Materials handling supplier Barloworld Handling is helping to maximise storage space and maintain a high level of productivity for Sussex Port Forwarding with new additions to the Hyster fleet.

The South Coast port operation based in Shoreham, primarily handles timber and receives between 2 and 5 ships per week, which equates to around 250,000 tonnes of timber per year. The port has developed a good reputation for its fast turn around time, aided in part by its investment in technology and equipment, as well as new timber storage areas.

To maintain high levels of productivity and optimise utilisation of space, materials handling specialist Barloworld Handling recently supplied the port with 8 new Hyster Fortens H5.5FT diesel forklift trucks, featuring a high lift capacity and a small chassis with a 600mm load centre.

"Space can be an issue at this port which is why we needed high capacity trucks with a small footprint" Ian Buchan, Assistant Port Engineer says "The Hyster Fortens design means operators can transport heavy loads of wood and still manoeuvre easily in the narrow aisles of the storage areas."

In addition to the 8 new Hyster Fortens trucks, which replaced some of the port's older units, Barloworld supplies Sussex Port Forwarding with an overall fleet of 20 dependable machines to handle approximately 60-70 lorry movements a day. Ian Buchan continues "The trucks' size and lift capability was definitely a major factor in the purchasing decision and the operators find Hyster trucks comfortable to drive, with good visibility and manoeuvrability".

The Fortens range has a number of specialist features including the electronically controlled DuraMatch transmission featuring the Auto Deceleration System (ADS) which slows the engine down as soon as the acceleration pedal is released. Controlled Power Reversal (CPR) also allows smooth direction change and reduces tyre wear, contributing to an overall low cost of ownership.

Sussex Port Forwarding has a long working relationship with Barloworld and the years of excellent service Sussex Port Forwarding has experienced was another important deciding factor for the new contract. "We have a good relationship with the Barloworld team, particularly the service engineers who are based locally" continues Ian Buchan "It is usually the same engineer who comes to site each time, he is like part of the team".

As well as timber, Sussex Port Forwarding receives bulk loads such as ash, pumice and road aggregates. It largely services the South East of England and is the only stevedoring operation on Shoreham Port. It operates 12 hour shifts, Monday to Friday with additional shifts in the evenings and at weekends when required.