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 | | | Americans may have reason to be concerned about the falling greenback, but for forklift manufacturers and vendors, the slump in the US dollar may be a silver lining. With the US dollar recently hitting a 15-month low against a basket of leading currencies, the time has never been better for exports. Some would see the current conditions as ideal for the trade of US equipment – new and used – as prices fall against competitors from regions with relatively overvalued currencies. The low greenback also helps stave off competition from imports in the domestic markets, although the linking of the Chinese currency to the greenback obviously means the low end of the market remains out of reach for American suppliers. As usual, it’s a matter of some seeing the glass as half full, while others take the half-empty approach. |
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Jungheinrich: Global demand marginally better
Hamburg, Germany | Global demand for material handling equipment in the third quarter of 2009 experienced a marginal resurgence compared to the prior quarters, according to Jungheinrich AG data.
The world market shrank in size by 45% over nine months, with Asia recording the smallest decrease - a 32% decline. China posted a drop in demand of just 11% while Europe’s market volume contracted by 51%, with Eastern Europe accounting for a substantial proportion (-77%) and Western Europe contributing a 44% decline. North America reported a 44% drop in forklift demand.
“The global economy’s emergent recovery has not yet directly resulted in a tangible upward movement in the material handling equipment sector’s economic development,” Jungheinrich says.
The manufacturer expects demand on the world market to shrink by about 40% from 2008’s 872,000 units to 520,000 units this year.
It says it will continue to implement measures at its domestic production sites and sales companies in Germany and overseas to cope with the smaller market. |  |
| | E-P opens China’s largest warehouse forklift factory 
Hangzhou, China | E-P Equipment has opened what it claims is the largest electric warehouse equipment factory in China.
At last week’s opening ceremony of E-P’s new Hangzhou factory, staff demonstrated the forklift manufacturer’s new products – three electric pallet truck models, two electric stacker models and three counterbalance forklifts. All the models have AC technology and will be launched globally in the first quarter of 2010.
The 34,000 sqm (365,973 sqft) factory can produce 10,000 units of electric warehouse equipment annually. It consists of two automatic assembly lines, one for electric pallet trucks and stackers and another for three-wheel and four-wheel counterbalance electric forklifts.
E-P spokeswoman Sang Tian tells Forkliftaction.com News that the new plant and products, showcasing the manufacturer’s progress and development in 2009, is an encouraging sign for its global dealer network and customers.
“We will keep our promise even under global recession to whomever we work with. Let’s grow together,” Sang says, echoing the company slogan.
E-P plans to build two more plants, each about the same size as the Hangzhou facility, in 2010.
Established in 1983, E-P Equipment, headquartered in Hangzhou’s Xiacheng district in China, has branch companies in the US, Japan and Korea and long-term OEM partnerships with international forklift companies. It has over 200 dealers globally and claims to supply the most complete materials handling equipment range in China. | |
 | | Interesting findings about the effect of online advertising | One third of Australian consumers exposed to an online ad are able to recall that ad when asked, according to new research from Nielsen Online.
And 41% of people can link the correct brand to an un-branded ad.
Last week Nielsen Online released its online ad effectiveness benchmarks, based on research with 100,000 Australian respondents.
Intention to purchase or use products or services, brand sentiment and awareness increase significantly following exposure to an online ad campaign.
Ask Forkliftaction.com about its competitive advertising packages, its audience number and profile and its advertising results.
With over nine years experience Forkliftaction can help you find the online advertising solution that suits your products and your budget.
Contact us for more information. Email info@forkliftaction.com, phone +61 (0)7 3369 9090 or fax +61 (0)7 3369 9096. |  |
| | Manitex reports 2009 ups and downs
Bridgeview, IL, United States | Manitex International, Inc., provider of engineered lifting solutions including boom truck and rough-terrain cranes, rough-terrain forklifts and special mission-oriented vehicles, announced that net sales for its third quarter ended September 30, 2009 were USD15.1 million. This represents a 27.1% increase from the second quarter of 2009. The company also generated USD2.4 million in positive operating cash flow in the nine-month period ending September 30, 2009, a USD5.0 million positive swing from the negative USD2.6 million in the same period last year.
