Pall-Ex network member PMB Pallet Express in Derbyshire has upgraded its materials handling fleet through Barloworld Handling after hearing excellent reviews from the Pall-Ex network hub in Leicestershire.

"We have a strict schedule and cannot afford to have a forklift breakdown during the intense periods of operation" explains Dave Atchinson, Warehouse Manager for PMB Pallet Express in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

"Every night, we load between 180 and 300 pallets onto double deck lorries for distribution through the Pall-Ex pallet network, and receive about 150 pallets back in the morning for local distribution. The forklifts are critical to our entire operation" he says.

Barloworld Handling recently supplied two new Hyster H2.0FT Fortens diesel forklifts to the PMB depot which are similar to the models operating at the Pall-Ex hub. The Hyster trucks are proven to provide reliability and a low cost of operation in those intense applications where continued stop, start operations can place tremendous pressure on forklift trucks.

The trucks feature the innovative DuraMatch transmission with the adjustable Auto-Deceleration (ADS) that slows the truck when the accelerator pedal is released, resulting in less brake pedal usage. The power reversal feature of the DuraMatch transmission allows even the most aggressive direction changes to be smooth without wheel spin, helping to increase tyre life by up to 50%.

"We need reliable trucks that can handle our intense operation. In six months we have not had a single problem with the Hyster equipment" he says, explaining that Barloworld conducted a full site survey and provided a trial unit prior to the order. PMB did consider other suppliers, but Barloworld has excellent credentials in the pallet network sector and was also reported to offer the best financial package. The trucks are serviced by a local Barloworld engineer every three months.

PMB also offers a secure storage, picking and packing operation for a wide range of companies, many of which manufacture seasonal products, with the advantage of distribution directly through the Pall-Ex network. PMB purchased two used Hyster Matrix reach trucks from Barloworld's QUE programme, for use in its warehouses. The "approved used" reach trucks are suited to the low intensity operation with limited weekly use of about 20 hours each.

PMB joined the Pall-Ex network in 1997, which now boasts a membership of around 100 of the UK's leading hauliers. Each Pall-Ex member collects freight from customers and delivers it to the Leicestershire hub where it is sorted and loaded onto the vehicle of the network member responsible for the destination postcode. By sharing trailers with other freight bound for the same destination, haulage costs are reduced and there is a reduction in environmental impact. All pallet movements at the hub are handled by a fleet of more than 40 Hyster Fortens forklift trucks supported by a resident Barloworld engineer and supporting services.