 Primeline's new Aisle-Masters enable the company to increase its distribution centre's storage space. |
Logistics and supply chain provider Primeline has taken delivery of three AC electric Aisle-Master articulated forklifts that enable the company to increase storage space at its Dublin distribution centre by an extra 2,000 pallet spaces.
Primeline's warehouse manager, David Preston, says the company is aware of the space-saving benefits of articulated forklifts and with its materials handling consultant, Amlac, arranged to trial different brands.
"Our drivers were immediately unanimous in their choice of the Aisle-Master. They appreciated the smooth and effortless operation and were particularly impressed with the steady mast controls when lifting and lowering loads from the highest pallet positions," Preston explains.
After winning a new contract to manage a bonded facility for a beverage business, Primeline suddenly needed greater warehouse capacity to accommodate new stock.
By using the Aisle-Masters, Primeline was able to cut down the width of the aisles needed by its old reach trucks, allowing the rows of racking to be increased from 20 to 26 in the existing storage area.
Primeline required the trucks to lift 1,000kg (2,205lbs) to 11.4 metres (37.4 feet), a tall order for an articulated truck. Aisle-Master engineers at the Monaghan manufacturing facility modified the design of Primeline's fleet to meet the requirement.
Aisle-Master managing director Gerry McHugh says since all forklifts are manufactured from start to finish at the factory, the company can offer a high level of customisation to suit exact customer specifications.
The forklifts are designed to work inside and outside but Primeline's trucks work predominantly inside, storing incoming pallets and picking them again when needed for consignments.
"We needed a very quick turnaround to cope with the new contract and Aisle-Master was able to deliver on this count. The trucks have boosted our storage capacity from 6,000 to 8,000 pallet spaces," Preston says.