The Letterkenny Army Depot team completes another ATLAS forklift

Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) has completed the production and shipment of six All-Terrain Lifter Army System (ATLAS) 10K forklifts in support of the First Theatre Sustainment Command (TSC) mission.

Completed ATLAS forklifts are shipped to Camp Arifijan, Kuwait, where they are distributed by TSC as necessary throughout the South West Asian Theatre.

LEAD is currently producing an additional three ATLAS forklifts for TSC during the month of April, according to Carl Robillard, logistics management specialist for LEAD. "These three additional forklifts will bring the total number of assets produced in support of TSC to 88 forklifts over the past two years," he says.

Letterkenny Army Depot is able to complete the Repair Cycle Time (RCT) for an ATLAS 10k forklift in 43 workdays, utilising a staff of over 36 personnel.

Robillard attributes the ability of the production team to meet deadlines amidst the coronavirus pandemic to constant communication and an incredibly dedicated workforce of mechanics who continue to adapt to rapid change. "Everyone remains in constant communication through texts and emails. We hold a teleconference call each morning to discuss production-related problems or issues," Robillard explains.

ATLAS forklifts have been integrated in army missions since the early 1990s, and have been utilised in operations in Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. The machines are used to load and unload vehicles and containers, as well as for transport of palletised loads, and have the ability to handle supplies such as ammunition and missiles. The forklift also includes an enclosed cabin area, providing protection for the operator.