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 | |  | This week’s special feature on explosion-proof forklifts brings home a couple of important lessons. The first is about the diversity of applications for which forklifts are used – probably wider and more extreme than any other form of equipment. The second – and more vexing - key observation surrounds the lack of common international standards which makes it so difficult for suppliers and end-users. A multinational corporation doing business on different continents needs to understand and implement vastly differing regulation regimes and operating standards. This makes it hard to consolidate fleets – or even to standardise procedures. And while it may be ideal to strive for best practice, what works in one market might not be adequate in another. |
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| | Chinese forklift manufacturers renew focus
China | China’s forklift manufacturers are upbeat about 2010, with many renewing their marketing strategies for the domestic market.
At the Industrial Truck Association’s annual meeting in October, China Industrial Truck Association president Lu Daming said although the forklift market declined by 18.5%, the industry remains optimistic.
“Affected by the global financial crisis, China’s forklift market started declining from July 2008, reaching its lowest point in January 2009. After the Spring Festival in February, the market picked up significantly in March, then gradually grew from April to August,” Lu explained.
Chingpong Quek, CEO of Linde (China) Forklift Truck Corp Ltd, observes that recovery in the Chinese forklift market appears to be quicker than in other countries.
“We foresee that for the full year 2009, the market volume would be at the same levels of 2008, or even slightly higher, whereas the rest of the world is forecasted to be down by 40% compared to 2008.”
He adds that the recovery has been driven by strong domestic demand.
This is why manufacturers like Noblelift Equipment Joint Stock Co Ltd are adapting their marketing strategy.
Company spokeswoman Wendy Mao says while Noblelift has not been greatly impacted by the global financial crisis, it will now focus more on the Chinese domestic market, instead of exporting.
Mao says the global recession has opened up opportunities for Chinese forklifts to replace imported ones that are more expensive.
David Chen, Microlift Co Ltd’s sales manager, says that while export-orientated factories suffered over the past year, “all the forklift companies don’t feel it is the end of the world”.
“The domestic sales volume is not expected to be less than last year’s. The local market is very good.”
With manufacturers shifting their attention to the domestic market, Quek predicts an intensified competitive spirit in the forklift industry.
“We think this would lead to further consolidation in the industry as it was very much fragmented before,” he adds.
Forkliftaction.com’s sales executive, Patrick Chin, who spoke to industry members at CeMAT Asia in Shanghai, says that while GDP grew 7% for the last nine months in China, forklift companies engaged in a price war.
“Heli and Hangcha have dropped their selling price by USD3,000 per machine,” Chin says.
Barry Su from Zhejiang Maximal Forklift Co Ltd says that the price war is not confined to larger manufacturers. “There are some puny manufacturers who try to obtain an initial order with extremely low prices.”
Su says instead of lowering prices, manufacturers should focus on building their brand name and diversifying their product offering.
“[We also need] to establish spare parts and service centres overseas.”
According to World Industrial Truck Statistics, 168,119 industrial trucks were sold in China, in 2008. 10.3% higher than the 152,415 units sold in 2007. However, 111,573 units were sold in 2006, indicating a 36.6% jump in 2007. |  |
| | | Acquisitions | Konecranes buys the rest of DCS
Hyvinkää, Finland
Konecranes has acquired the remaining 80.5% of Dynamic Crane Systems Ltd (DCS)’s share capital.
In June 2007, Konecranes acquired 19.5% of the South African crane and service company’s shares with an option to acquire the rest by the end of this year.
DCS, established in 1994, specialises in the manufacture, sales, servicing and assembly of industrial process cranes. Konecranes and DCS have worked together since the early 1990s and in June 2007, DCS was Konecranes’ representative in South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
“Not only is South Africa itself an important economy, it is also an excellent gateway to other African markets,” says Pierre Boyer, Konecranes’ president of the EMEA region.
The company name will be changed to Konecranes (Pty) Ltd and the former owners will work for the company on a consultative basis.
DCS had annual sales of about EUR8 million (USD11.98 million) in 2008 and 75 employees.
