GH Cook has replaced its overhead cranes with two Combilift 4-way forklifts at its Sheffield facility.
A member of the Cogne group, G H Cook also has an additional warehouse in Coventry, and offers one of the widest ranges of stainless steel, tool and mould steel in the UK. Cranes were used until recently to manoeuvre stock in the 3,300 sq m Sheffield facility, but the need for better use of storage space and streamlined operations prompted investigation into alternative methods of handling the extremely long and heavy loads, which can be up to 6m in length, before being cut to customer requirements.
The Cogne group was already using Combilift 4-way forklifts in neighbouring locations and this gave works manager Peter Flaherty the opportunity to see the trucks in operation.
Flaherty said: “We had no previous experience of the Combilifts, but there is no way we could do the job without them now. They are excellently designed, robust forklifts that work constantly throughout the two shifts we operate. As we are handling hundreds of tonnes of steel in just a few days, the time saved by eliminating double handling from rack to delivery truck is also extremely beneficial.”
The Combilift range covers models with load capacities from 2.5 to 12 tonnes, with various power options and attachments. Design engineers at the Co. Monaghan manufacturing plant also offer a free warehouse layout service designed to show companies how to make the best possible use of their available storage space.
