Space and speed key issues

These requirements and more were answered by using Aisle-Master articulated trucks, and the fifth of these has just been delivered to its 110,000 sq ft facilities near Dublin.

Part of the Ace Group, the company is one of Ireland’s leading service providers and has achieved impressive year on year growth of 20% in spite of the recent difficult economic climate and this expansion triggered the need for more efficient handling and storage procedures.

The Aisle-Masters have replaced reach trucks and were chosen after a number of different forklift brands were hired and trialled. The very comfortable driver station, ease of operation as well as the quality build and reputation for reliability were just some of the factors which won over both the drivers and management.

Due to the increased volume of goods passing in and out of the warehouse, Ace Express was also keen to maximise available space. Exploiting the Aisle-Masters’ narrow aisle capability has enabled this to be achieved: aisle-widths of 4m needed when carrying longer loads with reach trucks have been almost halved in some areas for a doubling of storage capacity to accommodate 14,000 pallet spaces.

The 2 tonne capacity powered 20WHE trucks work inside and out and can also offload from HGV’s when needed, offering a high level of versatility around the premises. Electric powered models were chosen to accord with Ace Express’ policy of ensuring the cleanest and greenest possible working environment.

A very specific requirement was also the ability to move the 30% or so of loads which come in more awkward shapes and sizes.

Warehouse manager Glen Moore explains: "A major client of ours is one of the largest homeware and DIY chains in the country, so we need to be able to handle products such as packs of ladders and barbecues, for example, which don’t come in standard pallets. The wider chassis and extra ballast incorporated into the Aisle-Master models we use also enables us to lift up to 1,300kg loads to the top racking height of 8m.”

MD Philip Tracey adds."We run a very democratic system here and feedback from our workforce is a major factor in our choice of equipment.

"The dozen or so trained drivers are unanimous that the Aisle-Masters have improved operations and this is of course beneficial for our customers and our business in general.”