Forktruck Solutions Ltd

BRUSH UP ON THE LAW ATEXAM TIMEForklift trucks used in UK Industryrequire by law an annual ThoroughExamination in addition to regularmaintenance. As Steve Kirkwood,Thorough Examinations Managerof Barloworld Handling points out,there are many advantages of theThorough Examination, not leastimproved safety.The principle of a forklift ThoroughExamination is the same asan MOT for a car, although thechecks are far more rigorous.It is a means of reviewing andmaintaining the safety of criticalcomponents of a forklift truck,identifying any defects, wear ordamage that may compromisesafety and checking that previouslyreported faults have been repaired.As well as steering, tyres andbrakes, it pays particular attentionto the forks, mast, chains,hydraulics, carriage and parts suchas chain-retaining bolts. Materialshandling specialist, BarloworldHandling, is accredited to providethe HSE recognised CFTS*Thorough Examinations for anytype or brand of lift truck and othertypes of lifting equipment.Steve Kirkwood comments“It is important that ThoroughExaminations are performedby qualified engineers froman accredited company likeBarloworld, so that the truckis inspected and tested toconsistently high standards toensure it is safe and legal”.Before CFTS there was no industryrecognised testing standard andsome trucks could potentiallybecome dangerous to operatebecause of the inconsistency ofThorough Examinations. CFTSgives lift truck operators theconfidence their equipment hasbeen checked to HSE guidelines.Legislation states that it is theresponsibility of the truck operator,not the rental company or serviceprovider, to ensure their forklifttrucks have a valid certificate.Without a valid certificate, thecompany risks prosecution orinvalidation of insurance and maybe unaware of the truck’s potentialto cause serious accident or injury.“There are many advantagesof the Thorough Examination,particularly from the aspects ofsafety, efficiency and reduced cost”continues Steve Kirkwood. “Faultyequipment can work less efficientlyand cause accidents. It can alsointensify the fault, which could costcompanies more in the long run indowntime and repairs”.The law states that all trucks mustundergo a Thorough Examinationat least every 12 months.However, certain equipmentsuch as equipment that liftspeople, equipment with specialistattachments or equipmentoperating in harsh environments,such as a cold store, requiremore frequent examinations. YourThorough Examinations providershould provide advice relevant toyour particular application.Barloworld provides routinemaintenance for lift trucks aswell as Thorough Examinations,providing customers with acomplete service from a singlesource. Thorough Examinationsare, however, completedindependently to any otherroutine maintenance carried outon the lift truck, and are reportedindependently as governed bythe CFTS scheme to ensureimpartiality. By offering a fullservice, Barloworld enablescustomers to reduce their supplierbase and concentrate on their corebusiness.It is important employerstake ownership of their legalresponsibility regarding ThoroughExaminations. By offering acomplete service from equipmentprovision to maintenanceand Thorough Examinations,Barloworld’s service helpscompanies to adhere to legislationand maximise the safety andefficiency of their fleet.www.barloworld.co.ukForktruck Solutions LtdBY SIMON PENNY-SMITHSimon Penny-Smith believed thatby building his own company, he“could create real added value”for his custmers, suppliers andhis team. Ten years after heestablished Forktruck Solutions,the successful business hasmore than doubled the size of itspremises – and set its sights on a£10 million turnover by 2017.The company, which moved fromits original HQ in Leeds to Ossett,near Wakefield last year (08),employs 19 people and expectsa £2.5 million turnover in thisfinancial year. Managing directorSimon believes another moveto an even bigger site will benecessary before their 2017 targetdate.It is a long way from Forktruck’sbeginnings in 1998 when Simon,then regional sales manager withinthe forklift industry, when he feltthat changes could be made toimprove life for both his team andhis customers.“I decided I could make thosechanges if I had my own business,”he says.Relinquishing the security ofemployment – together withhis with company car - heestablished the business in 2,500sq ft premises on the WhitehallIndustrial Estate – and employedhis first engineer.“I went out talking to customers,which was a role I knew. Then Icame back to the office to typemy notes, prepare estimates andinvoices and everything else thatneeded doing,” he says. “Theywere long days.”Within five years the business hadgrown from its first annual turnoverof £60,000 to around £900,000.Then came a massive leap to £1.5million in 2004, which proved tobe a catalyst for Forktruck’s futuredevelopment.