Jungheinrich acquires stake in software company
Hamburg, Germany
Jungheinrich AG has acquired a stake in ISA-Innovative Systemlösungen für die Automation GmbH, a software company specialising in warehousing and material flow management.
Hans-Georg Frey, chairman of Jungheinrich’s board of management, says the company wants to increase its software expertise in logistics systems through its investment in Austria-based ISA.
“We are investing in a promising, fast-growing field of business, even in times of economic crisis,” he says.
ISA managing director Markus Sammer says the combination of his company’s specialised intra-logistics solutions and Jungheinrich’s global sales network will result in “bright common prospects”.
Headquartered in Graz, Austria, ISA employs 50 people. It will continue to be run by its existing managing shareholders. Jungheinrich and ISA have already carried out a large number of joint projects. According to Jungheinrich management, the forklift manufacturer will be more heavily involved in ISA in the future.
Brookfield buys PD Port
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Canadian-based Brookfield Asset Management has acquired UK ports and logistics business PD Ports from its owner, Babcock & Brown Infrastructure (BBI), for an undisclosed sum.
PD Ports’ Group CEO David Robinson says the company now has a new financial structure, which will support its future growth and development. “We very much look forward to working with Brookfield and welcome the positive influence it will have over the longer term ambitions of PD Ports.”
The acquisition represents Brookfield’s first foray into ports. It has formed a new holding company, Brookfield Ports (UK) Ltd, to complete the purchase of PD Ports. BBI has owned PD Ports since 2006.
PD Ports is a specialist ports and logistics business that offers supply chain services to improve customers’ product and material movements into, out of and within the UK. It employs over 1,140 staff and has an annual turnover of about GBP120 million (USD199.3 million). Its operations in the UK include Teesport, Humberside and Felixstowe. | |
 | | 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. |  |
| | Acquisition puts Rush Tracking on faster development track 
Lenexa, KS, United States | By Tom Andel, contributing editor
If you want to know whether a technology has a future, it’s always wise to follow the money. When private equity buys into something, it’s considered a vote of confidence. Last week forklift-mounted radio frequency identification (RFID) received that nod when Pharos Capital Group, LLC of Nashville and Dallas acquired Rush Tracking
Systems, an RFID business process consulting and systems integration company.
Rush Tracking’s plans for RFID-enabled forklift applications proved to be attractive to Pharos. Rush’s approach, called VisiblEdge, eliminates operator barcode scanning by combining automatic load identification with real-time indoor positioning technology. This enables real-time tracking of inventory and shipments.
Toby Rush, president of Rush Tracking Systems, tells Forkliftaction.com News that this infusion of capital will allow his company to put its development plans on a faster track. The next stage in development involves going from feeding pick validations to a tier 1 warehouse management system (WMS) to actually filling in for a WMS where none exists.
“We’re finding a lot of places don’t have a Tier 1 WMS,” Rush says. “We’re doing more international business, and in Mexico, for instance, you don’t have all the systems and processes in place. Even in the U.S. there are operations with only four to six forklifts and no WMS. So we’re fleshing out our integration to the Tier 1 WMSs by augmenting financial inventory control systems. This acquisition accelerates those plans.”
Rush Tracking Systems is in the design phase of its software development now and is on track for a first quarter 2010 release. After that the company will take its offering into labor management and integrate with existing labour management systems (LMS). This is a natural evolution for a company built around RFID, Rush says.
“We have all the data an LMS would want,” he continues. “We know when they’re picking something up, who’s driving the forklift, how far, and how fast.”
Ultimately, Rush sees a time when the forklift operator will be an option. Such automatic guided vehicle capabilities may be a year or two away. In the meantime Rush Tracking will continue its R&D efforts out of its Kansas City, Kansas headquarters.
“The addition of Rush Tracking Systems to our portfolio represents a true vote of confidence in the company’s management team, service and product innovation, expanding client base and growth potential for Rush Tracking Systems and the RFID industry,” concludes Jim Phillips, partner of Pharos Capital Group.
