UK third-party logistics provider Kammac has boosted its forklift fleet in a significant contract with Jungheinrich UK.

The five-year rental fleet management deal will see Jungheinrich supply electric counterbalance and power pallet forklifts across Kammac’s 14 UK sites to help the 3PL address one of the most challenging aspects of the supply chain sector.

“The new contract gives Kammac a more flexible, dynamic solution where they can on-hire and off-hire trucks throughout the contract without having to give us long notice periods or pay financial penalties,” says Kevin Barber, head of corporate business solutions at Jungheinrich. “It’s an arrangement that enables both Jungheinrich and Kammac to be agile and responsive to our customers’ needs.”

The deal also covers a new very narrow aisle fleet with a 14,280 mm lift height.

The fleet is semi-automation ready, with RFID technology for aisle and position recognition, and is ready to use Jungheinrich’s new Fleet Management System.

Kammac’s decision to replace carriers at its Trafford Park site with a new fleet of Jungheinrich’s VNA (very narrow aisle) equipment was prompted by a desire for shorter lead times. Investment to date for this site includes 9 EKX 5 Series VNA and 12 lithium ion-powered pallet trucks, with RFID technology for aisle and position recognition.

“These are semi-automated trucks (and) once connected to the warehouse management system, it will tell the truck where to go. Once accepted by the user, the truck will drive itself to the point in the racking where the pallet is to be picked. It also automatically takes the pallet out of the racking in a safe manner and onto its next destination. The system standardises processes, increases throughputs and driver input is minimal,” Barber explains.

Ged Carabini, chief operating officer at Kammac, says: “We have grown massively over the last 5 years on the back of great customer service, and we’ve continued to win lots of new contracts over the last few months, especially in e-commerce fulfilment. This has given us the confidence to invest in the best innovative new kit to give our current and future customers the service they expect.”

The value of the contract was not revealed.