“At that point I realised I neededhelp to move the business forwardin the right direction,” says Simon.He contacted the Chamber ofCommerce who referred him toBusiness Link who suggested aconsultant should benchmark thecompany – and prepare a futurestrategy.“the consultant asked one bigquestion which really focused mymind ‘what do you want the finshedbusiness look, feel & sound like?’“ says Simon. “He made hismeaning clear by pointing out thatI would not ask a builder to startwork on a house without architect’splans and a clear idea of what Iwanted.”That’s when Simon set his owntargets of a turnover of £5 millionby 2012 – and £10 million fiveyears later, but more importanly heset his sights on FTS becoming a'World Class' organisation.So what has been the secret ofhis success? “Goodcommunication with ourcustomers,” he says. “They eachhave their own view of the world,and if we can tune in to whatdrives them, what is important tothem, then you can help them withthe best service possible.“Much of the credit for the successof Forktruck must go to our teamthroughout the organisation – andof course we also rely on our loyalsuppliers and customers.And Simon is not daunted bythe current economic climate.“I think it could be a blessingin disguise for SMEs as majornational companies struggle withtheir pricing structures,” he says.“It could be a great opportunity tocontinue spreading the word.”6 M H W Magazine Issue 16 Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.ukMaterials Handling WorldMagazine

Forktruck Solutions is celebratingits tenth birthday this year - aperfect opportunity to find outmore about this rapidly growingYorkshire-based business as wetalk to Simon Penny-Smith, thecompany’s Managing Director.Forktruck Solutions’ first ten yearshave been a decade of progress,of building a solid platform as thecompany seeks new horizons inthe years to come.It has also been a decade ofchange and evolution in thebusiness world and a crucialelement in Simon Penny-Smith’srole as Managing Director hasbeen to ensure that ForktruckSolutions has evolved with thechanging times.He believes that one of the mostsignificant developments hasbeen a change in his customers’demands and expectations in aworld where value for money andquality of service have becomemore important than ever before.“Today’s customers are betterinformed than they have ever beenabout the products and servicesthey wish to purchase,” saysSimon. “As a result, we are findingthat they are less price-driven andmore value-focused.“I believe that it is now up tothe industry as a whole, as wellas individual organisations, torespond to customer expectationsby adding the extra valuecustomers are seeking.”He says that more customersare demanding better fleetmanagement, which is no longerthe sole domain of the large 50-250 truck fleet users.“Smaller 5-20 truck users are alsolooking for greater management oftheir fleet, with the aim of drivingstandards up and costs down,” hesays.“Customers are asking for KeyPerformance Indicators fordowntime, uptime, repair andservice intervals and utilisationof their fleet, as well as moreinformation on equipment damageand nearly all other cost-relatedissues.”The higher expectations anddemands of customers promptedSimon to examine the various ITsolutions available and assesshow they could help ForktruckSolutions to become a World Classsupplier.“We were determined to be asupplier who could offer the rightcustomer support and give thatcrucial added value. We alsoconsidered how our businesscould not only evolve to cope withthe demands, but also exceedthe expectations of today’s – andtomorrow’s -- market place. “His company’s Mission is tobecome a World Class companywithin the Clark dealer network.With this in mind, he had toconsider how Forktruck’s Missionand Vision could not only benefitits customers but also enhancetheir businesses and partnertheir own Mission and VisionStatements.“So we sought out and trialledindustry-specific software,” heexplains. “And after a lengthyevaluation process, we made aconsiderable investment to installand implement a system capableof taking our business to £20million turnover…and beyond.“The system would also provideour customers with as muchdetailed analysis as they requireto surpass their own expectationsand also add real value to theirbusiness.”Forktruck’s attention to detail isalso illustrated by their partnershipwith Chaintec, the UK’s leadingsupplier of off-the-shelf and8 M H W Magazine Issue 17 Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.ukMaterials Handling WorldMagazineVisit www.mhwmagazine.co.uk M H W Magazine Issue 17 9Materials Handling WorldMagazine