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| | Pallet stacker refresher
Redmond, WA, United States | Businesses are starting to place more orders for pallet stackers, according to a report from LiftScience, web-based providers of light- to medium-duty electric forklift and manual pallet stackers. That’s why the company thought it important to issue a primer for those buyers who are new to the market.
A manual drive electric forklift is the most economical in terms of purchase price and on-going repair and maintenance, LiftScience says. It will enable a typical warehouse employee to move a 2,000 lb (907 Kg) pallet on a smooth warehouse floor. The battery for this kind of light-duty application could last for several days between charging. Because battery power is only used for lifting, power is conserved. Batteries should be recharged regularly, however, to maintain their health for a long life in any electric forklift.
If the user’s goal is to handle more than 10 pallets per day, an electric drive forklift may be more appropriate.
On a fork-over design electric pallet stacker, forks lower right on top of the stabilisation legs. This type of electric forklift can be less expensive, take up less space and manouever in tight aisles. However, because the forks are atop the stabilisation legs, the operator cannot pick up a closed-bottom pallet from the floor. This disadvantage can be overcome with either open-bottom pallets/skids or blocks. A typical application for this equipment is unloading trucks.
With a straddle leg electric forklift pallet stacker, forks can be lowered to the floor with the stabilisation legs straddling either side of the pallet. This enables the operator to pick up closed-bottom pallets directly from the floor. The disadvantages are that it is more expensive to purchase/ship and it takes up more space, according to the primer. | |
| | MUMBAI, INDIA, Cascade Corporation, the Global Leader in Forklift Truck Attachments and Forks | MUMBAI, INDIA, Cascade Corporation, the global leader in forklift truck attachments and forks, will be participating in the Cemat India 2009 Material Handling Fair, December 10-13. The Cascade booth will feature four attachments, used in the Paper, Textile, Warehouse and Logistics Industries. This show is the first fair that the recently established Cascade India Pvt. Ltd. will participate in, and the excitement is growing. Visit Hall 5, Booth 5B 223, to see Cascade attachments such as a Single-Double Pallet Handler, a Paper Roll Clamp, a Push/Pull and a Bale Clamp.
To contact Cascade Corporation, call: 1-800-CASCADE, visit the website at: www.cascorp.com or Click here to view the Cascade Shopfront | |
| | MHIA forecasts growth for 2010
Charlotte, NC, United States | Materials handling equipment orders are forecasted to grow 2% to 3.5% in 2010, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast released by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).
“We are in the middle of a contraction this year, but the worst appears to be over,” says Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive vice president of business development. “The decline in new orders is now forecasted to slow slightly in the last quarter of 2009 and hold the total year decline to 35% to 38%. We now believe that growth in the 2% to 3.5% range is possible in 2010.”
In addition, materials handling equipment shipments are forecasted to contract 35% in 2009 and 5.5% in 2010. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) will also contract about 35% in 2009. Exports are forecasted to decline in 2009 and return to growth in 2010. Domestic demand will be down slightly in 2010.
The MHEM forecast of materials handling equipment manufacturing is released each quarter by MHIA and looks 12 to 18 months forward to anticipate changes in the materials handling and logistics marketplace. | |
| | Algerian projects boost construction equipment market
Chico, CA, United States | AmeraMex International, Inc., a provider of heavy equipment to infrastructure construction, stevedoring and commercial construction, has reached an agreement in principle with San Francisco-based Marchetti Construction, Inc. to form a new company with ETHPE, the second-largest construction company in Algeria. Sixty percent of the new company (NewCo) will be owned by ETHPE, 30% by Marchetti Construction and 10% by AmeraMex.
The agreement is expected to be finalised the second week of January 2010 when AmeraMex president and CEO Lee Hamre and Marchetti Construction president Joseph Marchetti meet with Abdelbaki Talbi, vice president of ETHPE Construction.
Hamre identified two projects that have been approved for funding by the Algerian government. Both are five-star hotels with convention centres. One is a USD60 million project that is expected to break ground in the spring of 2010. The other will be built in Boughazoul, Algeria in 2011.
