A loading platform system designed and built by Thorworld Industries has increased efficiency at Solstor UK Ltd, which operates a temperature controlled supply chain network for the food industry.
The modular loading/unloading system has been installed at Solstor’s main UK multi-temperature consolidation hub at Crayford, Kent, where it plays a key role in the company’s expanding groupage business.
It consists of four standard 2,000kg capacity Thorworld raised platforms that have been connected together to form a single platform measuring 37.5 sq.m. This in turn is capable of handling two 13.6 m long reefer trailers at a time.
The platform was then equipped by Thorworld with ancillary equipment including dock bumpers, two hinged bridge plates, safety bars, and a set of access steps.
It allows for the fast cross-docking of produce, with a stand-on mechanical barrow used to unload pallet loads of boxes from incoming trailers. The foodstuffs are loaded immediately into another trailer for onward delivery to customers, or stored in a 37 pallet capacity cold store, supplied by ArcticStore, that has been installed at the rear of the platform.
As well as food, the platform is used for the loading and unloading of associated items such as packaging materials and small pieces of machinery.
Solstor has fitted a canopy over the platform, which was supplied through Barloworld Handling, in order to provide additional protection for staff against inclement weather.
The groupage work was previously handled within the main warehouse at Crayford, but as it has expanded Solstor decided to develop a stand-alone operation in order to provide an even better service for customers.
Solstor’s quality manager, Mike Strudwick, said he was very satisfied with Thorworld’s involvement in the project. “We knew we needed some kind of platform and Thorworld engineers came along to find out exactly what our requirement were and then delivered the perfect solution that fully meets all our requirements.”
Solstor UK Limited operates around the clock, supplying major national food retailers and food manufacturers, using a large fleet of temperature controlled reefer trailers.
Thorworld is firmly established as one of the foremost designers, manufacturers and suppliers to the loading bay and materials handling sectors and is recognised as both a market leader and innovator in the supply of quality engineered equipment.
The company provides a one-stop, single source for an extensive range of high quality loading bay and materials handling products, safety aids and accessories, including dock shelters and seals, dock levellers, modular loading docks, dock plates and boards, dock and vehicle bumpers, wheel chocks, vehicle restraints, traffic lights wheel guides, alignment curbs and mobile yardramps (available for purchase or rental), together with the Truckloada mobile yardlift and the Dockloada scissor lift platform.
For more information about Thorworld’s market-leading loading/unloading equipment and to obtain a copy of their latest Product Range Catalogue contact:
Thorworld Industries Ltd
Tel: 01246 260981
Email: info@thorworld.co.uk
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