On a former airbase outside Düsseldorf, Germany, visitors to the Hyster HUB Event in May witnessed the latest technologies and developments helping to optimise complex supply chains. Live simulations demonstrated Hyster expertise in a variety of specific industry applications and highlighted the role of materials handling equipment in the transfer of goods from ship to store.

The international presence and strength of the Hyster brand was illustrated at the event, with an audience of over 400 people, including distribution partners from all regions of the global Hyster network, customers and trade press from around the world in attendance.

The event took place in Weeze, near the German-Dutch border, not far from the Manufacturing plant in Nijmegen, where Hyster trucks over 7 tonnes in capacity and container handling trucks are manufactured for the global market. The spacious venue, which is currently being used for the testing of heavy capacity trucks and container handlers, offered a great environment in which to showcase big trucks in action.

A Hub for Industry and Application Expertise
"Live product demonstrations in simulated real-life applications were designed to demonstrate our in depth approach to understanding and responding to the specific handling challenges of major industries," says Kate Pointeau, Hyster Brand Manager. "At any point in the supply chain and in almost any operating environment, Hyster can offer lift trucks and solutions to precisely match the specific operating needs of the customer."

Hyster is the only global full-line supplier of material handling equipment with numerous class-leading products being demonstrated at the event, including laden and empty container handlers used in the ports and terminals. For the first time, the new high capacity Tier 4 final / Stage IV compliant Hyster equipment was shown, which offers significant fuel savings as well as low emissions.

The event also saw the introduction of a new and extensive range of Hyster Tyre Handlers, which provide fast and cost effective changing of giant tyres, for example, on heavy duty mining trucks.

Also new to market is the Hyster H16XM-12 which provides 16,000kg lift at a 1,200mm load centre. Suitable for many industries requiring a long load centre, the live simulation showed its strength in tough metal processing applications.

Further live demonstrations included paper reel handling and paper bale handling with specially adapted Fortens trucks. Mobile accommodation containers were also lifted and transported at the event using a unique design for the industry featuring a special spreader. A VNA truck was also demonstrated along with the new Hyster Reach Truck. The automated Hyster tow tractor for manufacturing operations was also seen for the first time.

"Whilst there is Hyster product offering available for a very diverse spectrum of applications, our ranges also share many common characteristics" says Kate. "They are made for tough jobs and intense operations, delivering reliability and a low cost of ownership."

Combined Solutions
During the Hub event the important role of partnership and cooperation with partners was emphasised. UK based engine supplier, Cummins, focused on the Stage IV / Tier 4 final regulations and low emissions. Cummins engines feature on the Hyster Big Truck range, which is proven to provide significant fuel savings.

Spreader supplier, ELME, based in Sweden, exhibited the latest developments in spreaders, showing how to improve productivity in container handling applications.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems, also based in Sweden, supplies tyres, rims and wheels for Hyster products and provided a focus on tyres, tyre life, and comfort.

A focus on oils and lubricants, and how to manage fluid costs, was presented by Netherlands based Shell. Italian attachments supplier, Bolzoni Auramo Meyer, exhibited a paper roll clamp and highlighted the suitability of Hyster products for a wide range of front-end attachments.

A range of Hyster aftermarket services and products were also represented at the HUB Event, including Hyster Financial Services, UNISOURCE® (a 'one stop shop' for forklift parts and accessories) and Hyster Tracker, a wireless asset management system.

Supported by a global network of local distribution partners with extensive product and application knowledge and geographic coverage, Hyster ensures global support capability to sustain the most demanding operations anywhere.

"Adding value to a customer's operation involves much wider factors than the truck design alone. It includes understanding the exact operating conditions and priorities; selecting the best configuration for the operation and providing comprehensive service and "wrap-around" solutions" says Kate. "During this event we wanted to illustrate how Hyster acts as a global "hub" for expertise and capability in these areas."