Revenues of USD15.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 were driven by increasing market share in the Manitex business and a small contribution from Badger Equipment, which it acquired in July. This represents a 27.1% increase from the second quarter of this year, but it is still down 47.2% compared to the same year-ago period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 net revenues were USD41.0 million, a 48% decrease from the same period in 2008.
Chairman and chief executive officer David Langevin says that while overall sales were up approximately 27% for the quarter, “due to the specific third quarter sales mix that was skewed towards lower capacity cranes and did not include higher margin military and specialized equipment sales, our cost of goods sold was higher and the gross margins were lower for the third quarter than our expectations for the fourth and the full year”.
During the past three months, a significant portion of the company’s backlog was for specialty and military orders which will ship during the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010. With this visibility, its increase in market share and positive indicators for its core products and for the economy, company officials expect an increase in sales and profits for 2010.
According to Andrew Rooke, Manitex International president and chief operating officer, "We continued to build our market share in the boom truck industry, gaining nine percentage points this year. In the third quarter, the majority of these gains were in the lower margin, lower capacity cranes that are currently in demand in this phase of the economic cycle. Our Manitex Liftking operation is producing substantial international and military orders which, at the end of the quarter, were largely in inventory, and due for shipment in the fourth quarter of the year. Our recently added Badger acquisition has completed the first production model of its new rough-terrain crane, which also was in inventory and is awaiting fourth quarter shipment." | |
| | Grupo Laeisz now supports Heli brand
Memphis, TN, United States | Grupo Laeisz has been appointed the newest authorised Heli forklift dealer. It will represent the complete Heli forklift product line in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala. The company currently represents Volvo Construction Equipment, Cummins, Cummins Power Generation, Ingersoll Rand, JLG Lift Platforms and Massey Ferguson. The addition of the Heli product line will provide Grupo Laeisz with a complete line of forklifts from 2,000 lb. to 40,000 lb. capacity in gas, diesel, LPG and electric power.
Bruce Pelynio, president and CEO of Heli Americas, says his company is extremely pleased to have been able to reach an agreement with a company of this caliber, “providing us outstanding marketing and aftermarket support for the Heli product range this area”. | |
| | Agents, dealers wanted | Omega Lift Manufacturing is selectively seeking strong dealers to represent it's premium line of All Terrain and Multi-Directional forklifts worldwide.
Omega Lift is an award winning Canadian manufacturer with a reputation for exceptional quality that offers a complete range of Vertical Mast, Telescopic Handler and Multi-Directional all terrain models with capacities to 25,000 kgs.
If you are interested in promoting these world-class products, forward your company name and contact information to Nick Acocella, Director International Sales & Marketing. sales@omegalift.net
All enquiries will be treated confidentially.
See http://www.omegalift.net for more company and product information | |
| | Konecranes closes factory, finalises acquisition
Hyvinkää, Finland | About 18 workers are likely to lose their jobs when Konecranes closes its crane production and assembly facility in Birmingham, Alabama in the US by the end of 2009.
Konecranes says in a statement the closure is part of previously announced plans to restructure its organisation and cut costs in response to declining demand.
It is part of other restructuring efforts that are expected to save the group EUR100 million (USD149.7 million) in 2010 compared to 2008. About EUR17-22 million (USD25.4-32.9 million) in restructuring costs will be booked for 2009.
Konecranes spokesman Mikael Wegmüller says current and future customer orders will be serviced by other Konecranes facilities in the US. The Birmingham facility is a fabrication and assembly plant that produces industrial cranes mainly for southern US.
Separately, Konecranes has finalised its acquisition of a majority holding in Jiangsu Three Horses Crane Manufacture Co Ltd (SANMA), a hoist and crane manufacturer in China.
Konecranes now owns 65% of SANMA, while the remaining shares are held by company’s former owners, who continue working in management. SANMA is now a joint-venture company.
In SANMA’s first board meeting under its new ownership, Gu Ning Sheng, one of SANMA’s former owners, was appointed the company managing director.