“In addition to our 10% ownership in NewCo, AmeraMex will be providing all heavy equipment for NewCo's projects," says Hamre.
These are examples of the kind of large-scale projects being planned in Algeria after 10 years of political instability and economic stagnation. Today, approximately 10% of the population is employed in the construction and public works sector, which has become a significant motor for economic growth and accounts for eight percent of GDP. Approximately 70% of the USD145 billion 2005/9 Programme for the Support of Economic Growth is allocated for housing and infrastructure.
The liberalisation of the Algerian market and the arrival of foreign companies are expected to boost the country’s construction sector. | |
| | Forklifts of St. Louis now Taylor Machine dealer
Louisville, MO, United States | Forklifts of St. Louis is the newest authorised dealer for Taylor Machine Works in Illinois and Missouri. Taylor Machine’s offerings include pneumatic tyre and cushion tyre forklifts and other materials handling equipment with capacities ranging from 16,000 lbs. (7,250 Kg) to 200,000 lbs (90,720Kg). Its sister company, Sudden Service, Inc., provides aftermarket parts and support for those products.
Forklifts of St. Louis now not only offers Taylor products, but also extends service support to its authorised dealer area.
“We are pleased to have Forklifts of St. Louis as an authorised Taylor dealer,” says Lex Taylor, president of Taylor Machine Works. “Their organisation philosophies … parallel those of Taylor Machine Works and Sudden Service in sales, service and support and customer satisfaction.”
Robert Whittingham, president of Forklifts of St. Louis, adds: “We have served the greater St. Louis area and southern Illinois area for over 60 years and are excited to be a part of the Taylor ‘Big Red’ dealer network.” | |
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| | Barloworld invests in the future
Maidenhead, United Kingdom | Barloworld Handling believes that apprentice training is a key factor in its future success and that is why it has hired 19 more apprentices in the UK.
The company’s global HR director, Isadore Payne, says Barloworld’s apprentice program has a proven track record of producing highly-motivated skilled engineers. “[It] gives us the opportunity to introduce fresh blood into the business and develop both technical and people skills so our engineering force is the best the industry has to offer.”
“Many of our apprentices have received recognition at the annual Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) awards for excellence,” Payne adds.
Despite current difficult trading conditions, Barloworld maintains that investment in apprentice training is vital to success for itself and the wider industry.
Barloworld’s four-year apprentice scheme consists of structured vocational training supplemented by practical training at technical colleges in the UK. Apprentices receive a salary while working towards obtaining an NVQ level 3 or BTEC qualification in forklift engineering.
Once the course is completed, apprentices become fully qualified service engineers, working from a regional workshop, customer site or on the road via a mobile workshop.
When Barloworld launched a dedicated website for the scheme earlier this year, it received over 1,000 online applications. This year’s intake of 19 apprentices started work in September.
According to the forklift distributor, service engineers have excellent prospects for future development in field service management, parts and operations management or sales.
Barloworld currently employs 52 apprentices in the UK and claims that without continued investment in its apprentice scheme, the cyclical loss of experienced engineers would be difficult to replace.
Forklift companies have for years faced a skills shortage in the technical department as experienced engineers retire, are promoted or change careers (Forkliftaction.com News #289). The FLTA has partnered with the City of Bristol College to offer apprenticeship courses for potential forklift engineers (Forkliftaction.com News #260).
To learn more about Barloworld’s apprentice scheme, visit www.apprentice.barloworld.co.uk. | |
| | UK company prospers with new direction
Birmingham, United Kingdom | A paradigm shift is lifting the outlook of a UK materials handling company that has been hit by the recent economic crisis.
“The past year has not been easy and there may still be uncertainties ahead but we have taken a fresh look at the way we drive the business forward and it is already having an impact on our performance,” says Wilmat Ltd managing director Teresa Hands.
The Birmingham-based manufacturer, which employs 28 people at its Steward Street headquarters, has traditionally produced bespoke lifting products for its customers. Now the company is looking at developing its bespoke equipment into clear product lines.
