Palletline

Palletline, one of the UK's leading palletised distribution networks required a highly efficient and reliable forklift fleet for its state of the art distribution hubs in Solihull near Birmingham and Perivale Park, London. Palletline's new central hub in Solihull was opened recently in response to the growing demand. As well as trebling pallet throughput capacity, the new hub brings together a highly efficient operating model based around total quality control. Palletline is the first palletised distribution network to operate a drive-through, side-load operation, successfully achieving total de-pedestrianisation and realizing Health & Safety benefits.

Barloworld's approach
Barloworld supplied a new fleet of 40 LPG Hyster Fortens Advance trucks which have been specified to exactly match Palletline's demanding operational needs. The trucks are deployed throughout the night to perform lorry loading and unloading of palletised goods for overnight distribution. Palletline selected Barloworld after a rigorous evaluation taking into consideration contract life costs, service support, reliability and feedback from its drivers during trials.

Results

• The Hyster trucks provide reliable performance for the hub.
• The Forten's Duramatch transmission boosts performance while reducing operating costs. Its Auto-Deceleration System results in less brake pedal usage, leading to a 60% increase in brake life and up to 50% tyre life.
• Barloworld fitted Continental CSEasy tyres to the fleet which can be mounted without the need of a tyre press. This reduces potential down time whilst the tyres also return improved fuel efficiency and a performance of up to 3 times the life of a standard tyre offering significant savings on running costs.

• Barloworld has installed a state of the art telemetry device to each truck which monitors the trucks productivity and availability. This information is used to plan servicing and identify areas for improvement.

"The performance and reliability of the materials handling fleet is key to Palletline meeting it's operational targets and this is achieved in part through excellent service support which I have no doubt Barloworld will provide". Palletline