Aisle-Master’s Special Delivery for Eddie Stobart

Jan 10, 2014 Warehousing Ireland News Comments Off on Aisle-Master’s Special Delivery for Eddie Stobart

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Marked increase in productivity thanks to articulated forklifts

 Eddie Stobart has placed a substantial order with Irish articulated forklift manufacturer Aisle-Master to provide a large fleet for its Contract Logistics and Warehousing Division, which offers over 6 million ft² of storage facilities for major names in the UK retail and manufacturing sectors. Twenty five Aisle-Masters have so far been delivered, another ten are due to be operational over the next twelve months and as new opportunities for sites and contracts are identified this number looks set to increase further. 

The Aisle-Masters were selected following a tendering process for a new fleet prompted by changes in the business model, increased customer demand as well as the end of the operational life of the old forklift fleet. Keen to keep the articulated system which ensures optimum pallet density in narrow aisle configurations, Stobart decided to switch to the Aisle-Master brand which is manufactured in Co. Monaghan.

The build quality and reputation for extreme reliability of the Aisle-Masters were factors which won over Operations Director Graeme Undy and MHE Manager Brian Smith, as was the accommodating and “can do” attitude of Aisle-Master personnel. Graeme explains: “We like to forge amicable relationships with suppliers who are open to suggestions from our side which helps to drive innovation and this accords well with Aisle-Master’s reputation for providing customer led solutions.”

The 2000 kg capacity electric powered 20WHE models in operation in around 70%  of Stobart’s warehousing network are bespoke units. They place and pick pallets that have been deposited in the goods-in bay by other forklifts or power pallet trucks.  Versatile indoor/outdoor capability means that they can also be used for offloading and yard work at sites with external pallet banks.  

 “We have seen a marked increase in productivity levels at every site where the Aisle-Masters have been introduced,” says Graeme, “which is beneficial for our operators, ourselves and, most importantly for our customers. The investment in this new fleet has certainly paid off.” 

 

 

 

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