Log Manager:Layout 1 5/2/08 09:37 Page 1specialist chain to the forklift truckreplacement marketplace.Complying with today’s stringentsafety requirements for forklifttruck chains can be a health andsafety headache.But Chaintec have developed aquick and easy-to-use solution byusing their 15 years of industryexperience to develop a chainwear gauge that operates inaccordance with the latestregulations.Using the gauge, health and safetyrepresentatives can monitor wearrates,co-ordinate replacement schedulesand be alerted to potential safetyconcerns…before they arise.“We use Chaintec’s gauges whilecarrying out examinations andwhile servicing,” says Simon.“We have dealt with Chaintec fornearly 10 years and have neverbeen disappointed. The qualityand value for money is excellentbut more important, their serviceoutstanding.“When Chaintec commit to adelivery we can arrange ourengineers around them, knowingthat the lift chains will be deliveredto us exactly when Chaintec saythey will.”Forktruck Solutions, who provideForklift equipment, parts andspot hire anywhere in the UK andEurope, moved from its original HQin Leeds to a new home at Ossett,near Wakefield, this year. Themove confirmed the company’sprogress during its first decade butthe story does not end there.Since its formation, the companyhas grown by almost doubling itsturnover year on year, includingthe financial year ending 2008.Simon is already preparing foranother move to an even biggersite as Forktruck aims for a £10million turnover by 2017.He says, “we began by askingourselves: ‘Who are we and whatkind of business do we want tobuild?’ We knew that we wantedour business to grow; we knewthat we needed not only to meet,but far exceed, the expectationsof our business partners in a freshand innovative way. We wanted tobe World Class.“We constantly asked ourselves,our own team and businesspartners: ‘What do we do that youlike? What do we do that you don’tlike?’ Then we simply did more ofwhat our customers liked.”Simon and his team then beganto focus on what resources theywould require to fulfil their vision ofbecoming a World Class businessand meeting the expectations ofbusiness partners and their ownteam.He explains: “We plan to take ourClark dealership to a £5 millionturnover by 2012 and a £10 millionturnover by 2017. We knew thatour industry-specific softwarecould take our business to a £20million turnover, so we began tofocus on our team…working fromthe top down, looking at the kind ofmanagement structure a businesswith £10 million turnover wouldneed.“So when I’m asked whatprompted the move from ourprevious accommodation, theLEADINGFROMTHEFRONTWhile the rest of the competition play catch-up,Narrow Aisle’s FLEXI is always one step ahead.The original front wheel drive articulated truckleads the way in safe operation and easyhandling,accompanied by high residuals andsuperb aftercare.Articulated efficiency fromN A R R O W A I S L E F L E X IT: 0121 557 6242 www.flexi.co.uk E:info@flexi.co.ukFlexi G4 Flexi HiMAX Flexi LITE Flexi GAS10 M H W Magazine Issue 17 Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.ukMaterials Handling WorldMagazineVisit www.mhwmagazine.co.uk M H W Magazine Issue 17 11Materials Handling WorldThe Ultimate Front-Wheel-Driving Magazine Machine

HOW WELL CAN YOU GAUGECHAIN WEAR?If you use a ChaintecChain Wear Gauge theanswer is, very accuratelyindeed.Our high precision,stainless steel gauges aredesigned to measure both2% and 3% wear so that youcan keep an eye on wearrates, co-ordinate replacementschedules and alert companiesto potential safety issuesbefore they arise.Produced in accordance withthe latest regulations, ChaintecChain Wear Gauges are quick& easy to use, avoiding the needfor slide rules or complex dataconversion.And too ensure optimum accuracy & record consistency ofwear we’ve designed our gauges to measure over 10 pitches,as recommended by chain manufacturers, for chain sizes:½” (12.7mm) - 2½” (63.5mm) pitch.Make sure your Forklift Inspection Checks measure up -order your Chaintec Chain Wear Gauge today.the vital link for forkliftsMeasuring FLT chainwear just got easierComplying with today’s stringentsafety requirements for FLT chainscan be a headache for health andsafety representatives. Thereare numerous regulations andlegislation to consider: The FactoryActs 1961, The Provision and useof Work Equipment Regulations1998, The Lifting Operations andLifting Equipment Regulation 1998,to name just a few.A quick and easy-to-use solution tothis problem has been provided byChaintec, the UK’s leading supplierof off-the-shelf and specialistchain