Ciba Specialty Chemicals has outsourced materials handling requirements at its Bradford site to Lex Harvey in a five-year agreement.

Fifty-three forklifts, including electric, diesel counterbalance and narrow aisle machines, have been provided on inclusive maintenance contract hire. The new forklifts replace an ageing 68-forklift fleet, which Ciba owned and maintained.

Ciba Bradford warehouse manager John Scourfield said meeting future health and safety legislation was a factor in awarding the contract.

Lex Harvey has "reduced the size of the fleet and driven down our long-term costs. We are therefore very pleased with the contract", he said.

Four Lex Harvey personnel monitor key performance indicators on-site to ensure continuity at Ciba's 24-hour operation. Monthly site reviews support an ongoing improvement strategy.

Because volatile chemicals are used in Ciba's production process, forklifts used in Zone 2 areas are fitted with Pyroban engine safety systems to comply with new European Union directives which come into force next July.