SANMA is based in Jingjiang, about two hours’ drive northwest of Shanghai. The company’s net sales were about EUR18 million (USD26.9 million) in 2008 and it has over 500 employees.
Ryan Flynn, Konecranes president for Northeast Asia says the acquisition enables Konecranes to penetrate the hoist and crane segment in China that is dominated by local suppliers. | |
| | Autoquip acquires American Lifts
Guthrie, OK, United States | The Autoquip Corporation has acquired American Lifts from the Columbus McKinnon Corporation. The company’s expanded product line will include American Lifts’ scissors lift technology to complement Autoquip’s in-plant, dock and Freightlift VRC material handling equipment.
Autoquip executives say this purchase will benefit its customers by affording the company greater economies-of-scale in manufacturing, expanded engineering capabilities and expanded product offerings. They add that American Lift customers will also enjoy those benefits, and that the most noticeable differences for them will be the Autoquip label on the products and the shipping origin. American Lifts will move manufacturing and order fulfillment from Indiana to the Autoquip headquarters in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Autoquip will provide total warranty and parts support for all American Lifts brand products. This includes both standard products and custom material handling solutions. American customers will see no change in support or service.
“Custom material handling solutions are one of the major areas Autoquip and American Lifts have in common,” said Louis Coleman, Autoquip’s director of marketing. “Our two companies represent a dominant share of the market for the design and manufacture of specialised, custom materials handling solutions for specific applications. This joining of products will increase our ability to offer even more custom designs to our customers.” | |
| | Drive pedestrians to forklift operator training
NORTH AMERICA | By Tom Andel, contributing editor
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), “pedestrians struck by lift trucks” is the leading type of forklift-related fatality. Although the overall workplace fatality rate declined in 2008, it’s more a matter of a lower headcount than a reduced body count. US unemployment is now above 10%.
There’s a good reason forklift-pedestrian accidents are still common: employee churn.
Many companies have thinned down to skeleton crews in their plants and warehouses, and are finding it hard to take the time necessary for proper forklift operator training. Once employees are trained, they often move elsewhere in the organisation—or outside it. Cross-training is a common strategy to spread a thin workforce still thinner.
Powered industrial truck infractions are among OSHA’s most common citations. There were more that 1,450 between October, 2008 and September, 2009, representing a total of more than $818,000 in penalties. Citations involving training were issued 90 times, for a total $118,000 in penalties.
Waiting to happen
When it comes to forklift operator training, one type of worker is often left out of class: pedestrians. Jim Shephard, president of Shephard’s Industrial Training Systems of Memphis, TN, tells Forkliftaction.com News that unaware pedestrians are fatalities waiting to happen. He often provides expert testimony when such cases go to court.
“In one case in California, we were able to prove it was a pedestrian’s neglect that got him killed,” Shephard says. “The last three or four accidents I got involved in were where a pedestrian got in front of a forklift driver on his blind side.”
Shephard maintains that employers spend more time training their operators than they do their workers on foot. That’s why, he believes, there aren’t as many operators dying from turnovers these days as there are pedestrians getting run over.
What’s to know?
Shephard recommends starting any operator training program with general safety, and including everyone who works in the same environment as forklifts. Subject matter should include awareness of the operator’s field of vision (including blind sides) as well as load behaviour (including centres of gravity).
“The problem with pedestrians is they are focused on other things and don’t understand what the operator can’t see,” Shephard explains. “They don’t understand the stopping distance of a powered industrial truck, unstable loads, turning radius of a truck, the swing zone or the signage.”
In addition to paying attention to those details, pedestrians would do well to heed the following tips OSHA lists on its website
• Remember, forklifts are designed to stop slowly to minimise load damage and maintain stability.
• Stand clear of forklifts in operation.
• Use pedestrian walkways, or stay to one side of the equipment aisle.
• Never ride on a forklift, unless designed for riders.
• Never pass under an elevated load.
OSHA also has tips for operators driving near pedestrians:
• Slow down, stop and sound horn at intersections, corners, and wherever your vision is obstructed.
• When provided, use flashing warning light or backup alarms when travelling in reverse.
