Mitsubishi toughs it out in gruelling environment Corrugated packaging manufacturer W E Roberts chooses special protection package to optimise output
When it comes to forklift trucks, the cardboard industry is one that separates the wheat from the chaff. At W E Roberts Group – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of corrugated cardboard and packaging products – the punishing triple-shift application had taken its toll on a previous fleet.
Financial director Richard Puffette says: “Over the past three years, our business has grown by 150 per cent… Achieving this means that our fleet of four trucks must work
24 hours a day – six days a week.
“But our old trucks just couldn’t meet the challenge. In their last three months on site, there wasn’t a day that all of our trucks were in action.”
The four trucks are responsible for handling loads throughout the 100,000 square foot facility – from loading raw materials into manufacturing machinery to loading finished goods into lorries.
“We felt that we needed a more substantial fleet: something robust enough to cope with the amount of hours and the physical challenges of the environment.”
Richard turned to Bronze Mechanical Handling, his local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer for Kent and the South East for expert advice.
After a thorough assessment of the application at WER’s production plant in Northfleet, Kent, Bronze sales director Chris Slater recommended four 2.0 tonne GRENDIA diesel counterbalances (FD20).
Chris says: “With its heavy-duty construction and high-visibility mast, this model enables drivers to manoeuvre loads of any size with complete confidence. The trucks have been carefully specified to achieve optimal performance and the best return on investment for the customer.
“The dust and particles generated by the manufacture of corrugated cardboard are potentially lethal to a forklift. We had special filters and covers from the Mitsubishi Dust-Plus Protection Package fitted to safeguard the engine and other systems. A universal joint cover, for example, has been fitted to protect the transmission from costly damage by debris and objects on the floor.
“Further protection comes in the form of FlexControl. This dynamic options package includes oil-cooled disc brakes. It has been specially designed to reduce wear on transmission components and tyres through features such as automatic deceleration, controlled power reversal and smooth start, a system which prevents wheelspins.”
While drivers at WER are impressed by the truck’s high build quality and driver comfort, the Group’s financial director is impressed by its results on site. Richard says: “Since the new trucks were introduced, both efficiency and throughput have increased.
“And when we’ve had any issues, Chris and his team at Bronze ensure they are quickly resolved so our trucks and our business keep performing at their best.”
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks general manager Mike Jones is delighted to hear of the successful partnership between WER Group and Bronze Mechanical Handling. He says: “Like all of the dealers in our Authorised Dealer Network, Bronze consistently strives to provide customers with a winning combination of the world’s most reliable trucks and the region’s highest quality of back up.”
For more than 50 years, W E Roberts (Corrugated) Ltd has strived to provide customers throughout the UK with the best cardboard products and customer service – at the most competitive prices. For more information on the WER Group and its products, visit www.wer.co.uk or phone 01474 53211
