J. Adolf Bäuerle GmbH, based in the South of Germany, is part of the Georgsmarienhütte Holding group and is a leading manufacturer of bright steel products. It supplies various industries throughout Europe such as the engineering, agriculture, automotive and textile sectors with steel in a variety of specifications and finishes. Two Combilifts have been brought in to handle the company’s material from the raw stage through to the finished product.
The transport and storage of heavy and extremely long loads at Bäuerle used to be handled by a combination of sideloaders and overhead crane. “This process left a lot to be desired,” says Plant Manager Michael Keppeler. “The limited manoeuvrability of the side loader increased the risk of damage to the product, and the double handling slowed down the entire handling process.”
The C6000 diesel powered 6t capacity models have now replaced the previous setup and ensure the efficient handling of 3m to 9m lengths of bundled steel from the outside storage area to the production lines. They then take finished product into the warehouse. Thanks to the Combilifts’ 4-way capability, the relatively narrow entrance door is easy to negotiate and raw materials can be deposited at the precise spot where they are required. “These are the first trucks we have had that are capable of doing this,” says Michael Keppeler.
The robust build of the trucks copes easily with the harsh conditions at Bäuerle, where they work on a two shift basis from 5.30am to 11pm. The 6t capacity enables two bundles to be carried simultaneously, considerably enhancing production throughput. Low level transportation of loads resting on the integrated platform also improves safety procedures.
“The spacious cab and the telescopic forks are perfect for efficient operation and for driver comfort,” explains Michael Keppeler. “Because of the long hours that the operators spend driving around inside and outside the building, they appreciate the ergonomic design. With these highly flexible trucks we are able to store our materials more efficiently and thereby increase productivity”.
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