in higher sales figures. The layout of racking at each individual outlet is determined by merchandising managers who take into account the size of products to be stored, with Aisle-Masters mostly operating in aisles as narrow as 1.8m. To make use of all vertical space the top beam height is 5.5m, and Castorama’s trucks are fitted with a triplex 6,000mm mast to easily lift pallets, packs and boxes to this height. Their ability to work indoors and out and to offload incoming deliveries from HGV’s and take them directly to the racking is a much quicker procedure than using two types of forklift as it eliminates double handling. The standard specification at any new site is now for a 20SE model and a 20WE model, with a wider chassis and a semi-enclosed cab which offers comfortable conditions for operators in the cold winter weather. Both benefit from over articulation which enables a better degree of accuracy when placing loads into very narrow aisles. According to Castorama’s requirements they have been fitted with powerful 930Ahr battery compartments and grey non-marking tyres. Aisle-Master Ltd
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www.aisle-master.com Enter 350 S6 MARCH/APRIL 2013 Materials Handling & Logistics
Robert Moffet, co-owner of Aisle-Master (above centre) accepts the Innovation Award for the cold store truck (left)
articulated Aisle-Master cold store model ensures maximum efficiency – even at minus thirty degrees.” Robert Moffett, co owner of Aisle- Master accepted the Archie award from Jon Cooper of category sponsor BNP Paribas. He said: “The fact that we won this award on a public vote is testimony to the high regard with which Aisle- Master products are held within the forklift industry. We very much appreci- ate this recognition and would like to thank everyone who voted for us.”
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