ABP has ordered two Sany SRSC 4540 intermodal reachstackers

Cooper Specialised Handling has received a supply order from ABP for two Sany SRSC 4540 intermodal reachstackers for its Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal.

ABP Hams Hall is a key national intermodal hub. The site is situated adjacent to the Nuneaton-to-Birmingham railway line and handles deep-sea and short-sea traffic to and from ports such as Southampton and London Gateway Felixstowe, and domestic traffic from Scotland. The site regularly services six rail services every day and runs a core fleet of eight reachstackers to service both rail and road operations.

Cooper director David Cooper says the order is significant as it represents the first time in its 22-year history that the terminal has not specified Scandinavian-sourced equipment. He says the Sany machines, expected to enter service in early 2019, include standard features which otherwise would have been priced as extra. The machines will also benefit from Sany's 'intelligent' jacking system as well as a five-year structural warranty for the complete machine.

"ABP has identified that component consensus across reachstacker supply means that there is little to choose in driveline between manufacturers and that chassis and boom are the real areas where a realistic differentiator can be found," he explains. "In that respect, Sany fabricate their own structures and are unique in doing so."

Mark Thompson, head of asset management for ABP, notes that infrastructure investment is crucial for his company. "Hams Hall is a strategic site, and committing to these two new reachstackers strengthens our crucial role in keeping Britain trading. We look forward to their arrival next year."

The two new machines are expected to replace the oldest of the fleet of eight reachstackers.

The complete fleet is maintained by Cooper's dedicated support company, Cooper Handling Solutions Ltd.