Turner Bianca, a leading global supplier of home textiles, is using a fleet of eight electric powered Aisle-Master articulated forklifts at its 125,500ft2 distribution centre in Greater Manchester. The company initially purchased five Aisle-Masters in the Spring of 2008, and was so pleased with the performance of these first trucks that when a recent expansion was on the cards, a further three were ordered.
Warehouse Manager Dan Goodhew had had previous experience of other types of articulated forklifts, and the initial decision to go with the Aisle-Masters was a democratic one based on truck performance and driver preference. Together with Turner Bianca’s material handling specialist, Ellesmere Port based Complete Handling, a series of test drives was arranged. “We trialed trucks from various suppliers,” explains Dan, “and the Aisle-Master came out way on top. Our drivers play a crucial part in operations, and they found it by far the best to operate, and it was generally felt that the Aisle-Master’s engineering and design was superior. For example, when working at a height of 8m, the truck’s stability is particularly impressive compared to others.”
The eight Aisle-Masters look after product arriving from around the world. Once it has been palletised, they store it in 12,500 pallet spaces until it is ready to be order picked and shipped to customers who range from small individual outlets to national blue chip companies. Aisle-Master’s indoor/outdoor versatility is particularly beneficial here for loading onto delivery vehicles. As the trucks tend to work mainly inside electric power was chosen, and an overnight charge copes easily with a full shift.
With a reputation for product excellence and innovation in design, Turner Bianca applied similar criteria when it came to specifying its forklift fleet, and has not been disappointed. Dan sums up: “This product does the job, and comes into its own in our narrow aisles. It is easy to use, reliable, and the service is good – what more could you ask!”
The Aisle-Master range is designed and built at the company’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, and exported around the world. LPG powered Aisle-Masters are also available, and electric models now all incorporate AC technology as standard. The trucks work in aisles of just 1.75m, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 12.5 metres. Aisle-Master design engineers offer a site visit and warehouse layout service and supply free layout proposals illustrating how to maximise the use of available storage space.
Aisle-Master Ltd
UK Tel: 07725 642 472
Email: info@aisle-master.com
www.aisle-master.com
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