Siemens’ £160m wind turbine factory in Hull has brought significant investment in the wind energy sector to the region. Does it signal the beginning of the end for fossil fuels? And what does it mean for the logistics industry?
It is now completely ordinary to see panels on your neighbours’ roof soaking up solar energy, just as we are getting used to looking out to sea and seeing a wind farm on the horizon. This is likely to be due, in part, to high profile figures making pledges to use more renewable energy sources and encouraging the population to follow suit.
Many big brands have recently been promising that by 2025, 100% of purchased electricity will come from renewable sources. Giant beer producer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, has said that in eight years your cold Budweiser, Stella Artois or Corona will be made with renewable energy, such as wind or solar power.
By doing so they will reduce their carbon footprint by 30% – equivalent to removing 500,000 cars from the road! Coca Cola and IKEA are among the other companies pledging to go 100% renewable.
Hydrogen fuel cells
While businesses across the globe are being urged to reduce their usage of fossil fuels and look for alternative ways of using energy, the closest the materials handling industry has come to a green source of energy is the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power forklifts.
It was recently announced that South Africa are to make more hydrogen fuel cell forklifts in a bid to use clean energy, but although there’s a lot of hydrogen on the surface of the planet, most of it exists in chemical compounds such as crude oil and water. This means that in order to produce enough to power the world’s vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells need to be produced industrially, a process that means as much as 95% of hydrogen would be produced by burning fossil fuels. Still, there a number of not-so-popular methods that could be the future of renewable energy to help power forklifts as well as the rest of the globe.
Best Foot Forward
Piezoelectricity is a method of producing energy from pressure. Pioneering companies such as PaveGen are using
this concept in floor tiles, so that people walking around or dancing produce enough electricity to run the shopping centre or nightclub they are in. Each PaveGen floor tile is equipped with a wireless API that transmits real-time movement data analytics, whilst directly producing power when and where it is needed. As pedestrians walk across the system, the weight from their footsteps causes generators to vertically displace, resulting in the radial motion creating energy through electro-magnetic induction. A nightclub in Rotterdam is making use of this technology too, but electric dance moves don’t come cheap, the club’s 270-square-foot floor cost around $257,000!
Body Heat
Stockholm’s Central Station is making use of those sweaty rush hours and conserving body heat to warm an office block not far from the station. The Central Station’s ventilation system is fitted with heat exchangers, allowing the excess body heat to be converted to hot water before being pushed into the building’s heating system. As well as being a green renewable energy source, the system has lowered the energy bill by as much as 25% for the office block.
Nevertheless, it has been said that the system works well in Sweden due to their cold winters, and the cost and benefits can depend on the climate as well as the price of energy.
Transistor Breakthough
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have recently discovered a new transistor design that could mean ultra-low power applications such as wearable devices and implantable electronics no longer need to be powered by batteries.
The new design uses a similar method to a computer in sleep mode, using a tiny ‘leak’of electrical current to function. Compared to water dripping from a faulty tap, the current is formed from contact between the metal and semiconducting components of a transistor, a characteristic that engineers usually try to avoid. Although transistors have had this ability for years, this is the first time the current has been effectively captured and used practically.
Drawing energy from an AA battery based on this design, it has been said, would make it last for a billion years.
Methane Cow Backpacks
According to the UN, 18% of the total release of greenhouse gases is down to agriculture, and cattle are a big contributor to this number. Methane is 23 times more harmful to the environment than CO2, and one cow releases 70 to 120 kgs of methane on average per year. With 1.5 billion of them around the globe, that’s a lot of harmful greenhouse gas. Researchers in Argentina have developed a backpack that collects the cow methane, purifying and compressing it for use in generating electricity.
Try not to get too excited though, while it might sound like ‘cowpower’ is the newest form of renewable energy, it’s still just in the concept stage.
What it all means for MHE…
The piezoelectricity and body heat concepts may not be ideal to power materials handling equipment, but if busy facilities started to harvest the energy from pressure and warmth produced by the employees, it’s possible businesses could be saving money while protecting the planet from green-house gases in the future.
It is somewhat unlikely we’ll see the next generation of forklift trucks being powered by tiny electrical current leaks or cow emissions. What we can say is that the direction of travel appears to be well established, if not for the planet’s sake, then for cost, health and security of energy supply reasons. What’s more the renewable energy activities in Hull together with these new discoveries pave the way for new research projects that might one day provide a green source of energy powerful enough to fuel forklifts and distribution centres worldwide. In the meantime, Windsor Hull can offer advice on equipment with low emissions and other energy-saving benefits.
[Featured image credit: www.siemens.com/press]
It’s now been a year since Windsor opened a dedicated forklift training centre, and our east coast counterparts have seen significant take up of the wide range of courses on offer at the Immingham-based facility.
