Loads of reasons to do your homework

Taking the time to choose well-designed,properly manufactured loading bay and materials handling equipment can pay dividends in making the goods in/out process more efficient, more cost-effective and safer, as John Meale,MD of Thorworld Industries, explains



The loading bay is a vital link in the production and distribution chain. If the loading system fails, goods cannot be despatched or received, causing knock-on delays in the production/distribution cycle.



Choosing the right supplier and equipment is therefore crucially important in ensuring trouble free operation - minimising costly downtime and maximising productivity.



Key considerations Talk to established suppliers whose sales engineers should understand your needs and who will help you achieve a continuing drive for increased efficiency by supplying products which meet your requirements - both short and longer-term.



It's worth checking if they are members of an appropriate trade or industry association.My company is a member of the Association of Loading & Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM), which itself operates under the auspices of the British Materials Handling Federation (BMHF).


After the sales engineer has suggested a specific product or group of products, ask for details of existing users. You can then talk to them direct, or possibly visit to see the equipment in action and to check on customer satisfaction levels.



It's often worth considering a singlesource supplier who can provide all your main loading and unloading equipment requirements, together with the necessary accessories and after-sales service and maintenance.



Make sure equipment is produced under strict quality controls that ensure the highest European health and safety standards. An estimated 25% of factory and warehouse accidents occur in and around the loading bay. It's a fact that an increasing amount of materials handling equipment that does not carry the official CE mark or meet European quality and safety standards and legislation is now coming into the country, particularly from Eastern Europe and Asia. I have seen a new loading ramp made in Eastern Europe that was unsafe to use. In my view, the ramp, which did not have the CE mark, was a major health and safety hazard. It is a false economy to buy cheap substitutes if they are not safe to use, as an inferior product could lead to a serious accident and won't generally provide a satisfactory or lengthy working life.


You also need to be confident that the supplier can offer a fast and reliable maintenance or replacement service, should something go wrong with the equipment.


If the need is temporary, perhaps seasonal, there are financial benefits to be had by renting rather than buying some forms of loading equipment. As rental can be paid from income, companies can save capital for other expenditure.


Through our RentARamp operation we provide mobile yardramps, available for purchase or rental on a sale or return basis.


These are suitable for loading and unloading vehicle trailers by fork truck where there are no suitable raised loading bays.



Talking your problems through with an experienced and respected supplier can often lead to an unexpected solution. For example, when considering the installation of an extra loading dock at its distribution complex in Manchester, Brother (UK) had to take into account the cost of buying an additional fork lift truck as well as the associated civil engineering work.


We suggested that a Truckloada mobile yardlift would maximise the facilities, while achieving financial economies. As the outside area in front of the new loading bay's roller shutter doors was on an incline, using the Truckloada meant there was no need to level the ground. According to Brother (UK)'s head of logistics, Keith Howe, the Truckloada has enabled the company to save on costs as well as delivering health and safety benefits.


Additionally, loading large grass cutting machines onto low loaders at groundcare equipment distributor Lely (UK) has been made quicker and easier with a purposedesigned Thorworld mobile yard ramp.


Transport manager, Kevin Morgan, said: "The Thorworld ramp has made us much more efficient and I was impressed with their technical expertise." KAB Seating achieved cost efficiencies and improved safety following installation of a bespoke modular loading dock system and various loading dock accessories. Facilities engineer, Brian Bateman, said: "With the Thorworld modular loading dock system, the loading of containers has been made much more efficient, without the need for the previous two-man operation. It's also safer for our despatch staff and with the resulting cost savings, payback should be achieved in one year."