The first equipment that has been turned into a product range is the mortuary stacker it has developed with the help of a UK hospital. The battery-powered stacker, used by a single operator, can lift up to 380kg (837lbs). It has a power-driven push/pull loading system that enables the deceased to be treated with dignity by circumventing manual handling in and out of refrigeration units.
Other features include push-button lift/lower control, horn and full direction drive control, powered tray, safety slipping clutch, electronic weigh scale and auto-tare facility.
Named the Dignity 60 range, the stackers are now marketed to hospitals in the UK.
The change in direction is made possible by the management buy-out by Hands and fellow director Andrew Capella, both of whom have collectively worked for Wilmat for over 48 years. Former owner and founder Roger Williams remains the company chairman.
“The buy-out was completed around 18 months ago, just before the worst of the recession hit but we never doubted the ability of the company to survive or its potential to prosper,” Hands says.
To minimise redundancies, staff worked a three-day week during the peak of the recession but are now back to a five-day week.
Hands says the group is on target to increase turnover by 25% in 2010.
“What’s more, we aim to increase our workforce by at least 20% early in the new year,” she adds.
Wilmat Ltd claims to be the only UK designer and manufacturer of pedestrian-operated forklifts. Its turnover for 2008 was GBP2.9 million (USD4.8 million). Its future plans are to adapt more of its bespoke equipment into products with wide applications. Products from its Birmingham factory include tow tractors, scissor lift tables, stackers, pallet trucks, prime movers, mould/die handlers and platform trucks. Clients have included BMW, Ford, Siemens, BT and Caterpillar. | |
| | | New Products | OM introduces sideway battery changes
Lainate, Italy
OM Carrelli Elevatori has introduced sideway battery change on the four-wheel versions of its XE18 and XE20 forklifts.
Instead of a crane, a basic hand pallet truck is used to remove the battery, removing the hazards posed by suspended loads. The reinforced battery compartment and mechanical safety lock enable the trucks to be safely used in heavy-duty applications.
Kaup introduces redesigned triple pallet handlers
Aschaffenburg, Germany
Kaup GmbH has redesigned its triple pallet handler, coming up with the T429B-1-2-3 attachment that it claims is the best on the market.
Kaup says the residual capacity of the triple pallet handler has been “considerably increased” compared to similar models. It claims the B-series pallet handler’s “high working speeds, exact synchronism and low wear and tear” contribute to reduced operational costs.
Its design is said to be “extremely service-friendly”. For example, wire springs instead of gas springs are used to cut maintenance expenditure and enable longer intervals between service checks.
Meis designs basket for Bobcat users
Reken, Germany
Meis Baumaschinen has developed a personnel basket that allows Bobcat 14-metre (45.9-foot) and 17-metre (55.8-foot) telehandlers to be controlled from the cage.
Access International magazine reported that Meis Baumaschinen managing director Jürgan Meis designed the “Boomlader”, a derivative of the German words for “aerial boom” and “telehandler”, to simplify handling tasks.
“The most obvious advantage is the operator in the platform no longer has to return the boom to base position to move the telehandler to the next operating location,” Meis Baumaschinen says.
Faresin adds to compact telehandlers
Breganze, Italy
Faresin Industries SpA unveiled its new telehandler 6.32 at the Agritechnica expo this month.
The telehandler has the same technical specifications and features as its predecessor, model 6.28, but a greater lift capacity broadens its range of applications.
Faresin says the machine’s strength lies in its “rear elevator with three-point hitch coupler and its mechanical power take-off”, making it ideal for light-duty open field work. It will be available before the end of 2009. | |
| | | Briefs | Linde China wins award
Xiamen, China
Linde (China) Forklift Truck Corp Ltd won the “2009 Most Popular Logistics Technology and Equipment Product” award at a ceremony in Beijing last month.
The selection process by the Chinese logistics association’s committee started in June. Linde (China) beat 99 other logistics companies to win the honour for its business performance and outstanding product.