But it’s not just businesses located a stones-throw away from the Cleethorpes seafront that can take advantage of our training courses. In fact, it’s better if you aren’t. Leave it up to our skilled instructors to travel the length of Lincolnshire and come to you instead!
Here at the Sleaford branch of Windsor, we think training undertaken on customer sites has a variety of benefits…
Ever nailed a speech in front of your other half at home, but suddenly develop stage-fright when doing it for real? Well the same can be said for forklift training. If trainees are comfortable in their surroundings, they are much more likely to learn quicker, resulting in more efficient use of machinery when the course is complete.
We might provide training on a wide range of machinery, including counterbalance, reach trucks, powered pallet trucks (PPT), rough terrain, scissor lifts and boom trucks – but it is difficult to replicate the exact equipment, stock and space available for every customer in a training centre environment. Using specific equipment that will be used for the work at the end of the training means employees will come out of their training fully ready to take on the task at hand.
Having training courses take place on site can also mean management can keep an eye on the progress their employee is making. This can be especially useful when the trainee is a new employee. Finding out how quickly your new starters grasp things can be priceless to successfully running an efficient operation.
Our training centre in Immingham can offer dual accreditation from the industry recognised Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) and Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR), but teaching multiple trainees a different set of house safety rules would make things really complex for our training staff. If, however, our instructors are based on your site throughout the training course, your specific safety policies will be followed from the start, meaning productivity is maintained while health and safety issues are prevented too.
Another benefit of bringing training courses to the actual workplace is the opportunity for trainees to start interacting with personnel they will be working with during actual operations. Relationships are an important factor in running an efficient operation, and this interaction is better off not delayed.
Training on-site also provides an opportunity for trainees to pick up skills and knowledge from senior employees. When new employees finish the course and finally get their ticket to ride (a forklift), they are already acquainted with the operation and are much more likely to adapt to the workflow faster.
…and letting our experienced training instructors bring the knowledge to you!
After almost nine years since the original model was launched on the market, a Komatsu forklift is still being recognised by leading industry awards in the heavy equipment sector.
Since its launch, the IC engine-powered BX50 Series forklift has seen frequent updates, and is a particular favourite of Windsor Materials Handling customers due to their robust performance and great features. Now, the series has been awarded with the honour of Highest Retained Value from EquipmentWatch – a leading database for the US heavy equipment industry.
EquipmentWatch benchmarks the long-term performance of machines across a host of categories, looking for those that retained the highest residual value over the past five years of data.
Over 12,500 models from a valuation database were considered by analysts, which were then narrowed down to 156 series from 36 brands. The Komatsu beat five other finalists, including Doosan’s Pro5 Series.
Windsor customers have been choosing forklifts from the award-winning BX series for many years, with several unique industry leading features as the main selling point.
The dual floating structure greatly reduces vibration, protecting both the operator and critical components of the truck. An EZ-Lift tandem pump hydraulic system enables increased efficiency and improved truck control in tight spaces.
A directional flow counterweight also allows hot air and engine exhaust fumes to be pushed down and away from the operator’s compartment – especially important while driving in reverse.
The BX50 joins two other Komatsu machines, the GD655 Motor Grader and the WA320 Wheel Loader, as award winners in their respective categories.
“The award is indicative of excellence across a manufacturing organization,” said Garrett Schemmel, Vice President of EquipmentWatch. “Product quality has the most obvious impact on an asset’s performance on the secondary market, but residual values are also highly impacted by brand affinity and fair original pricing. A manufacturer must excel on all three fronts to be the winner.”
A supplier of caravan and motorhome parts based in Grimsby has reached new heights with a helping hand from the Immingham branch of Windsor Materials Handling.
Established in Grimsby in 1992, Magnum Motorhomes & Caravan Supplies is a family run business specialising in building materials and accessories for caravans and motorhomes. Operating from a facility working as both a warehouse and a customer-facing retail environment, the business needed a new way to retrieve stock from the high racking.
Previously using ladders to access the out of reach and bulky items, Magnum managing director, Ken Carter approached Windsor Materials Handling for advice on the best form of equipment to serve the busy wholesaler-style shop.
“With up to ten customers browsing the aisles at once, Magnum needed a compact solution to ensure optimum safety and space to walk around,” said Windsor sales manager Steve Austin. “After taking multiple factors into consideration, I recommended a JLG Toucan Duo vertical mast lift.”
The compact dimensions and low stowed height of the Toucan Duo allow access to confined space areas, while the six-metre working height, 130kg platform capacity and great turning circle make it ideal for the application at Magnum Motorhomes.
