Megaman's Bendi articulated forklift in the company's corporate blue colour.

Translift Bendi dealer ForkTruck Direct of South Woodham, Ferrers and racking supplier Redirack have worked together to improve lamp maker Megaman UK's warehouse efficiency.

Megaman previously used two gas and one electric counterbalanced forklifts at its two small warehouses in Hertford, which need 3.6-metre wide racking aisles. The stores were not space-efficient and a second floor restricted forklift use. There were also costs incurred in moving goods between the stores.

To support growth, Megaman moved to a new warehouse in Welwyn Garden City that was designed for articulating forklift use. Megaman rented two refurbished articulating Bendi forklifts that work in 1.96-metre wide aisles, lifting loads up to 10 metres across the 24,000 sqft facility. Equipped with side shift, flashing beacon and keypad to prevent unauthorised use, the forklifts' lift capacity is 975kg up to 8.2 metres or 1,350kg to 6 metres.

Besides boosting Megaman's storage space, using the Bendis dispensed with the company's need for two different types of forklifts. The Bendi can work outside on rough yards, loading and unloading lorries, and handle pallets in the warehouse.

Elaine Chellenbron, Megaman's general manager, says Bendi drivers have a better view of the load interfacing with the 10-metre high racking beams compared to reach truck and counterbalanced forklift drivers because of the mast articulation.

Chellenbron says the forklifts are "more than adequate for the job" and are in a long-term rental contract with full maintenance.