Briggs' flexibility helps win contract
Cannock, United Kingdom
Coatings specialist Anochrome Group has reappointed Briggs Equipment as its materials handling supplier in a new contract worth nearly GBP250,000 (USD399,800).
Anochrome recently underwent major changes in its production operations and needed to handle a wider variety of container types. It also wanted to reduce operational costs while maintaining productivity. Briggs supplied specially modified Yale forklifts on an unlimited-hour contract. Anochrome's works manager, Vince Sherwood, says the type of contract is a first and due to Briggs' flexibility and understanding of the company's operation.
According to Briggs, the materials handling distributor's "flexible approach coupled with bespoke truck modifications" secured the 11-truck fleet deal.

Darren Small

Llanelli company fined GBP400,000
Caerphilly, United Kingdom
A Llanelli-based automotive manufacturer has been fined GBP400,000 (USD639,714) after an employee died on the day he was to take voluntary redundancy.
Darren Small, 35, was employed by Calsonic Kansei UK Ltd when he was hit by a forklift on 17 March 2008. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Small had gone to the factory floor to issue an instruction to a forklift operator. As Small finished speaking, the forklift reversed onto him, knocking him to the ground. He sustained fatal head injuries and died in hospital three days later.
Calsonic pleaded guilty to charges under Section 2(1) and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Swansea Crown Court. The company was fined and ordered to pay costs.
HSE inspector Stephen Jones says although it is "fairly routine" for forklifts to operate in the same area as pedestrians, working procedures and systems need to be in place to prevent vehicles colliding with people.

Palletforce network grows with Fullers Logistics
Burton-upon-Trent, United Kingdom
Palletforce has added third-party logistics company Fullers Logistics to its network.
Fullers' commercial director, Russell Crowley, says the alliance with Palletforce is based on a strategic and cultural fit, which centres around high customer care and an appreciation of environmental responsibility.
Palletforce, founded in 2001, is the UK and Europe's leading member-owned pallet network.