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Dear reader, WELCOME TO FORKLIFTACTION.COM, MATERIALS HANDLING ONLINE. This is issue #366 - 26 June 2008 of the weekly newsletter for industry professionals. |
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 “JCB opens to public to raise funds for children.” |
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Clamps come to grips with challenges  Forklift clamps have made a difference in the safe and efficient operations of many companies worldwide. Christine Liew looks at some of the latest forklift clamp innovations from Unit Load Handling Systems, Bolzoni-Auramo, Clark Equipment Australia and Cascade Corp. Read more 
Study warns of consolidation as forklift companies slip STOCKTON, United Kingdom Consolidation among UK forklift companies is essential as supply is outstripping demand, a new study says. Industry analyst Plimsoll Publishing Ltd’s latest financial health check for the top 420 UK forklift companies reveals that a third of the UK forklift industry is on the brink of failure. “A great deal has been written on the general slow-down in the UK, but until now no-one has measured the impact on the forklift market and, crucially, who is most exposed,” senior analyst David Pattison says. Plimsoll has rated each of the top 420 companies into one of five ratings based on their overall financial performance. The ratings are strong, good, mediocre, caution and danger. The 102 companies that received a “danger” rating have profit margins falling to 1% of sales, and most making a loss and taking on debt to cover costs. “I think these figures just prove the point that we have all been aware of - that a period of consolidation is long overdue,” Pattison says. “Bit by bit, the weaker players will be removed from the market.” The report suggests that up to 135 companies might need to shed jobs and for some, as many as 30% of the payroll may have to go for the company to survive. Pattison recommends companies with a “danger” rating to implement cost cutting measures before it is too late. “Currently the owners are sitting on an ‘unsaleable’ asset and are woefully exposed to acquirers who are ready to snap them up for next to nothing,” he says. The analysis, costing GBP350 (USD690), with names, details and financial performance of the UK’s leading forklift companies includes a future snapshot on each company, demonstrating how each might survive a consolidation period. Email c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk for more information.  SYSCO recognises Raymond’s excellent service GREENE, NY, United States SYSCO Corp has honoured leading US forklift manufacturer The Raymond Corp as its 2007 supplier of the year for warehouse capital equipment. The manufacturer is cited for meeting the company’s needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Terry Taylor, SYSCO’s senior director for national purchasing, praises Raymond’s customer service. “Raymond is a great company to do business with? [It] is always responsive to our needs. We are pleased to recognise Raymond for the company’s demonstrated partnership and dedication,” he says. The six companies honoured with the 2007 Operations Supplier of the Year awards were selected by SYSCO’s operations personnel and judged on their ability to meet the company’s requirements for product and service quality, customer service, support, flexibility, accuracy and communications. Companies with the highest ratings in their respective categories were given “supplier of the year” awards. Raymond received the highest score in the warehouse capital equipment category, beating 40 other companies in its category. The New York-based Raymond manufactures a full line of manual and electric pallet trucks, walkie stackers, counterbalanced forklifts, order pickers, reach trucks and dual-purpose warehouse trucks. Along with European forklift brands BT and Cesab, Raymond is a part of Toyota Industries Corp, the world’s leading forklift supplier.  Bendi gives Megaman efficiency boost REDDITCH, United Kingdom 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.  Investment opportunity - Canada The leading edge equipment transport Company in Canada, with more than 800 forklifts transported each month, is looking for an investor. Western Canada is experiencing a surge in all types of services from the Olympic game preparations and the Oil sand projects of Alberta. Many dealer companies are using us exclusively for all pick ups and deliveries of the rental, service and new/used sales departments and we have ever increasing demand from dealers, enlargement of the vehicle fleet, building larger premises and implementing new techniques to address. Please contact Mr. Dan Pecarski at Forkliftdelivery.com, dejanpecarski@hotmail.com phone +1 604 448-0985? cell +1 778 835 3874  JCB opens doors to public for good cause ROCESTER, United Kingdom Machinery fans are being offered a rare glimpse into JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester and at the same time raising money for a children’s charity next month. ‘Behind the Scenes at JCB’ will be staged on Saturday, 12 July as part of JCB’s GBP1 million (USD1.97 million) Reaching Out to Children in Staffordshire NSPCC Appeal. Visitors can tour the Rocester factory and see how JCB’s backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers are manufactured, the first time in three years the headquarters has opened to the public. After a tour, visitors will be treated to entertainment including the JCB Dancing Diggers, an appearance from JCB GT, the world’s fastest backhoe loader, and free fairground amusements and children’s competitions. Modern JCB equipment will be displayed alongside classic JCB machines. The world’s fastest car, JCB Dieselmax, which broke the world diesel land speed record in 2006, will also be showcased. Paul Grys, managing director of the JCB backhoe loader business unit, says the event is a great opportunity for visitors to access both the company’s manufacturing areas and assembly lines. “There will be experts on hand throughout to demonstrate key processes, indicate points of interest and answer questions,” he says. Tickets cost GBP12 (USD23.65) for adults, GBP6 (USD11.82) for children and need to be booked in advance. Call +44 0845 223 7001 for bookings. Money from the NSPCC appeal will go towards a new centre in Stafford to help vulnerable young people at risk of cruelty. Kalmar launches next-gen forklift STOCKHOLM, Sweden Kalmar Industries has updated its low-built forklift to meet the requirements of customers who need to stuff and strip standard-sized containers. The Kalmar DCE80-6LB is said to be more efficient, productive and robust than its predecessor. It features a new electrical system and new drive line, uses a six-cylinder Perkins 1106D engine coupled to a ZF 2VG94 transmission and meets the latest environmental requirements. It has more robust hydraulic hoses and the vehicle has been given a more rounded look. With an 8-tonne lift capacity and a 600 mm (two foot) load centre, the forklift is a versatile handling machine. Its “low-built” nature means it can be driven directly into a standard height container. The new machine is available with two lifting heights. The duplex full free lift can lift to 2,035mm (6.7 feet) and the triplex version reaches 3,060mm (10 feet). Kalmar has supplied about 150 low-built forklifts to customers worldwide.  Hoist receives pneumatic forklift orders from diverse industries BEDFORD PARK, IL, United States Hoist Liftruck has received a growing number of orders for its P-Series forklifts from the steel, produce and grain industries. Amsco Steel, a steel service centre in Forth Worth, Texas, has bought a P520 forklift for moving and loading steel coils. Amsco distributes over 70,000 tons of steel products each year and its products are processed, wrapped and delivered to customers’ specifications. Earthbound Farms, a grower in San Juan Bautista, California, purchased three P330s from Hoist dealer Toyota Material Handling of Northern California. The P330s help get produce from fields to local grocery stores by handling multiple pallets with Hoist’s three-pallet attachment. Adams Grain of Arbuckle, California received a P360 to move, load and unload containers of grain. The privately owned grain corporation has been servicing the industry since the 1920s when it was managing malt barley trade between Sacramento Valley farmers and San Francisco Bay area exporters. Hoist P-Seires forklifts handle 22,000lb-100,000lb (9,979kg-45,359kg) loads. Get your say, find your way ? in the Discussion Forums. Our members are experts in materials handling and in the Discussion Forums they meet and share their views. Click here to visit the Discussion Forums. Have your say in any of the following forums (click to view):
For more information, assistance or your feedback, write to info@forkliftaction.com, phone +61 (0)7 3369 9090 or fax to +61 (0)7 3369 9096.  Materials handling companies assist flood victims United States Toyota Material Handling USA (TMHU) and New Holland Construction have lent a helping hand to flood relief efforts in the US. TMHU donated USD10,000 and the use of a forklift to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts in the Columbus, Indiana area that was hit by devastating floods two weeks ago. TMHU has also set up a matching gifts program for its staff and dealers to raise funds for Columbus-based Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc (TIEM) and its dealer, Hupp Toyotalift, that incurred significant damage. Toyota Industries Companies including TMHU have established a USD27,500 fund for TIEM staff members directly affected by the flood. “Columbus is a community where our associates live, work and play. We are saddened by this natural disaster and news of those impacted by the torrential floods,” says Shankar Basu, THMHU president and CEO. Meanwhile, New Holland loaned a D95B dozer and an M428 