Chivas Brothers selects Hyster forkliftsfor spirited operation 25 January 2011

Scotch whisky and gin producer Chivas Brothers has taken delivery of a new fleet of Hyster forklifts, from Barloworld Handling, at its Paisley bottling operation.

Robert McLean, dry goods manager at the Paisley plant, explains: "We have up to 35 lorries to unload each day, which contain palletised cases, empty bottles and labels that must be stored, picked and then fed into the bottling hall. The forklift trucks are an important part of this."

A fleet of Hyster electric counterbalance trucks operates in the dry goods warehouse, including new compact Hyster E1.75XMS four-wheel trucks with cushion tyres.

These trucks operate for a full single daily shift, and Barloworld's service includes total battery management (TBM), incorporating Hoppecke's Trak-air technology, which McLean is well worth having

"Barloworld's TBM has led to reduced utility bills and charging time, and maximised truck availability," he says.

Then, across the site, in the finished goods warehouse, Hyster H2.50FT Fortens Advance+ forklifts operate in the intense storage and loading operation. These 2,500kg LPG forklifts are used for loading 60 lorries and containers every day, which can increase to more than 100 during busy periods.

Fitted with either forks or push-pull attachments to handle loads on slip-sheets, these trucks were favoured by Chivas Brothers drivers in pre-order trials.

"The drivers like the comfort, visibility, manoeuvrability and performance of the Hyster trucks," comments Gary Gibson, finished goods manager. "Simple features such as the reverse horn button on the rear handle make a big difference."

The Fortens Advance+ also has Hyster's DuraMatch transmission, which delivers smooth direction changes without using the brake pedal or stopping – significantly reducing brake and tyre wear. Also, this truck's drivetrain is protected and the low maintenance oil immersed brakes help to ensure a low cost of operation.

"The Hyster trucks are used intensively and have proved reliable," states Gibson.

"The Fortens trucks in particular are tough, but I believe that it is Barloworld's service that is responsible for the high performance received across the site," he concludes.

The Chivas finished goods warehouse was also one of the first plants to receive Hyster's new E2.50XN four-wheel electric counterbalance truck.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Barloworld Handling Ltd

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