• Do not move the truck if you do not have a clear view of travel.
• Use a spotter for blind spots.
• Always look in the direction of travel.
• Keep a clear view.
• Start, stop, travel, steer and brake smoothly.
• Signal to pedestrians to stand clear.
• Do not allow anyone to stand or pass under the load or lifting mechanism.
• When possible, make eye contact with pedestrians or other forklift operators.
These tips should live beyond training sessions. They should be part of on-the-job training—before each shift begins, ideally. That can be nothing more than a “safety talk”.
“Operators can bring up one item that was taught to them during their training sessions,” Shephard recommends. “Establish safety meeting topics for the next 12 months.”
For example, some situations in the workplace are inherently dangerous and should be brought to everyone’s attention. Topics like restricting pedestrian traffic at intersections and changing LP gas tanks lend themselves to general discussion.
Topics can be matched to the season. In the summer, proper air circulation would be appropriate, while in the winter or around the holidays, emphasis could be on staying focused and on task. Whatever the topics, make it personal to everyone on the shift.
“When I see a crew come in, I want to see the whites of their eyes every day before they go out on the floor,” Shephard concludes. “If you want people to be safe, you have to commit to it—on a daily basis.” | |
| | Watts Tyres sold to Premia Group
Lydney, United Kingdom | Watts of Lydney Group has sold Watts Tyres to focus on strengthening its truck and van sales, services and parts business, and its UK manufacturing companies.
The sale of Watts Tyres to Premia Group Ltd allows Watts Group to develop its truck and van operations without exposure to the “risks inherent in the complex international tyre business”, the group says in a statement.
John Thurston, group chairman, says the sale of Watts Tyres marks a new chapter in the history of the Watts Group.
“We have been providing services to the transport industry for over 100 years and my grandfather was developing diesel engines in the 1920s … With GBP50 million (USD82.9 million) in sales and 300 committed employees, we have a firm foundation on which to build our market-leading businesses in the UK,” Thurston says.
Watts Truck & Van offers sales, service and parts through its DAF, Fiat and other franchises in seven locations in the UK. The group will also concentrate on its two specialist manufacturing companies, Watts Urethane and Plysolene. Watts Urethane is currently supplying polyurethane wheels for mine clearance equipment used in Afghanistan while Plysolene Ltd based in West Sussex has weathered the global economic downturn well and is about to commission a new polystyrene sheet extrusion line.
The acquisition price for Watts Tyres is not disclosed.
Premia Group Ltd is a company controlled by former senior management of Watts Tyres. Watts Tyres will continue to have its headquarters in Lydney under the new ownership and no job losses are expected. | |
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Click here to include your used forklifts, stackers, telehandlers, container handlers, attachments etc. | |
| | Trade show exceeds most expectations
Utrecht, Netherlands | The global economic downturn may have concerned Logistica 2009 exhibitors, but their show stands were well presented and well received by local and international visitors.
Frank Klein Tank, Logistica 2009’s project manager, says the “largest trade fair for Benelux logistics” held from 10-14 November at Jaarburs Utrecht was more about business, with exhibitors focusing on direct contact with visitors and investing less in “frills”.
“Before the show began, exhibitors had a muted outlook. Three years ago, we (were) in a boom, which is now different. Knowing that, exhibitors and visitors [adjusted] their expectations towards Logistica 2009,” he explains.
Michiel Vermeulen, RAVAS Europe BV’s marketing manager, says he was initially sceptical about the expo. “Although we see some growth in order intake over the past months, economic recovery is still very fragile.”
However, he adds that after the show’s first day, his scepticism disappeared. “We are very satisfied with the results. Our number of new leads, new contacts and direct orders from the show is far above average compared to previous editions and other shows we did this year.”
Tjeerd Koppenol, CREPA BV’s sales manager, agrees: “We decided to exhibit and to be there for our potential customers and it has proven a success – lots of stand visits, some sales leads, new contacts, interesting discussions with visitors, information requests and even deals sealed at the stand.
“I personally feel the results are above my expectations. The atmosphere was exciting every day,” he says.
