Hyster's stand at BRAU Bevial 2008

Materials handling equipment manufacturer Hyster exhibited its range of handling solutions at the recent BRAU Bevial 2008.

Hyster demonstrated a selection of forklifts adapted specifically for use in the beverage industry at the annual industry show.

Gavin Tull, major accounts manager for Hyster, says the drinks industry requires specific solutions tailored to suit individual applications. "When purchasing materials handling equipment, many of our customers need to consider optimising visibility over tall loads, short-term hire solutions for peak seasonal periods, or even preventing the risk of an explosion."

Hyster supplies materials handling solutions to a number of European beverage companies including Coca-Cola in the Czech Republic, Romania and Poland, European brewer Plzensky Prazdroj and global drinks company Diageo in Scotland.

"Hyster helped to increase the overall efficiency of Coca-Cola in the Czech Republic by providing double pallet handling attachments," says Tull. "The production line is served by H3.0FT Fortens IC-engine forklifts that can transport two pallets at the same time, where two 1.5 tonne trucks were used (previously)."

Hyster's customers in the beverage industry use raised-operator Fortens forklifts to maximise visibility over fully laden forks. The double pallet handler attachment can carry three pallets of beverages or six pallets of empty packaging per load.

The S7.0FT Fortens "Spacesaver" forklifts are a compact short wheelbase design with a 7-tonne lifting capacity that maximises the available storage space. This forklift has the same lifting capabilities as a standard 7-tonne H7.0FT Fortens truck, but delivers similar manoeuvrability to a smaller capacity forklift.

Specialist equipment such as explosion protection can be required when handling flammable liquids in the beverage industry. Hyster has pyroban explosion-protected forklifts to help manage the risk of explosion.