telehandler for the levee fortification and clean-up operations in Iowa. “New Holland has a particularly close connection with Iowa, especially Burlington, where one of our key manufacturing plants is based,” says Edgar J Chavez, New Holland Construction marketing director. Movers & Shakers WIESBADEN, Germany Harold Pinger is replacing Nadim Cen as chief financial officer (CFO) of Kion Group GmbH. Pinger has also been appointed to Kion’s executive board, responsible for finance and IT. He was previously CEO and president of the executive of Jelmoli Holding AG in Zurich, a Swiss retail and real estate group. Before that, he was CFO of department store and mail order group Karstadt Quelle AG. READING, PA, United States EnerSys has appointed Joseph C Muscari and General Robert Magnus to its board of directors. Muscari has served as chairman and CEO of Minerals Technologies Inc since March 2007 and as a director since February 2005. Prior to that, Muscari worked for 37 years at Alcoa Inc, where he held a number of executive positions, most recently as executive vice president and CFO. Magnus, who retires from the US Marine Corps on 17 July after over 38 years of service, has served as assistant commandant of the corps from 2005-2008. His operational assignments included commander of Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area and deputy commander of Marine Forces Pacific. PORTLAND, OR, United States Cascade Corp has appointed Davide Roncari as vice president and marketing director of Cascade Europe. Roncari joined Cascade in 2003 when Roncari Srl was acquired by Cascade. His family founded the company in 1967. He most recently served as operations manager of Cascade Italy where his responsibilities included being European engineering manager and European executive team member. Grammer products help operators feel good AMBERG, Germany Grammer AG has introduced new ergonomic seats and a retrofitting kit for its PRIMO family of seats. For reach trucks, Grammer has developed the MSG65/522 seat with SynchroMechanics technology, which allows the driver to incline the backrest while working by shifting his weight and simultaneously sliding the seat forward. This eases strain on the back and neck when handling loads overhead. The backrest is lengthened by a height-adjustable neck support. A tall backrest provides extra operator comfort to a reach truck driver as he does not need to twist around like on a counterbalanced forklift. The MSG65/522 seat with SynchroMechanics was previously available for Still reach trucks only. Another new Grammer seat, the MSG75E/521, has an automatic weight adjustment feature, ensuring the user always sits in an optimal position. According to Grammer, the PRIMO seats for forklifts and compact construction machines have already set new ergonomic standards in reducing the vibrations to which operators are subjected. The retrofitting kit, consisting of a fore/aft isolator, can be installed to enhance protection against horizontal vibrations and prevent jolts to the back. Grammer’s new products were showcased at CeMAT 2008 in Hannover last month. Search 5238 listings in the MarketplaceSample of used equipment for sale:
and thousands more... Click here to include your used forklifts, stackers, telehandlers, container handlers, attachments etc. Briefs Doosan foundation funds teacher tour SEOUL, South Korea Doosan Group’s Yongkang Foundation is sponsoring an overseas academic tour for 91 elementary and secondary school teachers. The teachers, selected through a rigorous screening process by 16 education officers, will go on a 10-day, nine-night trip to China and Japan. The participants will visit cultural and historical sites and are expected to visit schools in Beijing and Osaka. Since Doosan’s annual academic tour started in 1989, about 1,720 teachers have participated in the popular program. TVH shifts to renewable energy WAREGEM, Belgium The TVH Group is boosting its green credentials by collaborating with renewable energy source supplier AlpEnergy. AlpEnergy power has been certified by TÜV, the German technical inspection agency, for using energy from renewable energy resources. The electricity is produced by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône and the Société Hydroéléctrique du Midi, both partners of Electrabel in France. Team Barloworld gears up for cycling event MAIDENHEAD, United Kingdom The cycling team sponsored by Barloworld Handling has gained a wildcard entry to participate in the Tour de France for the second consecutive year. Team Barloworld’s invitation to the world’s leading cycling event was a result of its eight wins this year in Southern Africa and Europe. Last year, the team surprised pundits with a series of top-five finishes, two stage wins and the ‘King of the Mountains’ trophy its first Tour de France outing. Barloworld Handling launched Team Barloworld in February 2003 with the aim of getting the riders into the world’s most prestigious cycling competition.