Manitou Benelux’s project manager, Perry Franssen, was pragmatic. “Compared to the market situation, the show was as expected – not too busy [but] we are satisfied with the result that you can expect in this situation.”
Bart Ravelli, marketing head for Jungheinrich Nederland BV, says the forklift manufacturer chose Logistica as the first expo to showcase its used trucks. “[It] was very succesful ... the customers were very positive.”
Ravelli explains that the used trucks looked like new and served as a good alternative to new trucks in today’s economic situation. “We sold trucks at this fair and a lot of people showed interest in the products,” he says.
Visitor numbers were down on the previous show but that did not dampen the positive mood of the expo. Exhibitors had invested their marketing budget in Logistica and they focused on promoting their presence.
Robert van Ree, Vanderlande Industries’ marketing manager, says before and during the show, he actively marketed the company’s presence, and international customers were not forgotten.
“We see ourselves as one of the leading players in European warehousing and we want to be visible. We had an active marketing policy,” van Ree says.
Unlike the previous show, visitors from all over the world including Australia, South Africa, China and the US attended Logistica 2009. In total, about 21,613 visitors surveyed the 270 exhibitor stands.
Vermeulen praises Logitisca as giving visitors a full picture of materials handling.
“You do not only see forklift manufacturers but also safety specialists, IT-service providers and warehouse equipment manufacturers.”
He says RAVAS will “definitely” be at the next show. “This is our home market and the Netherlands is globally known for its key position in the logistics and supply chain to the rest of Europe. For us, Logistica is one of the European theaters to show the latest technologies.”
Koppenol says the highlight of Logistica 2009 was the enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors. He describes it as “a great show against the tide of the economy”.
He adds his attendance at the next show in three years’ time depends on the state of the economy, but notes that his company has never missed an event, so “I think we will attend”.
The next Logistica is held from 13-17 November 2012 at Jaarburs Utrecht. | |
| | Swedish inventor develops versatile forklift
Frösön, Sweden | A Swedish company is introducing an omni-directional telescopic forklift that it claims can do the work of up to five different forklift models.
Max Truck AB introduced a prototype of its first product, the patented Maxtruck 2T, at the Technical Show in Sweden last month.
“Due to the way Maxtruck 2T can move on the floor, it can do the job quicker than a conventional forklift,” says company owner and founder Conny Lindström.
According to Lindström, Swedish inventor Max Segerljung developed the forklift that incorporates the patented Max wheel, on behalf of Max Truck AB. The wheels of the Maxtruck 2T are fixed on a vertical drive shaft and can rotate 360 degrees, making it suitable for confined spaces.
Its ability to travel in any direction also enables it to do the work of a sideloader, transporting long goods through narrow entryways or on a narrow path. It can handle cargo in two pallet rack-depth, effectively minimising storage space and increasing warehouse efficiency. The forklift’s steering and manoeuvring abilities are patented.
The forklift’s telescopic boom gives the driver an unobstructed view of the carriage and allows unloading of a lorry from one side, without using extending forks.
Lindström tells Forkliftaction.com News that the Maxtruck 2T is “completely different” from the Airtrax Sidewinder ATX-3000 omni-directional forklift (Forkliftaction.com News #172).
He explains that the Maxtruck 2T has “perfectly round” wheels, and can operate even if friction is not equal on all four wheels.
“The Airtrax construction, originally a Swedish invention, can’t operate unless friction is same on all wheels. Our system is also much faster and gives no vibration during transport,” Lindström says.
Lindström adds that driver comfort and safety have also been taken into account. “Driver comfort with step-in height, visibility and driver safety has been an important part of the forklift design. Our patented safety system helps the driver not to exceed the safety limits.”
Max Truck AB is a new company located in Frösön, north of Sweden, close to the Östersund city. It currently employs three people.
Production is expected to start next year and the company expects to introduce the forklift to the market by the end of 2010.
“[The] Maxtruck 2T is aimed for the world market and is perfect for companies that realise floor area is expensive so if they can save 30-80% of area for handling goods, it is money saved,” Lindström says.
