GPS PE Pipe Systems now has a total of three Aisle-Master articulated forklifts at its Walsall based National Distribution Centre. The company had previously used mainly reach trucks in the 40,000ft2 warehouse, but recent changes to the product lines and growth in demand prompted Planning and Logistics Manager Nick Gliddon to re-evaluate the handling and storage procedures and look for a fresh approach. GPS, a member of the international Aliaxis Group, manufactures polyethylene and multi-layer pipe systems and is a leading supplier to the residential, industrial and public sectors. The need for more streamlined operations, better efficiency and best use of available storage capacity led Nick to the Aisle-Master range of articulated forklifts.
Having taken delivery of the first Aisle-Master in November 2007, it very quickly became apparent that major operational changes could be made due to the truck’s ability to work inside and out, on semi-rough terrain and gradients, and in much tighter aisles than the reach trucks.
An order for two more electric trucks with 7.6m masts quickly followed, and Aisle-Master supplied two interim hire vehicles to enable GPS to go ahead with the programme of improvements without any interruption. Nick explains the benefits: “We have reconfigured the racking layout, and have got rid of the cumbersome double deep system, so stock location is much easier and quicker. We have also been able to remove higher level pick faces from aisles and introduce more lower level ones which are safer for operators to work from. Cushioned tyres and suspension mean that the expansion joints in the warehouse floor are no longer an issue with the Aisle-Masters – these were causes of a bumpy ride with the old reach trucks, and we can now avoid the added expense of potential damage to trucks and redoing the floor.”
Getting rid of a mixed fleet also brings benefits in the form of just one service and maintenance provider- in this case Birmingham based Abex, rather than having to deal with multiple contacts. “The Aisle-Masters are very reliable, the drivers are very happy with them, and they will cope with any requirement on site,” says Nick. “The investment in the three trucks is an integral part of the way forward for increased efficiency all round. We have already planned the future use of two new buildings on site around the abilities of the trucks, where we can adopt the narrow aisle route for an impressive pallet density in a relatively small space.”
The Aisle-Master range incorporates electric and LPG models, works in aisles of just 1.75m, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 12.5 metres available. The trucks are designed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland, where build quality and reliability feature high on the agenda. All the fundamental aspects of the Aisle-Master’s design, from the overhead guard for enhanced driver protection, the ergonomics of the controls, down to the high quality seating, guarantee the optimum level of operator safety and comfort.
Aisle-Master Ltd
UK Tel: 07725 642 472
Email: info@aisle-master.com
www.aisle-master.com
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