Necessitating investment in excess of £750,000, the replacement scheme has already begun and will be phased in over the next 12 months.

"We are maintaining a close focus on efficiency across all our processes to match the cost, safety and operational improvements already achieved at our new hub," stated Operations Director Mark Pulford. "For our new forklift fleet, we were looking to achieve optimum levels of reliability and performance, together with advanced technology for reduced wear and tear, and improved ergonomics for our operators."

Palletline recognises that FLT handling skills and equipment are key to the success of the operation. The company employs only its own skilled operators at the hub, experienced in the challenges presented by the pallet distribution environment. This approach is backed up by an annual retraining programme and continuous investment in skills development.

This latest investment programme has been managed through Barloworld, specialists in developing materials handling operations to perform at peak efficiency, and involves the acquisition of new Hyster H2.0-3.5FT Fortens series lift trucks.

"We believe these new models will give unprecedented levels of reliability and reduced cost of operation, helping us to deliver significant operational savings," confirmed Mark. "In addition, Hyster ergonomics are designed to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity through superior comfort, controllability, precise, low effort handling, and easy entry and exit."