The company aims to sell 150 forklifts in Sweden in three years and then venture into the export market.
Max Truck AB holds patents in Sweden, Europe and the US. | |
| | LFTS sold to Linde Sterling
Warrington, United Kingdom | Lancashire Fork Truck Services (LFTS) of Oldham has been bought for an undisclosed sum by Linde Sterling of Warrington.
LFTS was sold by administrator Charles MacMillan, the head of corporate recovery at Manchester-based accountancy firm Beever and Struthers.
“It’s always pleasing to secure jobs via the successful sale of a business and especially so in these testing times,” MacMillan said. Around 20 jobs at LFTS have been saved, according to Manchester Evening News.
The forklift hire company located in Westwood Business Centre had suffered from reduced demand for equipment hire due to the downturn in its customer sectors.
Forkliftaction.com News contacted Linde Sterling for comment but did not receive a response by press time. | |
| | | Briefs | Lord Baker praises JCB Academy
Rocester, United Kingdom
Britain’s former education secretary has given his thumbs-up for the new GBP22 million (USD36.8 million) JCB Academy.
“This is the shape of things to come as far as education in England is concerned,” Lord Baker says.
Baker says that the academy will provide the technicians and engineering skills needed when the UK comes out of recession.
“We have never trained enough engineers in our country and the JCB Academy will provide magnificent training and is the sort of college that links the mind and the hand,” he adds.
Lord Baker, Britain’s first minister of IT and responsible for introducing computers into schools, was given a tour of JCB Academy by principal Jim Wade.
TVH services Curtis controllers
Waregem, Belgium
Curtis Instruments (UK) Ltd has appointed TVH Forklift Parts NV as its authorised European service and repair centre for a range of DC motor speed controllers.
TVH’s team of 35 electronic engineers will now service and repair the 1204, 1204X, 1205, 1205X, 1207, 1207A and 1243 models of Curtis controllers.
TVH spokesman Lorenz Verfaillie says Curtis controllers are used in forklift brands that include Atlet, Rocla, Pramac and Still.
NMHG endorses Safe Tech software
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Nacco Material Handling Group Inc (NMHG) has adopted UK-based Safe Technology Ltd’s fatigue analysis software to predict the durability of welded structures, castings and individual components in forklifts.
NMHG says the “Verity” structural stress method incorporated into the “fe-safe” software is “the most advanced weld fatigue analysis methodology” available. | |
| | Narrow Aisle Flexi adds VNA truck to range
Tipton, United Kingdom | Narrow Aisle Ltd has introduced an award-nominated, articulated forklift for very narrow aisle applications.
The four-wheel Flexi VNA can operate in aisles as narrow as 1.6 metres (5.3 foot), allowing it to replace guided man-up VNA equipment.
The forklift has a compact axle design which, combined with its ability to articulate through 220 degrees, allows standard ISO pallets to be stacked and picked in the 1.6 metre (5.3 foot) aisles.
According to Narrow Aisle, the forklift’s design means that only two separate movements are needed to complete a stack or pick cycle.
“Trucks that use ‘pivot’ steering require double the number of movements to complete a stack cycle,” the manufacturer says.
The warehouse forklift has been nominated in the Design Innovation category of the Fork Lift Truck Association’s Annual Awards for 2010.
Narrow Aisle sales director John Maguire says the company is delighted for its forklift to be recognised by “some of the knowledgeable people” in the forklift industry. | |
 | |
| | Werner Global Logistics opens in Australia
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Werner Global Logistics Australia, a subsidiary of US-based Werner Enterprises, has opened in Australia, offering freight forwarding, logistics, local transportation and distribution services.
The primary Australian service areas include Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
“Our financial strength and flexible IT platform allow us to expand quickly into markets where we recognise growth opportunities. Australia is a market that is relatively insulated from the global economic downturn and presents those opportunities,” says Craig Stoffel, vice president of Werner Global Logistics.
Werner is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States, with a diversified portfolio of transportation services that includes dedicated, medium-to-long-haul, regional and local van capacity, expedited, temperature-controlled and flatbed services. | |
| | NZ port rail link on schedule
South Auckland, New Zealand | Construction of the rail exchange at Wiri Inland Port in South Auckland is on schedule, with completion expected in January 2010.