to the FLT replacementmarketplace. Chaintec haveused their 15 years of industryexperience to develop a chainwear gauge that operates inaccordance with the latestregulations. Using the gaugehealth and safety representativescan monitor wear rates, coordinatereplacement schedulesand be alerted to potential safetyconcerns, before they arise.Chaintec’s new chain weargauge measures over 10pitches and works with chainssupplied by Chaintec and allother manufacturers. The gaugeaccurately measures 2% and3% wear on chain sizes from ½”(12.7mm) to 2½” (63.5mm) pitch.The chain wear gauge is a simpleand cost effective tool that requiresno special training to use andavoids the need for slide rules orcomplex data conversion.Chain wear gauges are availablefrom stock by contactingChaintec on + (0)161 877 7373email info@chaintec.co.ukshort answer is growth. We havebeen planning the recent move forthe last three years. We alreadyknow the next step in ForktruckSolutions’ evolution and areplanning the next move to a largercapacity site in 2012.”So it is clear that ForktruckSolutions, who provide new,refurbished or used Forklifts to anybudget and also offer contract hireor lease purchase, have a visionfor the future as they look to buildon their first decade.Does Simon have a personaldream? “We are in the businessof dreams,” he says. “I like to thinkwe provide a vehicle for eachteam member to reach his or herfull potential. As well as educatingourselves and everyone we workwith, we will also ensure thatour customers make educateddecisions about the equipmentthey wish to purchase.“We will always offer qualityproducts and value for money, ourservice will be World Class and ourcustomer care will be second tonone. Our aim is to show the worldthat good business ethics canbenefit everyone.“Improving the quality of products,improving the quality of serviceand, most important, improvingthe quality of life for everyone; thatmust be our ultimate goal.”What, then, can ForktruckSolutions customers expect inthe future? Simon is aiming high.“World Class is defined by theWebster’s dictionary as ‘being ofthe highest calibre in the world.’“When you see World Class inyour day-to-day life, you recogniseit instantly, whether it be cars,homes, design or sport. So whenyou take on a supplier, serviceprovider or a business partner thatis World Class, they should beinstantly recognisable as a worldclasscompany.“This is the future for our team, oursuppliers and our customers. Thisis the Forktruck Solutions future. “Forktruck Solutions LtdTel: 0845 555 7770 Fax 0845 555 8880www.forktrucksolutions.com5621-CL-NEW QUART PG AD 5/3/08 2:44 pm Page 1• Increases spaceproductivity• Safer producthandling• Indoor and outwithout Combiliftwith Combilift• Capacities from 2.5-14 tonnes• Diesel/LPG/Electric• Range of attachmentsCombilift 4-way sideloaderCombilift – CustomisedHandling SolutionsMulti-DirectionalForkliftVisit www.combilift.com or call for –FREE warehouse design serviceFREE DVDCombilift Ltd Co Monaghan IrelandTel: +353 47 80500 Fax: +353 47 80501UK Tel: 07815 314990 Email: info@combilift.comwww.combilift.comThe History Of Clark ForkliftsForktruck Solutions are adealership for Clark, the oldestname in forklift trucks, and SimonPenny-Smith believes such ahigh-pedigree product has majorbenefits for customers.“A product such as Clark offers ahistory of innovation and a provenrecord of manufacturing qualityequipment,” says Simon. “SinceEugene Clark invented the world’sfirst Forklift in 1917, Clark hasbeen a premier equipment andforklift manufacturer.”• 1920. Clark produces the first hydraulic powered lift upright• 1923. Clark introduces the first petrol powered three-wheel tow tractor• 1924. Clark produces the first petrol powered forklift• 1942. The Clark Car Loader is introduced and Clark produces the firstelectric-powered forklift, capable of working a full day’s shift• 1943. Clark is the first manufacturer to put warning decals on itsforklifts• 1952. Clark becomes the first forklift manufacturer to provide operatortraining programs• 1956. Clark produced the first nested I and U beam constructedupright. This design dramatically improves strength, vision and loadstability• 1967. Clark is the first forklift manufacturer to provide drivers’ overheadguards as standard equipment on all sit-down rider trucks. Clarkproduces the first highly manoeuvrable three-wheel electric forklift• 1983. Clark pioneers the first operator seat restraint system in order toprotect the operator in the event of tip-over• 1996. Clark produces the first AC powered electric truck• 1997. Clark produces its one millionth forklift. Clark is the first forkliftmanufacturer to obtain ISO 9001 for all its manufacturing plantsworldwide• 2003. Clark celebrates its 100th anniversary and, under newownership, re-dedicates itself to the continued pursuit of manufacturingthe most durable and reliable forklifts in production• 2007. Clark celebrated the 90th anniversary of the invention of theforklift, underlining their logo: Vision From Tradition. 