TPT September 2008

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September 2008 50
Technology Update
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GPS PE Pipe Systems, UK, operates a total
of three Aisle-Master articulated forklifts at
itsWalsall-based national distribution centre.
Previously, the company had mainly used
reach trucks in the 40,000ft² warehouse,
but recent changes to the product lines and
growth in demand prompted the company
to re-evaluate the handling and storage
procedures and look for a fresh approach.
GPS, a member of the international Aliaxis
Group,manufacturespolyethyleneandmulti-
layer pipe systems, and is a supplier to the
residential, industrial and public sectors.
The need for more streamlined operations,
better efficiency and best use of available
storage capacity led Mr Gliddon to the Aisle-
Master range of articulated forklifts. Having
taken delivery of the first Aisle-Master in
November 2007, it became apparent that
major operational changes could be made
due to the truck’s ability to work inside and
out, on semi-rough terrain and gradients, and
in much tighter aisles than the reach trucks.
An order for two more electric trucks
with 7.6m masts quickly followed, and
Aisle-Master supplied two interim hire
vehicles to enable GPS to go ahead with
the programme of improvements without
interruption.
Describing the benefits, Mr Gliddon said,
“We have reconfigured the racking layout,
and have got rid of the cumbersome double
deep system, so stock location is much
easier and quicker. We have also been
able to remove higher level pick faces from
aisles and introduce more lower level ones
which are safer for operators to work from.
Cushioned tyres and suspension mean
that the expansion joints in the warehouse
floor are no longer an issue with the Aisle-
Masters – these were causes of a bumpy
ride with the old reach trucks, and we can
now avoid the added expense of potential
damage to trucks and redoing the floor.”
Avoiding use of a mixed fleet also brings
benefits, in the form of just one service
and maintenance provider – in this case
Birmingham based Abex – rather than
having to deal with multiple contacts. “The
Aisle-Masters are very reliable, the drivers
are very happy with them, and they will cope
with any requirement on site,” commented
Mr Gliddon. “The investment in the three
trucks is an integral part of the way forward
for increased efficiency all round. We have
already planned the future use of two new
buildings on site around the abilities of the
trucks, where we can adopt the narrow
aisle route for an impressive pallet density
in a relatively small space.”
The Aisle-Master range incorporates electric
and LPG models, works in aisles of just
1.75m, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes.
Lift heights of up to 12.5m are available.
The trucks are designed and manu-
factured at the company’s headquarters in
Monaghan, Ireland. The Aisle-Master range
is designed for optimum operator safety and
comfort, incorporating an overhead guard
for enhanced driver protection, ergonomic
controls, and high quality seating.
Aisle-Master Ltd – Ireland
Fax: +353 47 80402
Email:
Website:
GPS PE Pipe Systems – UK
Fax: +44 1480 458829
Website:
Installation of high frequency welded pipe mill
T&H Lemont, USA, has installed a model WU60-10 high frequency welded pipe mill for
high strength API products. The pipe size range of the WU60 mill is from 2" to 6" OD
pipe. The mill is an integral part of a complete welded pipe line to supply API products
to North America.
T&H Lemont constantly explores
new technologies and innovations
to reduce production costs and
improve productivity, not only for
welded tube and pipe industries,
but also for the rollforming
industry. The company has
provided technologies to manu-
facture products such as stainless
steel hypodermic needles,
communication cables, flexible
tubular products, hi-strength
welded and rollformed shapes
and large diameter API pipe.
In addition to complete production systems, T&H Lemont provides a variety of
components and services to the tube, pipe and rollforming industries. Services include
tube and pipe roll design, mill alignment and operational consulting. Components
offered include welders, cut-offs, entry equipment, accumulators, pre-punch, post-
punch, seam orientation stands, weld boxes, edge conditioner, bead scarfing systems,
straightening systems, single point adjustment systems, dedimplers, rolls, blades, jaws
and shafts.
T&H Lemont – USA
Fax: +1 708 482 1801 • Email: • Website:
 The WU60-10 high frequency welded pipe mill
Improved forklift handling of tube and pipe
 GPS PE Pipe Systems uses three Aisle-Master
articulated forklifts at its UK distribution centre