“When Steve first recommended the Toucan Duo, we were sceptical because it was only available brand new, but when we trialled the piece of equipment we knew it would have to stay,” said Magnum managing director, Ken Carter. “We reallocated a few of our stock locations to ensure it had a clear path to all the high racking. The machine has revolutionised our day-to-day operation, it’s extremely rare we ever get the ladders out now!”
Magnum was founded when Ken Carter, after years of building caravans for Abbey Caravans, decided to begin 
building his own motorhomes and selling surplus caravan parts. Since then, the business has manufactured all types of conversions, from coach-built to panel vans, race units and even a 52-seater coach. More recently, Magnum has become well-known for being one of the UK’s largest stockists of building materials and accessories for caravans and motorhomes.
Windsor’s Immingham branch is based just a 15-minute drive from Magnum’s store, meaning the business also receives a fast response when advice or an engineer is needed – especially beneficial during busy times.
“We supply to trade, public and DIY enthusiasts,” continued Ken Carter. “While we do get especially busy during spring when we start to experience more sunny days, we are also busy throughout winter with customers aiming to get their motorhome ready for the warmer months.”
Ken believes introducing the JLG Toucan Duo to his shop has sped up the order fulfilment process, as workers can retrieve items at any level with simplicity. Magnum employee Tom was especially pleased with the new equipment. “It does exactly what it says on the tin, I don’t know how we managed without it! It’s firm, stable and you feel safe on it. It is a magic bit of kit and I’m really surprised at how well it works in small spaces.”
Now in its 10th year of providing access equipment as part of its first-class portfolio of services, Windsor is a unique player in the materials handling and access industry, having remained independent throughout its 40 years of operation. Ken Carter concludes: “I can’t fault Windsor at all, they have provided a great service. The engineers are flexible and Steve is always on hand whenever we need advice.”
With the number of distribution centres rising thanks to the growing popularity of internet shopping, the use of forklifts is becoming more common, meaning added risk for forklift-related accidents. As demand rises, businesses take on more temporary workers, making warehouses busier and increasing the risk of accidents further.
To help reduce the risk involved with driving forklifts, Immingham is now home to a new training centre designed specifically for courses on a wide range of materials handling equipment. The local branch of a leading materials handling supplier is offering courses to businesses and individuals from the new facility.
The new training facility, opened by Windsor Materials Handling, is dual accredited with both the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) and the Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR), which are widely recognised in the industry.
Available in either the Immingham-based centre or on the customer’s own premises, accredited training will be delivered on all types of materials handling equipment including counterbalance, reach trucks, powered pallet trucks (PPT), rough terrain, scissor lifts and boom trucks. Windsor is also offering health and safety courses, including safety passport, as well as first aid training.
John Smith, the award-winning training manager who is fronting the scheme alongside senior instructor, Ian Kaminski, explains the importance of training. “There is a legal imperative here. Training is the only way for organisations to demonstrate that they have taken the necessary measures to ensure equipment is operated not only safely but correctly and in accordance with approved operating procedures. Businesses that conduct proper forklift safety training not only benefit from improved efficiency, but reduce the risk of injuries to operators and damage to equipment too.”
John and Ian’s combined history makes up over forty years of instructional experience across a wide range of industries including the engineering, food and construction sectors, as well as the petrochemical industry. “We offer training at all levels, so whether you are a business looking to offer your employees a refresher course, or an individual who is hoping to kick-start a career in materials handling with a beginners’ course, we will have a solution to fit your needs.”
The opening of the training centre is part of Windsor’s wider initiative to deliver operator training across the UK in an attempt to help control forklift accident rates. “Forklift driver safety is at the top of the agenda at Windsor,” says Stephen Burton, managing director at Windsor. “Forklifts are powerful tools, and if not used correctly, can result in damage to products, and even loss of life. Accidents are all too common and we have made it our aim to help customers to minimise their risks by providing sympathetic and professional training to operators; ultimately improving safety and efficiency in facilities across the UK.”
The name Windsor has been synonymous with materials handling and access systems since 1976, providing a first-class range of used and new forklifts for hire and sale. With 12 local branches throughout the UK, Windsor also offers servicing and parts for existing fleets.
For more details or to find out how to enrol on a course, visit www.windsor-mh.co.uk/training or contact the Immingham branch on 01469 577 777.
Since its origination in 1977, Windsor has developed into one of the largest and most innovative suppliers of independent forklift and materials handling equipment in the UK.
The last decade has been particularly good for Windsor, as it has cemented its position as one of the UK’s leading materials handling supplier, with 12 branches and a wide portfolio of services including new equipment, used equipment, short and long term hire, repairs and maintenance service, parts, and health and safety services.
