The long-term future of the UK material handling sector is being threatened by the twin challenges of an ageing workforce and a lack of young talent being attracted to pursue careers in the industry. The perfect storm could also threaten the long-term viability of the myriad businesses which rely on efficient material handling equipment to fulfil their operations. The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has launched 11 new technical training courses, representing an impressive three-fold increase, designed to equip companies in the material handling sector with the appropriate skills their workers need.

This article was first published in the December 15th 2024 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.

A team of designers at Narrow Aisle excels in creating tailored warehouse layouts that maximise every square inch. The company provides budget estimates encompassing implementation and operational costs, ensuring transparency and feasibility from the outset. It offers detailed CAD drawings of the storage rack layout, coupled with fleet manning level recommendations derived from client-surveyed data.

With the surge in e-commerce and the pressing need for businesses to optimise operations, warehouses are under immense pressure to store more in less space. As the space between warehouse racks is restricted, the movement of long and bulky loads like timber, steel, and piping can be complicated. Combilift has tackled this problem head-on with a range of specialised equipment designed for narrow aisles and long loads, including the Combi-WR4, Combi-CB range and Combi-GT.

A new white paper from Hyster explores how lift truck operations can leverage the most comprehensive forklift safety strategy, and why this is non-negotiable for high-intensity applications. The free-of-charge Hyster® whitepaper is titled: Three layers of forklift safety: Promoting operating best practices. The three layers of forklift safety are forklift training, telematics systems and operator assistance systems.

Logistics specialist Linde Material Handling is replacing its existing range of electric forklifts with a total of 26 new three- and four-wheel truck models with load capacities ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 tons. The new trucks have been designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance. In particular, the models with integrated lithium-ion batteries make a significant contribution in this regard. The largest market segment of all industrial truck classes is comprised of three- and four-wheel electric forklifts with a load range of up to two tons.

With the UK material handling sector facing an ageing workforce and a lack of young talent, first-rate training courses are required to sustain the industry in the years ahead.

George Simpson

Features Editor

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