Separately, representatives of the British government, British Consulate General in Guangzhou, British Construction Equipment Association and well-known British companies visited Linde (China)’s Xiamen headquarters this month. They were received by company vice president Jens Splittgerber.
Cargotec works with ST Kinetics
Stockholm, Sweden
Cargotec is partnering with Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics) to complete the development of the hydraulic hybrid feature as an option for Kalmar terminal tractors.
PSA Singapore Terminals started the project for a hybrid terminal tractor with ST Kinetics two years ago. PSA is the world’s largest container trans-shipment hub and operates hundreds of Kalmar terminal tractors.
United Rentals is military-friendly employer
Greenwich, CT, United States
United Rentals Inc has been selected by GI Jobs magazine as one of the US’s top 100 military–friendly employers for 2010.
Over 5,000 US companies with minimum revenues of USD500 million were considered for the accolade, which was awarded based on the strength of a company’s military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service and workforce policies regarding National Guard service. | |
| | | Movers & Shakers | Markaryd, Sweden
Lars Fredin is now head of Konecranes’ global Lifttrucks business unit, replacing KG Salomonsson who is retiring. Fredin joins Konecranes from Bromma Conquip where he was vice president responsible for sales and marketing. Salomonsson will continue as a senior advisor to Konecranes Lifttrucks until his retirement in 2010.
Monaghan, Ireland
Aisle-Master Ltd has appointed Nick Carter as area sales manager for central England. He supports Steve Surridge who is responsible for southern England and Nick Leadley who looks after northern England and Scotland.
Council Bluffs, IA, United States
Tim Confer has been appointed regional manager for Omaha Standard, responsible for distributor development and territory management activities in the south-eastern part of the US. Confer has worked in the truck equipment industry since 1987. | |
| | Property owner drives squatters away with forklift
Sprang-Capelle, Netherlands | A house owner drove his forklift through his front door, surprising a group of squatters who wouldn’t leave the property.
According to Dutch press agency ANP, the group of squatters had occupied the house in the Dutch village of Sprang-Capelle last Friday night and would not leave.
On Saturday, the house owner took matters into his own hands by bringing the door down with his forklift. The squatters related the incident to police who later arrived. | |
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| | Toll secures billion-dollar contract
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Logistics provider Toll Group has successfully tendered for a Defence contract worth over a billion dollars.
With signing expected shortly, the contract involves supply of removal and relocation services to the Australian Department of Defence. It comprises an initial five-year period, followed by up to four one-year extensions at the discretion of the department.
“The initial five-year period is expected to generate revenues of more than AUD1 billion, and if the extensions are granted, total revenue of around AUD2 billion would be expected,” says Toll Group MD Paul Little.
“Defence require over 22,000 removals and 23,000 relocations to be managed each year under this contract, which is the largest of its type in Australia.
“The tender win will entail substantial growth and opportunities for Toll with over 100 additional staff being recruited and a number of new offices being established around the country,” adds Little. | |
| | Linfox gets greener
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Freight giant Linfox has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 28%, 12 months ahead of its target date.
According to chairman Peter Fox, the company set a target in 2007 to cut emissions by 15% by 2010.
“Linfox developed a strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, because there are win-wins for business and the environment and because we share an obligation to future generations. We lead our industry in addressing climate change.
“Our customers also want to reduce their carbon footprint through our operations and we are working closely with them in many areas to develop more environmentally efficient processes.”
Linfox implemented a suite of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including:
• Eco-driver training to reduce fuel consumption;
• Smarter warehouse lighting systems to reduce electricity use;
• Carbon mapping to identify the environmental impact of logistics choices;
• Better utilisation of vehicles and other assets. | |
| | Linde keeps safety paramount in warehouse
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Around 230 items of Linde materials handling equipment are in use at IGA’s central warehouse and distribution centre in Crestmead, which supplies around 940 outlets with perishables and general groceries.
The facility, which conducts more than 45,000 pallet movements and loads more than 3,500 trucks a week, has recently taken delivery of a fleet of Linde’s N series order pickers, designed with operator safety as paramount.