90 years OfInnovation.Simon adds: “Clark has a ‘Built to Last’ philosophy, reflected in thedesign and strength of its products. It’s a global company with globalorganisation and businesses and state-of-the-art production facilitiesworldwide.“Clark prides itself in providing total support and back-up for its productat a local level. This is achieved by using independent dealers who knowand understand the local market in any country across the world, with thedirect support of the manufacturer on a global scale.”And Clark will also be bucking the manufacturing trend by opening a newproduction facility in Mulheim, Germany.“In a decade when most companies are taking manufacturing awayfrom Europe to the Far East and China, Clark will actually be bringing itback to here,” says Simon. “This will ensure a quality build with locallymanufactured quality components.“So Clark has much more than just history to offer its business partnersthroughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.”12 M H W Magazine Issue 17 Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.ukMaterials Handling WorldMagazineVisit www.mhwmagazine.co.uk M H W Magazine Issue 17 13Materials Handling WorldMagazine

For over 90 years we’vehelped our customers...www.inventor-of-the-forklift.com14 M H W Magazine Issue 17 Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.ukMaterials Handling WorldMagazineIncreaseProductivityReduceOperating Cost& MaximizeProfitabilityOFFICE2OFFICE,TRUCKS FROM ATLEToffice2office has simplified andstreamlined its warehouse truckoperations by appointing Atlet tomeet all its lift truck supply andmaintenance requirements. Acontract for trucks at office2office’sOldham site is the latest stage inthe standardisation programme.“We wanted a single sourceagreement to avoid dealing withmultiple suppliers,” says MikeWeston, Group OperationsDirector at office2office. “Atlethas the range of trucks to meetour handling requirements andthe expertise to offer a completepackage of services that supportthe flexibility we need as abusiness.”Originally formed when part ofHMSO was privatised, office2officesupplies a range of office servicesand products through threefull-range businesses - BannerBusiness Supplies, first2officeand esp2office - and a number ofvalue-added services.The initial requirement was toreplace five VNA man-risingorder pickers. The site hada mixed fleet at the time andeach truck supplier provided itsown maintenance engineers.The company recognised thatconsolidating maintenance into asingle agreement would simplifythe whole process and makeit easier to resolve any issuesquickly and efficiently. MikeWeston approached Atlet andother potential suppliers for theirrecommendations.“Having used Atlet trucks inprevious roles at other companiessince the early 1990s I was familiarwith their products and servicecapabilities but I had to sell thecompany to our directors,” saysMike Weston. “We tested themarket, of course, but wanteda single source agreementto avoid dealing with multiplesuppliers. Atlet came up with acomplete package that includedthe new trucks and allowed us toconsolidate maintenance for thewhole site within a manageabletimeframe.”Upgrading the Belfast sitepresented some differentchallenges. The warehouse wasrelatively small but office2officeneeded to ensure maximumstorage density. Part of thesolution proposed by Atlet involvedreconfiguring the racking fordouble-deep storage. This offersan excellent compromise betweenload selectivity and maximumutilisation of available space andis often suitable for bulk items thatdo not require first in, first out stockrotation. In addition to managingthe installation of the new racking,Atlet supplied extending forkversions of its reach trucks tooperate in the double deep aislesas well as order pickers andcounterbalance trucks.The truck replacement programmethat started in 2001 has nowcome full circle as office2officehas recently ordered replacementAtlet trucks for the equipmentfirst installed at the Oldhamwarehouse. The company isalso planning to move to a largerbuilding in Basingstoke and hasextended the contract for thetrucks at the existing facility so thatthe scheduled replacement willtake place at the same time as therelocation.Visit www.mhwmagazine.co.uk M H W Magazine Issue 17 15Materials Handling WorldMagazinewww.atlet.comClark_AZ_1208_A4.indd 204.12.2008 13:51:12 Uhr