Howard Tenens, one of the UK’s largest privately owned logistics companies, has once again invested in articulated forklift technology from Narrow Aisle Ltd.

A total of 9 Flexi HiMAX trucks have been ordered for use at Howard Tenens’ facilities at Ashby de la Zouch and Sharpness.

Flexi trucks have played a key role in ensuring Howard Tenens’ intralogistics processes operate at optimum efficiency for more than 10 years and this latest investment is part of an ongoing programme that has seen the company commit some £42m to the development of its property portfolio, logistics contracts and systems solutions as well as employee training, in the last three years.

Mike Jones, General Manager at Howard Tenens Sharpness, commented: “We have been working with Narrow Aisle for over a decade. They were able to demonstrate flexibility within the 3-year contract that allows us to tender competitively for new business and, in turn, a significant saving was made by trading in older trucks.”

Narrow Aisle’s sales and marketing director, John Maguire, commented: “Howard Tenens has long realised the space and throughput efficiency benefits that Flexi articulated truck technology brings and we are delighted to be entering the second decade of our relationship with them.

“The latest additions to Howard Tenens fleet - the Flexi AC HiMAX - offer the perfect solution for high bay warehouses where fast throughput capability and narrow aisle storage density are required.”

The Flexi HiMAX allows pallet loads to be stacked over 12 metres high and its HiVIS lift mast and specially developed integrated tilting and side shifting fork carriage eliminates mast deflection at the highest lift heights - making pallet movement hugely efficient.

The trucks’ triplex free lift mast offers excellent forward visibility and, when retrieving and putting away pallet loads at the highest level, a high definition LCD CCTV system ensures Howard Tenens’ operators have a clear view.

Multi-shift availability is achieved thanks to Narrow Aisle’s simple cassette battery changing and 6.5 hour charging technology that ensures the trucks are available around the clock if required.

The trucks have been provided on an inclusive contract rental package that means all planned maintenance, safety inspections and repairs are included in one fixed monthly rental charge.