The order pickers provide the operator with a centre ride position where they are fully enclosed. When operators need to leave the compartment to pick up cartons, they can only walk alongside the unit, never in front of it.
Other features include the low step height, adjustable back support, power steering and ergonomic operating position. | |
| | UGL provides rail freight solution
North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Australian locomotive manufacturer UGL has secured supply and maintenance projects worth around AUD108 million.
The new orders include the design and manufacture of 10 locomotives for Xstrata Coal and a 10-year maintenance program for these locomotives and a further 300 wagons.
CEO Richard Leupen says the orders underpin the company’s position as Australia’s leading provider of rolling stock products and services to the freight rail sector.
“UGL’s rail business continues to benefit from increased investment in Australia’s freight and bulk commodities markets,” he says. | |
| | And the winners are …
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | The winners of the 2009 Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards were announced at an awards evening held recently in Melbourne.
Hosted by the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia, the winners included:
• Jodie Collie of Collins Food Group (Future Leaders Award)
• Bill Potter of NQX College (Industry Excellence Award)
• Corporate Express Australia (Storage and Handling of Materials Award)
• Ged Halstead of Clifford Hallam Healthcare (Information Management Award)
• Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (Training, Education and Development Award)
• Coca-Cola Amatil (Manufacturing Logistics Award)
• Corporate Express Australia (Environmental Excellence Award)
• Queensland Health (Supply Chain Management Award) | |
| | Flinders completes terminal upgrade
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia | The outer-harbour passenger terminal at Port of Adelaide was officially opened earlier this month, following a AUD500,000 facelift.
The project, a joint venture between the South Australian government and the port operator, Flinders Ports, has resulted in more than AUD1.1 million being spent on the passenger terminal precinct redevelopment, after Flinders Ports committed an extra $600,000 by fast-tracking three years of its maintenance program at the complex.
The project took about five months to complete.
The passenger terminal upgrade continues Flinders Ports’ commitment to revitalise the Port of Adelaide and six other ports it operates in South Australia. | |
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| | | Davis Derby - TruckLOG Case Studies - iForce | THE CLIENT
iForce is a specialist provider of e-fulfilment, reverse logistics and direct marketing services. Its clients include John Lewis, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Screwfix, Tesco and many other household names.
The business operates a mixed fleet of leased Toyota counter balanced and reach trucks at its Redditch site.
THE OBJECTIVE
iForce required a card-based vehicle access control system in order to identify operators responsible for damage to trucks, racking and other warehouse infrastructure. Management of health and safety issues at the site was also a key consideration.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
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| The New Range DSI by Mast Explorer |  | Mecano Continental S.A., manufacturer of Mast Explorer hydrostatic rough-terrain forklifts, a leader in innovation and development in its category, has launched the latest and ultimate product - the new DSI 25 / 30 range.
The DSI range, as the initials indicate, is the new Diesel Semi-Industrial model by Mast Explorer. This model meets a very real need in the rough-terrain sector, which requires versatile forklifts suitable to handle materials on industrial sites with limited space. These forklifts must be adaptable to outdoor areas with uneven ground but at the same time ensure conditions of comfort, stability and safety.
Click here for more information on this product, including pictures. | |
| | | Why Use UL 1067 Listed Static Conductive Tires? |  | UL 583 listed explosion proof trucks EX are found not only at refineries but wherever flammable vapors and/or combustible dust conditions exist such as coal, wood, grain and paper applications. The purpose of ‘rigging’ lift trucks with explosion proof or static conductive wiring, hoses, lights, batteries, tires etc is to prevent static electricity build-up from sparking an explosion and fire.
Using UL 1067 listed static conductive components for lift trucks operating in hazardous environments is a definite way to minimize risk of a tragic and possibly ruinous legal consequence of a static electricity explosion and fire. Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.’s static conductive rubber tires carry the UL Mark®. Superior Tire’s static conductive tires have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories and passed the stringent UL static conductivity test. The UL Mark assures our customers that our static conductive tires qualify as UL Certified Static Conductive Rubber Tires.
Click here for more information on this product, including pictures. | |
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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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