A major milestone has been achieved with two of the three rail siding tracks that will connect the inland port to the Waitemata seaport now in place, and work is under way on the concrete hardstand.
Ports of Auckland MD Jens Madsen says the first train should arrive early in the New Year.
“Exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways.”
The project will enable containers to be moved to and from the seaport by rail, saving as many as 100,000 central city truck trips a year once the service is fully operational. | |
| | Improving safety for stevedores
Canberra, ACT, Australia | Safe Work Australia has released three guidance publications aimed at offering a national approach to improving safety in the Australian stevedoring industry.
The booklets, Working Safely on the Waterfront; Working Safely with General Cargo – Steel products; and Working Safely with Containers, are reference tools for employers and employees in the transport and storage industry, including shipping agents and stevedoring companies.
“The majority of serious injuries and fatalities in stevedoring occur because the work environment is constantly changing and is often unpredictable,” says Safe Work Australia chairman Tom Phillips.
“By providing clear and concise OHS information in an easy-to-read format, the industry now has a resource that can help employers and employees gain a better knowledge and understanding of workplace safety.”
The transport and storage industry is listed as a priority industry under the National OHS Strategy 2002/12. There were 45 fatalities in the industry in 2006/7 and an average of 11,000 serious injury claims each year.
To download the booklets, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au | |
| | Businesses warned of safety scam
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | WorkCover NSW is warning businesses to beware of calls from bogus sales representatives offering to sell ‘WorkCover-authorised safety procedures packages’.
Acting CEO Rob Thomson says the alert is being issued following a number of reports received from members of the public, including the operator of a small engineering company who has been targeted twice in recent months. The scam artists end the call when pressed for their contact phone number.
“WorkCover does not sell or authorise ‘safety packages’ and does not allow anyone else to do so under the organisation’s name,” says Thomson.
“We encourage people to approach WorkCover directly to find out about their workplace safety and injury management obligations.”
WorkCover offers a wide range of free services, including guidance material, workplace advisory visits, information workshops and seminars, as well as a dedicated call centre to provide practical help for small business to improve safety and reduce the risk of injuries.
Anyone who receives a call from sales personnel claiming to represent WorkCover should report this by calling 13 10 50. | |
| | Supply chain project on cards
Canberra, ACT, Australia | The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) plans to launch a major project to produce an industry position on matters relating to sustainable business models for Australian organisations that comprise national supply chains.
The Future Supply Chain 2020 Project will be run over two stages in conjunction with the Australian Freight Councils Network (AFCN) and the Transport & Logistics Centre (TALC).
Stage one will be the development of a report, with stage two being the public consultation on recommendations and actions.
The basis for the development of Australian Supply Chain models will be the Global Commerce Initiative’s (GCI) European and North American discussion paper on Future Supply Chain: 2016.
It focuses on the new kind of business models needed to accommodate the challenges in the next decade, including economic, ecological, demographic, technology and other changes. | |
| | Brighter outlook for Christmas and beyond
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | As broader signs of a strengthening economic recovery take hold, Australian companies are expecting a positive start to the New Year, with improved expectations for sales, profits, capital investment and inventory levels.
However, employment expectations have deteriorated slightly, as firms deal with rising wages costs and interest rates.
These findings are from the latest D&B Business Expectations Survey, which examines expectations for the 2010 March quarter following the Christmas trading period.
According to Dun & Bradstreet's CEO Christine Christian, the continued improvement in capital investment expectations is an important sign for the recovery of the Australian business environment.
"Capital investment is crucial to Australian businesses being able to meet customer demand and return to economic prosperity in 2010. With the capital investment index remaining in positive territory for the second consecutive quarter, this shows a dramatic improvement from the all-time low reached in the June quarter of 2009.
