A TERGO reach truck at Ostermann

Hardware wholesaler Rudolf Ostermann is relying on a fleet of 33 UniCarriers forklifts to ensure on-time delivery commitments.

Ostermann processes up to 3,000 orders every day at its 14,000 sqm logistics centre for its 30,000 customers. Its 45 forklift drivers pick up to 4,500 orders every day. The foundation of this output is a well functioning and reliable fleet of forklifts.

The warehouse is equipped with 31 warehouse trucks and two counterbalance trucks from UniCarriers. "Because all our order picking is manual, logistics here depends entirely on the smooth operation of the forklifts," says Christof Wauters, head of logistics and materials management at Ostermann. "That is why the requirements for the suppliers of our forklift trucks are so strict. UniCarriers not only offer us a convincing price-performance ratio, they also provide us with a service concept customised to our particular needs."

Over the years, the company has also looked at other suppliers on the market - but in the end, it has repeatedly decided to stick with Atlet, now UniCarriers.

With the exception of the fully-automatic high-bay warehouse which serves as a storage warehouse and is equipped with two stacker cranes, the forklifts are used everywhere in the distribution centre.

The heart of logistics is the manual order-picking warehouse with a total of 12,000 pallet storage locations. When replenishments are needed, eight UniCarriers TERGO reach trucks go into action. They collect pallets at the warehouse's stock removal zone and store them in the assigned places in one of the six tiers.

Order picking in the 15-aisle pallet warehouse is done by 17 type OPS 100 high-level picker trucks.

The forklift drivers put together between one and eight customer orders during one passage. In the process, they rise to heights of up to 8 m with the order pickers.

Ostermann operates a separate warehouse zone for long loads such as sliding doors and shutter systems. The articles are up to 6 m long, account for 10-15% of sales and are stored in mobile racks. For easy and safe transport, a TERGO UFS type four-way reach truck is used.

To optimise the use of its equipment, Ostermann signed a full-service agreement last year for the entire fleet. It includes a flat rate for maintenance including the annual accident prevention (UVV) audits, spare part supplying and replenishment as well as the exchanging of wearing parts as needed.

"The agreement simplifies our fleet management," Wauters explains. "It used to be that we had to coordinate different suppliers for service, maintenance and spares supplying. We now handle everything centrally through UniCarriers. Thanks to the fixed amount of the flat rate maintenance fee, our costs have also become more transparent and plannable."