Windsor is a unique player in the materials handling industry, having remained independent throughout its 40 years of operation. “We have always valued having the ability to make our own decisions,” explains managing director, Stephen Burton. “What this means to our customers is more flexibility and we recognise this as an important factor to everyone seeking a new supplier. With an approach that is more consultative rather than focussed on the end result, working to identify the requirements of the customer before making unbiased recommendations is key to our business.”
Windsor’s most recent customers include confectioners Jakemans and Hadfield Wood Recyclers, who were both supplied with Doosan forklifts amongst other materials handling equipment. But Windsor has a vast range of longstanding customers under its wing too. As a customer of Windsor’s for over 20 years, Thor Shipping & Transport’s (TST) Hull terminal is home to all manners of Windsor-supplied equipment, including counterbalance forklifts, sideloaders, reach stackers, tugs, scrubber driers and trailers.
“As a business, we have made it our aim to provide the highest quality support to customers with teams of skilled local materials handling sales staff and technicians,” continues Stephen, who believes Windsor’s strength lies with highly skilled people and attention to detail. “Whether one truck or a whole fleet is required, we structure our service around what works best for the customer. It’s this long-established ethos that’s helped us develop and retain some of our oldest clients, and we will continue to use this philosophy for the next 40 years.”
The company prides itself on being one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing companies, and aims to provide the best quality local service on a national level.
With a twelve-strong branch network, advice from Windsor is never far away, but quality support begins with a philosophy of continuous investment and a commitment to long-term partnerships built on personal customer support.
“Our ethos is to treat each customer individually, paying special attention to individual requirements,” says managing director, Stephen Burton. “Great value is placed on the knowledge and experience of our highly trained engineering teams, and we aim to deliver excellent value for our customers through inspirational service. Thanks to a local, one-stop approach for finance, hire, sales, maintenance and spares, we’re able to add value via a quick, reliable and professional service.”
Large corporations, with extensive forklift fleets, might expect their equipment to be upgraded, tweaked and specified exactly as they want it, thanks to their considerable buying power.
That may be true, but now the attention to detail is also passing down to individual businesses, and even those looking at refurbished equipment.
Windsor Materials Handling is offering to add a splash of colour to the lives of its customers with individual paint jobs in the colours of their choosing.
In addition to a high quality refurbishment and tough, productive truck, the customer can present their corporate colours to the outside world, something that is of particular interest to businesses operating trucks in public areas.
One such company is the Grass Centre, a family run business offering a professional artificial grass service to the landscaping industry and domestic customers. Their latest diesel Komatsu forklift carries a carpet boom attachment for dealing with the rolls of artificial grass at their Washington headquarters. It’s also a distinctive shade of green!
Windsor’s Gemma Kitching explained that the colour scheme was achieved by going back to the customer and taking a sample for matching.
“We work hard deliver a truck that looks and operates as good as new,” says Gemma, “and if the customer wants a shade of green, blue or purple, we’re happy to oblige!”
Life Engineering is another local business that’s gone green with its own paint job. A long-time customer of Windsor, a recent relocation led to a new truck being required, delivered good as new in the company’s own distinctive colours.
Adds Gemma: “It’s one of the advantages of dealing with a supplier like us that has a small local business approach, but is part of a national company.”
Not much fundamentally changes in materials handling but the patented Archimedes outreach system from Baumann is the most important innovation in sideloader design in 40 years!
The new Baumann GX Series utilises the direct drive Archimedes screw and sliding blocks, to extend the fork carriage, whilst preventing transverse movements and eliminating unnecessary stresses.
The system means greater sensitivity and consistent control, and the maximum working speeds results never before reached.
The achievement was rightly recognised in the shortlist of the 2016 Forklift Truck Association Awards for Excellence.
Founded in 1804 in the historic port town of Boston, Oldrid & Co. Ltd. is a family owned business with six stores throughout Lincolnshire and a growing online business.
After a fantastic refurbishment of their Boston store the company looked to Windsor for equipment for their stores and neighbouring garden centre.
Likely to be on view to the public, the trucks would have low utilisation but require a high degree of reliability.
The perfect scenario for two new Tailift Z-Series.
Big companies could be hit by fines of up to £20m following consultation on a possible shake-up of health and safety sentencing guidelines. Kärcher the world’s largest cleaning equipment manufacturer, launched a campaign to remind businesses of the dangers of slips and trips.
The most common cause of major injuries in the workplace, slips are thought to cost industry over £512 million per year.
The company believes if the guidelines are adopted, organisations will need to review their health and safety processes or face the risk of a three or fourfold increase in expected penalties.
“Slips and trips account for over one third of major workplace injuries, and a loss of nearly one million working days in the UK,” said Kärcher’s Craig McKay.
“We welcome any consultation that sets out to improve public health and safety standards, we also want to highlight the economic impact this will have on businesses.”