"If businesses can manage the balancing act of improving sales and profits through the principles of good cash flow management, while at the same time investing in their business to improve productivity, this bodes well for the Australian business outlook in the first quarter of 2010." | |
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| | | TCM New Dealer Announcement - Aurora Lift Truck Service | TCM America, Inc, NJ Division, is pleased to announce that Aurora Lift Truck Service, is joining the TCM family. The company, headquartered in Montgomery IL, brings 36 years experience to the table as they begin marketing the entire TCM portfolio (Classes I, III, IV and V) in the Chicago, IL suburbs.
Aurora’s hallmark is superior after-sales service and backup designed to build customer confidence. The company offers total turnkey support covering all aspects of logistics and warehousing. From lift trucks and racks to mezzanines, loading dock equipment and Industrial Batteries, Aurora Lift Truck is committed to being their customers’ “one-stop shop” for all of their materials handling needs. This dedication will enhance the value of the TCM brand in the area.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
| | | Automotive component supplier cuts forklift fleet costs with Flexi | Narrow Aisle Flexi – manufacturer of the Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks – has won a contract to supply Flexi EURO trucks to the Leipzig factory of leading automotive components supplier Magna Intier. The new facility provides the complete interior trim for the newly launched Porsche Panamera, the elegant four door sports car.
Magna Intier, who provide component parts and other services to a wide range of top-end car manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Aston Martin, are using the Flexi trucks to delivery components from an on-site storage warehouse directly to the production line.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
| | | Nissan Forklift Corporation Announces its New Vice President of Sales & Marketing | Marengo, Illinois – November 4, 2009. Nissan Forklift Corporation is pleased to announce Mr. James J. (Jim) Radous III as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North and South American operations. In this expanded role, Jim will have responsibility for all sales, marketing and communication activities related to both new equipment and aftermarket parts.
For six years prior to joining Nissan, Jim was V.P. of Sales for Knaack LLC, a subsidiary of the $25 billion manufacturing and technology giant, Emerson Electric. (NYSE: EMR) As a key member of Knaack’s executive staff, Jim directed all strategic sales initiatives through its network of global distributors, with additional responsibilities that included major retail accounts such as Home Depot. Additional roles within this position included the development of international business segments, customer service, training and inside sales disciplines.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
| | | Fleetman Consulting Inc. | Representing the Interests of the End User | New Forklift & Used Lift Truck Fleet Management Experts
Representing The Interests Of The End User
A leading edge forklift consulting firm with a unique approach toward forklift fleet management, located near Vancouver, BC, Canada, is attracting attention because the company is primarily focused on representing the interests of the end user. They are not associated or obligated to the forklift dealer network or lift truck manufacturers in any way and therefore they are in a position to offer unbiased and credible forklift solutions to all of their clients.
With over 20 years of lift truck industry experience, their extensive product and fleet management expertise is guaranteed to reduce all forklift costs such as buying, leasing, rentals, parts, service and operator safety training.
In addition, they look for efficiency gains that will lead to increased productivity, reduced downtime and a better overall return on assets. They also look for ways to increase safety and storage capacity without affecting other areas of your business.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
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| In the Discussion Forums | " I think the largest retailer in the USA seems to like Barrett pallet jacks, even though they buy a lot of Crown reach product, they seem to think it is worth it to have an added vendor relationship just to avoid the Crown pallet jacks." edward_t, United States" Forks are proof tested to 3x the rated load.
Secondly, for a given thickness, the capacity of each fork increases 500-1000 lbs for each additional inch of width, so you can only get so close to the actual rating. Third, the "standard" fork is overrated when you have to derate for attachments like fork-shifters, etc.
ISZ" icestationzebra, United States" You must remember the massive alcohol spill occured in Russia where rules and regulations you are accustomed to do not apply." cownd, United States |
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Editorial Calendar 2010
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January
Telehandlers
February
The Forklift Market in The USA
March
Attachments: Pallet Handling
April
Used Forklift Dealers
May
The Forklift Market in China
June
Materials Handling Equipment in Ports
July
The Forklift Market in Latin America
August
Industrial Tryes and Wheels
September
Batteries and Chargers
October
Materials Handling in Europe
November
Warehouse Counter Balance Forklifts
December
Spare Parts
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