Solid results for pallet supplier SYDNEY, New South Wales, Australia Australian-based Brambles has delivered a solid performance for the 11 months to the end of May 2008, with sales 13% higher than the prior corresponding period (6% in constant currency), driven mainly by volume growth across all regions of CHEP and Recall. Brambles’ results for the year ending 30 June 2008 will be released on 20 August 2008, prior to the opening of trading on the Australian Securities Exchange. Brambles will report its annual results in line with the new organisation structure ? CHEP Americas; CHEP Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA); CHEP Asia-Pacific; and Recall. In the USA and Europe, 2,400 new contracts have been signed in the 11-month period, representing more than US$180 million in annualised sales. Of particular significance is CHEP USA’s expansion of business with Tyson Foods, the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork. Brambles’ underlying profit growth for the full year ? that is, before the non-recurring US$13 million profit on sale of a Madrid property in 2007 ? is expected to be solid. Reported sales and profit for the full year will also benefit significantly from the strength of most currencies versus the US dollar. Brambles’ balance sheet remains strong with committed credit facilities of US$4.0 billion of which US$1.4 billion is unutilised. No major refinancing is required before 2010. Performance for 11 months to end May 2008: ? CHEP performed well as compared to the prior corresponding period, with solid growth in both sales and profit in constant currency: ? Americas delivered solid sales growth of 10% (8% in constant currency) and, before the investment in quality and innovation, strong profit growth; ? Europe had sales growth of 12% (2% in constant currency), with strong underlying profit growth (before the profit on sale of the Madrid property in 2007); and ? Rest of World delivered solid growth in both sales (up 18% or 7% in constant currency) and profit. ? Recall had solid sales growth of 16% versus the prior corresponding period (7% in constant currency) with volume growth across all regions. ? Cash flow generation continues to be strong, notwithstanding significant investments to drive growth in the USA, Europe, China, India and Australia. ? Since November 2007, Brambles has bought back 42.4 million shares at an average price of AUD10.07 as part of its on-market share buy-back program. Brief AUCKLAND, New Zealand Cargotec purchases New Zealand business Load handler Hiab, part of Cargotec Corporation, will acquire the business of New Zealand-based Zepro Tailgate, its long-term distributor of tail lifts in the country. The business will be transferred into newly established Hiab New Zealand, which will operate from Auckland and Christchurch. As of 1 July, the new business will sell and provide service for all Hiab products including cranes, demountables, truck-mounted forklifts and tail lifts. Logistics City planned for Victoria MELBOURNE, Victoria, Australia A new ‘logistics city’ may be in the pipeline for the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs. The plan forms the basis of a AUD150,000 feasibility study to be led by the Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Victoria University, with findings to be delivered to government by the end of the year. “Convenient and reliable access to our freeway and rail networks and the Port of Melbourne means the west is the ideal location for a Logistics City which would target new high-tech industries and high-value employment opportunities,” says Premier John Brumby. “While it’s not possible to put a precise figure on the number of jobs generated by a Logistics City, other international cities employ tens of thousands of people in direct freight and logistics jobs. “For example, Fort Worth in Texas employs around 24,000 people and a new logistics city in Dubai expects to employ up to 44,000 people.” Brumby says a Logistics City would target high-tech industries of health, pharmaceuticals and aerospace alongside traditional goods such as produce and automotive parts. The investment in a Logistics City will generate jobs in education and training, financial and information technology services, and logistics roles in packing, handling, delivery and customs, he adds. FORKLIFTACTION.COM is looking to appoint a SALES REPRESENTATIVE in Brisbane. Forkliftaction.com is an exciting and growing international company with office in Brisbane. We work with a team of 15 professionals. We are currently looking to appoint a new sales representative for the Australasian market. This person is experienced in business-to-business sales. He/she excels at developing long term business relationships with the industry, has proven that he/she can close deals through email and phone correspondence. This person is driven by results and has proven that he/she can deliver. Some travel (within Australia) is required. The new sales rep will maintain contacts with (potential) customers, advice on and manage suitable advertising solutions. He/she will network with forklift dealers (SME’s) as well as fleet managers and marketing specialists in manufacturing and distribution companies. Click here for more information on this