Forklift makers practice what they preach

Safety and efficiency lessons come out of this “do as I do” approach to customer relations.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 7/18/2008

To prove they walk the walk they recommend to customers about materials handling best practices, two leading lift truck vendors came out with news of their most recent achievements. It’s all about safety and efficiency.

On the safety side, CLARK Material Handling Company announced that its Louisville, KY, Aftermarket Parts Distribution Center will receive the Governor's Safety & Health Award. Representatives from OSHA and the Kentucky Department of Labor will recognize this site for going more than five years, (429,000 hours) without a lost time accident. A spokesperson for the company cited the fact that the DC’s employees are involved in safety committees and initiatives to promote a strong safety culture as a primary reason for this achievement.

On the efficiency side, Crown Equipment Corporation, New Bremen, Ohio, explained its success in applying a concept in its manufacturing plant that has long been used in warehouses and distribution centers: building up rather than spreading out. Crown has a pending patent application on the system which employs its own TSP 6000 Series Turret Stockpicker to save space and thereby consolidate welding, brake press operations, warehousing and material handling functions for its lift truck door and cover production into one cell. This cell handles more than 190 parts in a little over 20,000 square feet. Previously, the functions were spread throughout the entire plant. In addition to saving floor space, Crown was able to reduce inventory by 33 percent, increase productivity and safety, reallocate labor and significantly improve on-time delivery.

“While it’s common to see a turret stockpicker among distribution center aisles, you don’t see it on the manufacturing floor,” said Crown’s vice president of manufacturing Dave Beddow. “This process of production line consolidation is something that could be beneficial to manufacturing facilities across the country.”