position. Bullish outlook for exporters Australia The majority of Australian exporters have no plans to move their business offshore, according to the latest DHL Export Barometer. Of the 2% of exporters planning to take their entire operations offshore, the majority are from the services and manufacturing services, with China the most likely offshore destination. The report found that the strong performance of emerging economies will provide some relief for Australian exporters who were troubled by a record high exchange rate and the credit crisis in the United States. It revealed that growth in exports to China and India will be higher than any other destination in the next 12 months. The DHL Export Barometer recorded that 60% of Australian exporters expect to increase orders over the next 12 months. The SMEs are the most positive, with 64% expecting an increase in orders, compared with 56% of large businesses. To keep up with demand, 46% plan to lift their staff numbers with wages likely to move upwards in 79% of organisations. A wild life for forklift driver VICTORIA, Australia A forklift driver in Victoria is finding success as a wildlife photographer, making the finals of the world’s biggest wildlife photography competition, the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008, run by BBC wildlife magazine in London. Michael Williams of Newport drives forklifts for Paul Phillips Transport, but in his spare time, is an avid conservationist and wildlife photographer. Although he dreams of becoming a full-time wildlife photographer, he does find satisfaction in his regular forklift job. “I do enjoy forklift work. I have a lot of friends that I work with and it is enjoyable most of the time.” Loading freight, while not as creative as photography, no doubt requires similar skills to photography such as concentration, patience, hand-eye co-ordination and precision. Besides the London competition in which he’s still waiting to hear the final results of his entries, Williams has four of his images in the finals of Australia’s nature and landscape photography competition, ANZANG (Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, New Guinea) in the Animal Portrait, Animal Behaviour, Threatened Animals and Plants, and World in our Hands categories,. Together with his wife Sharon, Williams runs a photography business called ‘It’s a Wildlife’ which raises funds from image sales for environmental and native animal protection groups throughout Australia. Supply chain conference next month BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia The 2008 Queensland Supply Chain & Logistics Conference will be held on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August at the Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane. The conference brings together professionals and practitioners from procurement, supply chain, logistics, packaging and manufacturing industries. With the theme “Moving Forward: Supply Chains of the Future”, the conference features a range of speakers including: Professor. Alan Harrison from Cranfield University in the UK; Dr Robyn Keast from the Australian Centre of Research; Mark Daniel, new CEO of Loscam; Michael Mitchell, general manager, Perkins Domestic Logistics Services; Jim Beveridge, general manager ? global supply and logistics from Wesfarmers; Anthony Feneley, general manager ? logistics and sourcing from SCA Hygiene; John Hands, director of purchasing & systems, Collins Food Group and Dominic Rego from Schenker Asia Pacific, who will be doing a joint presentation with Greg Ambler, operations director from Flordis Natural Medicines. The conference is organised by industry associations including the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia, (SCLAA), the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), QUT School of International Business, CIPS Australia, the Australasian Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and the South East Queensland Procurement Network group. The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) supports the event. www.qldscc.com  Send this newsletter to an associate
Cascade appoints Vice President and Managing Director of Cascade Europe Cascade Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of forks and attachments for lift trucks, has appointed Davide Roncari to the position of Vice President and Managing Director of Cascade Europe. Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. 
Taiwan Dihshiang offers a complete range of Tie Rods for the Forklift Industry Click here for more information on this product, including pictures. 
Forklift companies outstanding in statistical reporting MILWAUKEE, WI, United States Forklift companies are among the equipment manufacturing companies recognised by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for enhancing the association’s ability to provide meaningful market data to members. Click here for the full Fork Talk feature.   |
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This week’s wisdom from the Discussion Forums centres around the future of fuel cells. As we reported last week, alternative fuels are gaining momentum, and one of our members this week notes that major corporations in the US are starting to change over their fleet. 
